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The senior graphic designer is responsible for conceptualization and implementation of design of solutions that meet marketing strategies from concept to completion. They often have the designation of “senior” because of their authority in decision-making, or because they hold the lead role on projects and supervise intermediate and junior designer(s) in creating concepts, comps, layouts and final art. In general, a Senior Graphic Designer would have a degree in graphic design and three to five years’ experience in lead designer roles or previous senior designer experience.
More than pretty pictures
This position requires specialized knowledge of methods and techniques of graphic design and layout. It also often requires higher-level executive and client interaction skills. Senior Graphic Designers manage for an entire marketing campaign, not just the production of specific pieces, and demonstrate an ability to keep team members working within established deadlines.
Senior Graphic Designers should demonstrate a high level of proficiency in design, web and multimedia software and applications, such as Adobe Creative Suite. It is beneficial if they have knowledge of printing procedures, photography, illustration and verbal and written communication.
The highs and lows
What’s it like to be a graphic designer? Chanelle Henry, principal and founder of the CHD Collective, expounds upon how varied and diverse the job can be, stating, “whether you’re an independent contractor that’s at home and you set your own schedule, or whether you are being managed by a multitude of people and you’re a production designer, every day looks different.”
The greats weigh in
In her book The Designer Says, editor Sarah Bader has compiled witticisms and real-talk from some of the world’s best graphic designers. It can be a slog. It’s a blast. It’s fun. It’s freaking hard work – but all of the designers who contribute to the book agree that it’s their life’s work.
The nature of process, to one degree or another, involves failure. You have at it. It doesn’t work. You keep pushing. It gets better… It gets worse. You got at it again. Then you desperately stab at it, believing, “this isn’t going to work.” And it does! —Saul Bass
According to Payscale.com, the average pay for a Graphic Designer is C$41,079 per year – but of course this can vary greatly by years’ of experience, type of work, which company you work for or if you freelance.