With GCSEs or similar in addition to your talent, you may be able to get a trainee or apprentice job in a design studio or craft workshop. Or you might want to use your skills to set up your own studio and sell your work.
Either way, a portfolio showing off your work and skills is really important. You may be able to get your first job in the industry without studying at college or university. However, most people will have done a degree or similar to gain experience and develop their talent.
Example jobs
Graphic design trainee
Supports more senior staff to produce design work.
Trainee furniture maker
Supports more senior staff to design and produce furniture.
Fine artist or sculptor
Creates their own 2D or 3D art for sale.
Illustrator
Creates images to show different concepts, facts and feelings.
Trainee glass blower
Supports the design and creation of glassware.
Case study
I design the look of packaging and all marketing materials. This includes anything that's printed, for example, logos, brochures and exhibition panels.
Jake, senior designer at a graphic design company
Things you need to know
Typical working conditions
You might work in:
- your own studio or workshop creating your own designs, items or pieces, selling your work in shops or at fairs
- a company’s studio or workshop producing work under instruction or for a client
- in an office, designing things on a computer
- in different locations, running community projects.
Many people in the industry are self-employed or work freelance. You would need basic business and sales skills to help you do this. Hours may be long or irregular.
Qualifications needed
- In design, many employers will expect a degree or foundation degree in a relevant subject.
- However, GCSEs or similar in a relevant subject along with a great portfolio showing your work may be enough to get a trainee or junior role.
- In arts and crafts you may be able to start work on the strength of your portfolio and skills alone. But many people in the industry will have done a degree or similar.
- Employers will also want to see good English and maths skills, as well as experience of using relevant software.
- You might want to think about further study at university or college to develop your talent.
Career path
Career paths in this industry are flexible.
- Many people continue to gain new skills and study new techniques throughout their careers.
- Progression and an increase in pay will come with experience.
- You might want to work your way up in large design agencies. Or you might want to set up your own studio or workshop.
Useful links
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