Graphic design is an ever-evolving field, and in Kenya, the demand for skilled graphic designers continues to grow. As businesses and individuals increasingly recognize the importance of visual communication, opportunities abound for those with the right skills and strategies.

To stay ahead of the competition, it is crucial to continually sharpen your skills and update your knowledge. Keep up with latest trends and developments in graphic design technology and familiarize yourself with any features or versions being released.

Before we delve into where to search for these job opportunities, let’s first polish through the nitty gritty.

Make Yourself An Asset

1. Build a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio speaks for you. It is your most important asset as a graphic designer. It showcases your skills, creativity, and experience. To build a strong portfolio:

• Diverse Projects: Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your versatility. This can range from logos and branding to websites and social media graphics.
• High-Quality Work: Only showcase your best work. Quality over quantity is key.
• Personal Projects: If you are just starting out, create personal projects or offer your services to friends and family to build your portfolio.
• Presentation: Make sure your portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate. Consider creating a personal website to showcase your work professionally. Avoid clutter.

2. Leverage Social Media

Make yourself known by joining various Social Media Platforms. Social Media Platforms are powerful tools for graphic designers. These platforms allow you to showcase your work, connect with potential clients, and stay updated on modern industry trends.

• LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field and potential employers. Share articles, participate in discussions, and showcase your portfolio.
• Instagram: This platform is particularly popular for visual artists. Regularly post your work and engage with the design community.
• Facebook Groups: Join graphic design groups and communities where job opportunities are often posted.

3. Network Actively

Networking is crucial in any field, and graphic design is no exception.

• Attend Events: Volunteer and participate in design workshops, seminars, and networking events. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet potential clients and employers.
• Join Professional Associations: Consider joining organizations like the Association of Graphic Designers in Kenya (ADKE). These associations often have job boards and networking events where you can learn and meet people with like interests.
• Collaborate with Other Creatives: Partner with photographers, writers, and other designers. Collaborative projects can lead to more exposure and job opportunities coming your way.

4. Enhance Your Skills

The graphic design field is constantly evolving, with new tools and trends emerging regularly. Staying updated and enhancing your skills is crucial.

• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare and Brait Academy offer courses in graphic design and related fields.
• Software Proficiency: Ensure you are proficient in popular design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and newer tools like Figma and Canva.
• Trends and Techniques: Keep up with the latest design trends and techniques by following design blogs, YouTube channels, and industry publications.

Exploring Job Opportunities

“Let no one deceive you. Once you make yourself an asset, opportunities shall always present itself.”

Vusi ThembeKwayo

Indeed, it’s true. Once you make yourself an asset, people start recognizing you. Once they recognize you, they will most likely want to associate with you. Listed below are perspectives to choose from.

Master Your Craft

Mastering your craft is paramount because it is a key feature that causes you to stand out amidst competitors. While being a generalist can be advantageous, specializing in a niche brings about mastery.

Most importantly, you need to understand graphic design to the core and the key aspects as illustrated in the image below. If you don’t know where to start, consult an expert.

Kencid College classifies the following as types of graphic design jobs that you can choose from. Choose at least two fields that you can specialize in.

1. Graphic Design
   • Key Role: Creating visual content for print and digital media, including logos, brochures, posters, and social media graphics.
   • Skills: Proficiency in design software (Adobe Creative Suite), creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.
2. Web Designer
   • Key Role: Designing visually appealing and user-friendly websites, focusing on layout, color schemes, and overall aesthetics.
   • Skills: Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, UX/UI principles, and web design tools (e.g., Adobe XD, Sketch).
3. UI/UX Designer
   • Key Role: Enhancing user experiences by designing intuitive interfaces for websites and applications.
   • Skills: User research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and proficiency in design tools (Figma, InVision, InDesign and Canva).
4. Brand Identity Designer/Brand Strategist
   • Key Role: Developing and maintaining a cohesive brand image across various platforms, including logos, typography, and brand guidelines.
   • Skills: Understanding of branding principles, creativity, and experience with vector graphics software (Illustrator).
5. Motion Graphics Designer
   • Key Role: Creating animated visuals for videos, advertisements, and digital platforms.
   • Skills: Animation, video editing, proficiency in After Effects, and storytelling.
6. Illustrator
   • Key Role: Producing original artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, and digital content.
   • Skills: Drawing, painting, digital illustration, and familiarity with illustration software (Procreate, Illustrator).

