Graphic designer: how to train and review the role
Creates social posts, brochures, packaging, decks, ads and layouts from briefs using design software and brand guidelines, handles revisions, and prepares files for print or digital use. Reports to the creative lead or art director.
Not sure what you need? Tell us about your business in six short steps and we will come to the first meeting prepared.
Share your requirementsWho usually fills this role
Mostly design diploma or graduate holders, or self-taught designers with a portfolio. Test with a short design task from a real brief, file hygiene and print basics, and how they take feedback. Ask them to explain why they made particular choices in their portfolio.
Skills ladder
Stage 1
New joiner
- Follows templates and brand guidelines
- Edits and resizes layouts
- Exports files in the right formats
Stage 2
Independent
- Designs layouts from a brief with limited direction
- Handles typography, colour and image quality properly
- Prepares print-ready files and checks proofs
- Manages revisions without losing versions
Stage 3
Senior or lead
- Develops concepts for campaigns
- Maintains brand consistency across formats
- Reviews juniors' work with clear feedback
- Presents design reasoning to clients
Training path
First weeks
- 1
Brand guidelines and files
The creative lead walks through client brand books, fonts, colours and asset folders. The designer finds and uses assets for a sample job.
- 2
Tool and file standards
The lead shows folder structure, layers, naming and export presets. The designer's first files are checked.
- 3
Small supervised jobs
The designer completes small posts and resizes, with the lead reviewing every piece. Common errors are noted.
First year
- 1
Print basics
A press partner or senior explains bleed, colour modes, paper and proofs. The designer prepares a print file and gets feedback.
- 2
Concept development
The lead teaches how to explore options from a brief and select one. The designer shows three directions on a real job.
- 3
Taking feedback
Role plays and actual revisions teach how to separate taste from brief. The designer maintains a version log.
Towards senior
- 1
Campaign systems
The designer builds a consistent set of templates for a campaign and documents rules. Others use it and results are checked.
- 2
Reviewing others
The designer gives written feedback on a junior's work using a checklist. The lead reviews the feedback.
- 3
Presenting work
The designer presents to a client with the account manager. Preparation and handling of questions are reviewed.
Performance review
Fortnightly feedback on live work from the creative lead, a monthly one-to-one, and a written half-yearly review with portfolio updates.
What to measure
| Measure | How it is seen |
|---|---|
| Design quality | Review work against brief and brand guidelines |
| File hygiene | Inspect layers, naming and delivery files |
| Turnaround | Compare job times with estimates |
| Revision handling | Count revisions and reasons |
| Print accuracy | Track proofing errors and reprints |
| Growth | Review new skills and portfolio additions |
Evidence to bring
- Delivered files
- Version log
- Client feedback
- Proof and print error notes
- Portfolio updates
Questions to ask in the review
- Which brief was the hardest?
- What feedback did you find unclear?
- Where did a file fail in print or on screen?
- Which tools do you want to learn?
- What would help you work faster?
- How do you decide between concepts?
- What work are you proud of?
Pitfalls
- Judging designers only by taste of the director
- Giving no brand material
- Ignoring file discipline
- Rewarding speed over care
Questions about this role
Compare with the brief and discuss reasoning rather than only liking the look.
Set rules in contracts. Confirm with your adviser.
Brief and review them like staff, with clear scope.