Hi everyone! I'm curious about career progression in graphic design. Is there a role between Senior Graphic Designer and Design Director?

Replies2

  • Depending on the sector of the industry you are in.

    According to what I have seen so far, there usually wouldn't be that many levels of design roles if you are in-house in companies that are not directly related to design under Marketing, Communication, or Brand teams. In that case, having a managerial role as high as "director" is also not common. Creative Director, Creative Lead, and Design Lead are more common, Head of could also be one possible title.

    If you are lucky enough to be in a company with many designers nowadays, it is more likely to be in a tech company that has many designers working on the Product (the software or the service). Many designers could be under the leadership of Product or Product Design.

    In this case, the traditional type of Graphic Designer would be more in the marketing and brand territory. Considering the top design leadership in tech companies being the Head of Product Design or so, it is also more likely that the top graphic design leadership to be a Lead rather than a Director.

    I hope this helps.
  • Hello June,

    It's a bit confusing you asking for it with creative director in your title, it's something I believe someone should know about on that level but here you go some insight:

    Firstly, it depends on the size and structure of the organisation and also the industry. In case of a bigger team it can be 'Design Lead' or 'Associate Design Director' and also I can imagine a situation when someone's career will be like 'senior designer' - 'art director' - 'design director' although it's a not the most common path but I feel like these days there are so much blurred lines as companies expect the skillset of 6 different professions in one person.

    Hope it hels!

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