Reinventing Graphic Design: Exploring Print, Web, UX, and Beyond
In the dynamic world of design, graphic design graduates are well-positioned to capitalize on the rapidly growing and evolving UX/UI field. Here's a rundown of the key trends and opportunities that await these budding designers.
The Rising Demand for UX/UI Designers
The demand for UX/UI designers is on the rise, as businesses increasingly prioritize user experience and digital transformation. This trend is expected to continue, with 77% of marketing and creative managers planning to hire contract designers in 2025.
Integration of AI Tools
AI is making its way into the design world, with tools like Adobe Firefly and Midjourney accelerating design processes from prototyping to content generation. AI-powered personalization and predictive design are major growth areas in UX/UI, offering exciting opportunities for designers.
Data-Savvy Designers
As user behavior becomes more crucial, there's an increasing demand for designers who can analyze user data through analytics and run A/B testing to improve product usability.
Voice-Enabled Interfaces and Conversational Technology
Voice user interfaces (VUIs) for hands-free, accessible interactions are becoming mainstream, opening up new opportunities for designers.
Focus on Accessibility, Inclusivity, and Sustainability
UX/UI design is reflecting broader societal and ethical priorities, with a growing focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Collaboration Across Teams
UX/UI designers work closely with product teams, marketers, and customer experience specialists to deliver cohesive digital experiences.
Transitioning into UX/UI Design
Graphic design graduates can transition into UX/UI roles by acquiring technical skills such as coding basics, user research, and use of design/analytics tools. They can also explore opportunities like UX/UI designer, web designer, and other digital design positions.
Attractive Salaries and Flexible Work Arrangements
According to Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide, entry-level UX designers can earn around $95,000/year, with higher pay for experienced roles. The job market also offers flexibility, with opportunities ranging from startups with small UX teams to large organizations with dedicated UX departments.
In conclusion, graphic design graduates who expand their skills to include UX/UI design principles, data analysis, and emerging technologies like AI and voice interfaces will find many growing opportunities with attractive salaries in 2025 and beyond.
Presenting Your Portfolio
To stand out in the job search and interview process, a designer should have a well-presented portfolio. This can be an online portfolio (Behance is a good option if no personal website), a PDF, or a physical portfolio (especially important for print).
Remember, internships, preferably paid, are increasingly important for students seeking employment in the design industry. Senior level positions often require 3+ years of experience. To stand out, a designer should have real experience, unique strengths, and a portfolio that showcases individual projects with open-ended deliverables.
Always proofread cover letters, resumes, and portfolio descriptions for correct usage of words. Be punctual, don't abuse lunch hours, offer to work late, shadow others, be humble, hustle, develop public speaking skills, and observe grammar and spelling in written communications when starting a new job.
For additional resources, visit John Gawley's Behance page or the Advisory Board, or explore the BFA in Graphic Design and Graphic Design programs at the institution's website. John Gawley, a successful designer, is currently the President of AIGA Nebraska and has worked with clients such as Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Toyota/Lexus, and Southwest Airlines. He previously served as the Creative Director at Omaha Magazine.
Sources: [1] Robert Half's 2025 Salary Guide [2] UX Collective [3] Nielsen Norman Group [4] UX Design Weekly Newsletter
- Pursuing a career in graphic design, graduates can leverage their skills in the rapidly growing UX/UI field by expanding their knowledge into areas such as data analysis, AI tools, and emerging technologies like voice interfaces, to capitalize on attractive salaries and flexible work arrangements in 2025 and beyond.
- For those transitioning from graphic design into UX/UI, it is essential to acquire technical skills such as coding basics, user research, and proficiency in design/analytics tools, in addition to enhancing their understanding of business, finance, and education-and-self-development to excel in their UX/UI careers.
