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How to Become An Image Designer

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What is a Image Designer

An Image Designer creates visual content that shares ideas with an audience. They work across print, digital media, and ads using colour, layout, and type. This is a creative, hands-on career that blends art with problem-solving. It is listed in ANZSCO as a Graphic Designer.

The main role is to understand what a client needs and turn it into a design. Image Designers talk with clients, do research, and develop design ideas. They prepare sketches and layouts to present their work. Feedback from clients and production teams shapes the final design.

Image Designers get to work on fresh briefs every day. One project might be a logo; the next, a full ad campaign. They use software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They also pick the right materials and media to make designs work in the real world.

This career suits people who love making things and want to see their work out in the world. Roles exist in design agencies, in-house creative teams, and as freelancers. Australian data shows strong demand for this career (Your Career, 2025). It is a great path for new creative workers.

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Career Outlook for Image Designer

Image Designers in Australia are listed as Graphic Designers in ANZSCO (code 232411). Around 27,500 people work in this role across the country (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021 Census). The median age is 37, and 59% of the workforce is female. Around 63% work full-time, putting in about 41 hours a week.

The outlook for this career is positive. Your Career rates future demand for Graphic Designers as strong. Work is found in business services, making industries, and media and tech. Many Image Designers work at agencies, for in-house teams, or on their own as freelancers. This range of settings means real options for those just starting out in the field.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Image Designer

Step 1: Complete the Diploma of Graphic Design (CUA50725)

Enrol in the Diploma of Graphic Design (CUA50725) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 1-2 years full-time. It covers design basics, colour and type, digital tools, and client work. If you prefer a university path, a Bachelor of Graphic Design or Communication Design takes 3 years full-time.

Step 2: Build Skill in Adobe Creative Suite

Learn Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector art, and InDesign for layout and print. Allow at least 3-6 months of focused practice to reach a working level. Most employers expect strong skill in all three tools. Use online tutorials and real projects to build speed and trust in your work.

Step 3: Build a Design Portfolio

Start building your design folio during study or your first freelance work. Aim for 8-12 strong, varied pieces that show your range. Include branding, print, and digital work. A tight folio of great work beats a large pile of mixed-quality pieces.

Step 4: Gain Real Work Experience

Look for an intern role, work placement, or entry-level job at a design studio or in-house team. Aim for at least 6-12 months of hands-on work before seeking a full-time role. This stage builds your client skills and your ability to meet deadlines. It also grows your network and helps you find your niche.

Step 5: Join a Professional Design Body

Apply for membership with the Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) or the Design Institute of Australia (DIA). Members get access to industry events, learning resources, and design networks. It shows clients and employers that you take the work seriously. Most design employers view membership as a plus.

What does an Image Designer do?

An Image Designer’s day is a lively mix of creative work and teamwork. The day often starts with client meetings to understand design briefs and project goals. Research is a key step, as designers must check what each brief needs before they can start on concepts. From there, it is about sketching ideas, building layouts, and refining designs with input from clients and production teams. Image Designers also pick the right materials and media for each job. They write up their work for production and often check the final output. It is a hands-on career that keeps creative people busy and growing every day.

Tasks

An Image Designer creates visual work that connects, engages, and builds brands. They bring art and tech together to produce great designs across many media types. This career involves a wide range of daily tasks that call for both technical skill and creative flair. Here is a look at what Image Designers do day to day.

  • Consulting with clients and teams to define design goals and limits
  • Researching and analysing what each project needs to say
  • Developing design concepts suited to the subject and audience
  • Creating sketches, diagrams, and layouts to share design ideas
  • Working with clients, management, and production teams to refine designs
  • Selecting and recommending materials and media for print or display
  • Writing up and preparing the chosen design for production
  • Overseeing or carrying out the production in the chosen media
  • Archiving design records for future client use

Skills for Success

To thrive as an Image Designer, a blend of creative and technical skills is key. Design software is central to the job. Skill in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is a must. A good eye for colour, type, and layout helps create strong visual work.

Image Designers also need great communication skills to work with clients and teams. Research skills help them understand the target group for each brief. Staying up to date with design trends keeps their work fresh and relevant. The more skills they build, the more exciting the options become.

Skills & Attributes

  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • Strong grasp of design principles, typography, and colour theory
  • Ability to create layouts, illustrations, and visual assets
  • Clear communication skills for working with clients and stakeholders
  • Research and analytical skills to understand design requirements
  • Creativity and innovation in developing design concepts
  • Attention to detail in preparing sketches, diagrams, and final designs
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
  • Knowledge of current design trends and technologies
  • Skill in presenting and negotiating design solutions
  • Ability to adapt designs for print and digital media
  • Understanding of web design principles and user experience basics
  • Strong organisational skills for documenting and archiving design work

Average Salaries

The average salary for an Image Designer in Australia is around $78,000 per year (Your Career, 2025). This is based on a weekly rate of $1,500. Entry-level roles start around $55,000 a year. Senior roles can reach $110,000 or more.

min $55 K

max $110 K

av $78 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.