Visual Designer Job Description and Salary Outlook

Visual Designer Job Description and Salary OutlookVisual Designer Job Description and Salary OutlookVisual konzeptioners are in demand, but how does the job differ from more well-known konzept roles like graphic designer or web designer? Weve got the scoop on this hot job.Once upon a time, when embarking on a design career path, there were two choices graphic designer or web designer. Today, there are many flavors on the design job menu, from UX designer to digital designer, making it difficult to distinguish which role is right for you or your company. Perhaps the murkiest of all these titles is visual designer, which sounds like a catchall - and at times it can be. Here, we break down this in-demand yet often ambiguous job.Just as graphic designer has become a blanket term for those who do print design work, think of visual designer as a blanket term for digital. It covers a large spectrum of digital design, but what distinguishes it from other digital design roles is that its ori ented toward what a user sees on a screen and is less about behind-the-scenes work. In some ways, its a hybrid of UI design and graphic design.A visual designer, for example, might create web banner ads, email templates, landing pages, or a visual overlay for a button, reiter or icon. Much like the role of UX and UI designers, the goal of visual designers is to get users from Point A to Point B in a visually intuitive way. And while web designers are typically responsible for some coding, visual designers often are not, which sets the two roles apart.Visual designer duties and expectationsA visual designer designs for a variety of platforms, which may include Internet and intranet sites, games, movies, kiosks and wearables. In short, they create the concepts, artwork and layouts for digital projects based on creative briefs and client meetings. Visual designer duties are often industry- or project-specific, therefore job descriptions frequently call for knowledge of a particular bus iness sector. Individual companies may also prefer for candidates to have B-to-B, B-to-C or marketing expertise in a certain area.In general, most visual designers are required toEstablish the look and feel for various interfaces, including websites, mobile devices, apps, kiosks, games and wearablesWork within brand guidelines to create layouts that reinforce a brands style or voice through its visual touchpointsDesign user-centered interaction models, wireframes or screen mockupsDesign logos, icons and infographicsClosely collaborate with IT and business teams to solve complex issues, like interaction models and data visualizationHave basic coding knowledge so they can work hand-in-hand with codersCreate and organize production assetsResize assets for different devices - tablet, mobile and webSource images (stock photos and video footage)Work with a component libraryWork on email marketing items, presentation materials and interactive event materialsJuggle multiple projects while effectively managing timelines and expectationsLooking for a creative job? Submit a resume and check out our open positions nowProfessional experience and skillsVisual designers are typically required to have a bachelors degree in design and should have a firm grasp of the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Experience with other software may be required. A visual designer should have an understanding of web design issues, including browser usability and cross-platform compatibility. Responsive design and e-commerce experience are a plus. The position requires strong design and troubleshooting skills, as well as an eye for detail.In general, a visual designer should haveA solid foundation in typography, layout and designStrong problem-solving skillsExperience with transitions, animation, motion design and dynamic interactionExcellent visual, written and verbal communication skills, along with presentation and negotiation skillsA penchant for detai ls and organization, including the ability to prioritize tasks, communicate progress and meet deadlines?The ability to effectively take direction and work both collaboratively and autonomouslyVisual designer salary benchmarksAccording to The Creative Group 2019 Salary Guide, the midpoint starting salary for visual designers is $79,000. Use our Salary Calculator to find out what a visual designer can earn in your city.GET THE SALARY GUIDEThis post has been updated to reflect more current information.