Graphic Design Career Resources
The Career Center has built this page to provide you with valuable advice and resources relevant to your major. Explore and take advantage of what you find here to maximize your career readiness!
Common Career Paths for Graphic Design Majors
If you are still trying to explore and evaluate your career path, you can check out this selected list of common job titles that alumni often pursue. Please keep in mind, this is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, you can consider it a starting point to explore options in the field.
Graphic Designer - Create visual content for print and digital media, including logos, advertisements, brochures, infographics, posters, and more. Graphic designers may work in-house for companies, agencies, and design studios or freelance as independent contractors.
Visual Designer - Design the visual appearance of websites and apps, focusing on elements such as icons, images, color, and typography to create user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing online experiences.
UI/UX Designer - Specialize in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design for digital products such as websites and apps, ensuring that they are functional, easy to use, and visually engaging.
Art Director - Oversee the visual aspects of projects such as advertising campaigns, publications, branding, and more. Manage and guide a design team to achieve the desired look and feel. Often requires years of experience.
Creative Director - Lead the creative vision and direction for entire companies, brands, or studios by managing teams of designers, and overseeing the development of creative strategies. Requires extensive experience.
Brand Designer - Develop and maintain a brand’s visual identity, including logos, color schemes, typography, and other elements that convey the brand’s message and values. One may be employed in-house by a company or freelance.
Motion Graphics Designer - Create animated visuals for videos, advertisements, and multimedia projects, combining graphic design skills with animation techniques.
Packaging Designer - Design packaging that is visually appealing and functional, considering aspects such as branding, color, communication, and regulatory requirements.
Fine Artist - Produce original artwork that express a unique vision, concept, or idea. Work may be exhibited and sold via galleries, museums, art fairs, and private collections.
Art Educator - Teach and guide students of various ages in developing their artistic skills and knowledge, often through work in educational settings such as schools, colleges, universities, community art centers, and museums.
Places Where Students Have Recently Interned - A Selected List
This is a curated list of places where students have done internships in the last few years.
Internships, Jobs, & Opportunities
Find jobs, internships, and other opportunities related to your major.
Organizations, Directories, & Communities
This is a curated selection of communities and organizations that are relevant to the field.
International Council of Design
Grants, Fellowships, and Residencies
Explore this selection of internal grant and fellowship opportunities available to RISD students.
RISD Managed Grants and Awards
Student & Alumni Stories
Read these stories of students and alumni expressing their creativity in the professional world.
Frere-Jones Wins National Design Award
RISD Studio Promotes Activism Through Graphic Design
Virtual Design Portfolio Review Delivers
CreativeStudy
This free online video learning platform is presented by creatives who have dedicated their lives to sharing knowledge on financial and business topics. Use your RISD Single Sign On credentials to access it!
Learn About Being a Freelancer
RISD alumna and long-time freelancer Jackie Ferrentino 15 IL partnered with the Career Center to create this talk highlighting best practices on how to be a successful freelancer.