How to become a junior creative: Aaron's story
Meet Aaron and find out about his life as a junior creative at Music Agency. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
Aaron went to design college, CCAD - Cleveland College of Art and Design in Middlesbrough, to do an Illustration and Graphic Design course. Alongside his studies, Aaron started doing freelance work for friends’ bands
After college, Aaron went to The Manchester School of Art, at Manchester Metropolitan University, to study Graphic Design
In his second year of university, he got an internship at Topman in London working with a design team on international campaigns
According to Aaron, the most important skills for a junior creative role are creativity, communication and understanding the client.
Aaron is a junior creative. Whilst this role differs from a graphic designer, Graphic Design qualifications could help you land a junior creative role.
What to expect if you want to be a graphic designer
- Graphic designer salary: £16,000 to £50,000 per year
- Graphic designer working hours: 37 to 40 hours per week.
What qualifications do you need to be a graphic designer?
- Typical entry requirements:
You'll usually need a Foundation Studies Diploma in Art and Design or one to two A-levels (or equivalent) for a foundation degree and two to three A-levels (or equivalent) for a degree or higher national diploma in related subjects like Illustration or Graphic Design.
You could also get into this job through an apprenticeship with five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and Maths.
This information is a guide (sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service)
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales