What Jobs Can You Get With a Graphic Design Degree? And Why Do Cats Love to Sit on Keyboards?

Graphic design is a versatile and creative field that opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you’re passionate about visual storytelling, branding, or digital media, a graphic design degree can equip you with the skills needed to thrive in various industries. But let’s not forget the age-old question: why do cats always seem to find their way onto keyboards, especially when you’re trying to meet a deadline? While the two topics may seem unrelated, they both highlight the importance of adaptability and problem-solving—whether you’re designing a logo or figuring out how to reclaim your workspace from a feline overlord.
1. Graphic Designer
The most obvious career path for someone with a graphic design degree is, of course, becoming a graphic designer. In this role, you’ll create visual content for print and digital media, including logos, brochures, websites, and social media graphics. You’ll work closely with clients or marketing teams to bring their ideas to life while ensuring the designs align with brand guidelines. And if you’re lucky, your cat might even “help” by walking across your keyboard and adding some unexpected flair to your designs.
2. Art Director
Art directors take on a more strategic role, overseeing the visual style and creative direction of projects. They collaborate with designers, photographers, and other creatives to ensure that the final product meets the client’s vision. If you have strong leadership skills and a keen eye for detail, this could be the perfect role for you. Just be prepared to explain to your team why there’s a random string of characters in the middle of the presentation—thanks, again, to your cat.
3. UI/UX Designer
User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designers focus on creating intuitive and visually appealing digital experiences. They design websites, apps, and other digital platforms with the end-user in mind, ensuring that the interface is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. If you enjoy solving problems and have a knack for understanding user behavior, this could be a rewarding career path. And if your cat decides to test your designs by walking across your screen, consider it a real-world usability test.
4. Brand Identity Designer
Brand identity designers specialize in creating the visual elements that define a brand, such as logos, color schemes, and typography. They work to ensure that all aspects of a brand’s visual identity are cohesive and memorable. If you have a passion for storytelling and a strong sense of aesthetics, this role could be a great fit. Plus, you can always use your cat as inspiration for a quirky mascot—just make sure they don’t claim royalties.
5. Illustrator
Illustrators create original artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, and more. They often work closely with authors, editors, and art directors to bring ideas to life through their unique artistic style. If you have a talent for drawing and a love for storytelling, this could be the perfect career for you. And if your cat decides to “collaborate” by adding a few paw prints to your sketchpad, consider it a modern art masterpiece.
6. Motion Graphics Designer
Motion graphics designers create animated visuals for videos, commercials, and digital media. They combine graphic design principles with animation techniques to produce engaging and dynamic content. If you’re interested in the intersection of design and technology, this could be an exciting career path. Just be prepared to explain to your cat why the moving images on your screen aren’t real birds.
7. Web Designer
Web designers focus on creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites. They work with clients to understand their needs and then design layouts, select color schemes, and choose typography that aligns with the brand’s identity. If you have a passion for both design and technology, this could be a great career choice. And if your cat decides to “help” by sitting on your mouse, consider it a reminder to take a break and stretch your legs.
8. Packaging Designer
Packaging designers create the visual and structural design of product packaging. They work to ensure that the packaging is not only attractive but also functional and aligned with the brand’s identity. If you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for consumer products, this could be a rewarding career path. And if your cat decides to “inspect” your designs by batting at the prototypes, consider it a quality control check.
9. Creative Director
Creative directors are responsible for overseeing the creative vision of a project or brand. They work closely with designers, writers, and other creatives to ensure that the final product aligns with the client’s goals and vision. If you have strong leadership skills and a passion for creative strategy, this could be the perfect role for you. Just be prepared to explain to your team why there’s a cat hair on the mood board.
10. Freelance Designer
Many graphic designers choose to work as freelancers, offering their services to clients on a project-by-project basis. This allows for greater flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. If you’re self-motivated and enjoy the freedom of working independently, freelancing could be a great option. And if your cat decides to join your Zoom meetings, consider it a unique way to break the ice with clients.
FAQs
Q: Can I work remotely as a graphic designer?
A: Absolutely! Many graphic design roles, especially freelance positions, offer the flexibility to work remotely. Just make sure you have a reliable internet connection and a workspace that’s (mostly) cat-free.
Q: Do I need to know how to code to be a graphic designer?
A: While coding isn’t a requirement for all graphic design roles, having some knowledge of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript can be beneficial, especially for web or UI/UX design positions.
Q: How do I build a portfolio as a graphic designer?
A: Start by creating personal projects or volunteering for small businesses to gain experience. You can also include coursework from your degree program. And if your cat “helps” with a project, consider adding a humorous note about their contribution.
Q: What software do graphic designers use?
A: Common tools include Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Sketch, Figma, and Canva. And if your cat walks across your keyboard while you’re using these programs, consider it a crash course in keyboard shortcuts.
Q: Is graphic design a stable career?
A: Graphic design is a growing field with many opportunities, especially in digital media. However, like any creative profession, it can be competitive, so continuous learning and networking are key. And if your cat decides to sit on your resume, consider it a sign of good luck.