If you think about your favorite brands and products, one thing is probably true about all of them: They always look great.

For centuries, visual design has been a driving factor in what we buy, and today it’s more important than ever. That’s why Graphic Designers—the artistic professionals who turn blank spaces into unforgettable images—are always in demand.

Each week, The Creative Ladder’s Career Spotlight, presented by Smartsheet [TAGGED], features one of the many creative industry roles that today’s rising talents might want to consider as a rewarding career path. 

This week, we’re focused on Graphic Designers and Art Directors, without whom we’d all be living and working in a drab and uninspiring world.

What this role does:

Graphic Designers solve problems with visual concepts, either with computer software or by hand. They communicate ideas that inspire and inform their audience.

These designers, frequently called Art Directors in the agency and brand worlds, work closely with writers, developers and user experience (UX) designers as part of a team of creative specialists.

Salary range:

$49,000–$73,000 (average $59,000), per Glassdoor; $26,700–$75,600 (average $45,000), per Indeed.

Personality traits that thrive in this career:

• Artistic and visual storytelling ability

• Brainstorming skills

• Creative problem-solving ability

• Keen attention to detail

What they love about their role:

“I love the freedom to be creative. No day is the same!” —Katie Gribben, Graphic Designer

What recruiters look for in hiring this role:

• Proven experience designing marketing materials (such as ads, logos or websites) for companies

• Knowledge of popular design softwares like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

• Team players who respond well to feedback, especially constructive criticism

• An innovative personal style balanced with the ability to follow consistent brand guidelines

• Ability to hit deadlines and adapt to last-minute changes

• Presentation skills to help sell ideas to clients or stakeholders

A sample career path for this role:

• Junior Designer

• Graphic Designer / Art Director

• Senior Art Director

• