A senior graphic designer is someone who acts as leader for a group of lower-level graphic designers. This design group may be a specific team of people who work under a larger company, or they can be an independently contracted team that an individual or business may hire for graphic design work. It is the senior graphic designer's responsibility to conduct his or her graphic team and to make sure that they are putting their skills together to create truly effective designs for the company they are working for. A senior graphic designer must be familiar with a variety of different artistic mediums, especially ones that are related to computer technology. They should be very knowledgeable and familiar with Adobe's Creative Suite, especially with programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. These computer programs, along with similar ones, are essential in the modern graphic design market.
In order to be a senior graphic designer, a degree in graphic design is necessary. A senior graphic designer may get this degree by going through a rigorous graphic design program, such as the one at the Rhode Island School of Design. In addition to this degree, a senior graphic designer should have extensive graphic design experience under his or her belt. It is not uncommon for a senior graphic designer to start off as a lower-level graphic designer and then become a senior graphic designer after gaining more experience and knowledge from the work he or she does. Along with the experience from doing many different kinds of jobs, senior graphic designers should be very familiar with art history and design theory. By studying theories behind art and design, they will be able to make better, more effective pieces of work.
Senior Graphic Designer Tasks
- May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects but is often created by computer technology.
- May lead team of lower level graphic designers.
- Design or create artwork to meet specific marketing or promotional needs.