Apply Directly to Companies

Many companies prefer to hire graphic designers directly rather than through agencies or freelancing platforms. There are many industries that require graphic design works that you can choose from. For instance:

1. Advertising and Marketing agencies
2. Media and Publishing
3. Corporate Sector
4. Tech Companies
5. Freelancing and Entrepreneurship agencies.

You can apply directly to these companies by:

• Cold Emails: Cold emails involves sending out personalized emails to someone you don’t have prior connection with. Research potential employers and send personalized emails expressing your interest and showcase your portfolio.
• Seeking internships: Consider applying for internships, even if unpaid initially. They can provide valuable experience and often lead to full-time positions.
• Company Websites: Regularly check the career pages of companies you’re interested in.

Being consistent is key and ensure to keep making follow ups.

Online Platforms

The surge in demand of graphic design makes it a lucrative career choice, offering numerous opportunities for skilled professionals. This is why you need to gain mastery of what you do.

The platforms listed below save graphic designers the hassle of finding clients and jobs, as they are easily accessible and provide extensive lists of jobs to help freelancers and full-time designers connect with potential clients and pursue their careers.

1. LinkedIn Jobs

LinkedIn is an extremely valuable resource for locating graphic design jobs. It allows you to showcase your expertise, skills, and professional experience. Moreover, your connections can endorse your abilities, boosting your chances of getting hired.

Millions of jobs are posted on LinkedIn every day, allowing you to find the best fit based on your skillset, expectations and requirements. if you are new to LinkedIn:

• Create a Standout Profile: Your LinkedIn profile should highlight your skills, education, and qualifications to stand out from the crowd.
• Job Search: Click on the jobs icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage. Then enter the job title, such as “graphic design,” or the company name in the search jobs field.
• Filter and Alerts: You can use the filters option at the top of the search results page to narrow down the results. To set job alerts, switch on the job alert toggle after applying all filters.
• Apply for Jobs: Click on a job posting to view the job description. Apply using the “easy apply” option directly on LinkedIn or the “apply” option, which redirects you to the company’s website for application.

2. Career Point Kenya

Career Point Kenya is one of Kenya’s leading job portals, offering access to the latest job listings. Graphic designers in Kenya can find job opportunities in two main ways. One method is to browse through the job listings on their website and select the ones that interest you.

They categorize job opportunities to make it easier for you to find the right fit. Alternatively, you can sign up on their site to receive job alerts via email. Simply fill out the registration form on their website and submit your details to start receiving daily job alerts.

In addition to job listings, Career Point Kenya offers courses, training, and career guidance. If you find their courses valuable, you can book training sessions through their website.

3. Brighter Monday

Brighter Monday is one of the leading job portal platform where you can look for graphic designer jobs in Kenya. It boasts of being able to help you find the right jobs, boosts your career.

Employers post their job vacancies to this website with all the requirements and invite you to make an application if you are qualified.

Their website features a search function where you can enter your desired job category, industry, and location to receive more tailored results. For instance, you can select “creative and design” under job function and choose a sector like “information technology” under industry, then specify your preferred work location.

Alternatively, you can create a profile on their website by completing a simple form. This enables you to receive job alerts directly in your email inbox based on your selected categories. Additionally, they provide a list of available jobs on their website, allowing you to click on the positions that interest you.

Is Graphic design a lucrative career?

Graphic design is indeed a lucrative career, bursting with opportunities and creativity. In an age where visual communication is paramount, businesses and brands are constantly seeking talented graphic designers to craft compelling visuals that captivate audiences and convey messages effectively.

From designing eye-catching logos and sleek websites to creating engaging social media graphics and impactful marketing materials, the demand for skilled designers is ever-growing. Coupled with the ability to work freelance, in-house, or within creative agencies, graphic designers can enjoy a flexible and rewarding career.

With the potential for high earnings, continuous learning, and the satisfaction of seeing your creative work in the real world, graphic design is a vibrant and profitable career choice for those with a passion for visual artistry.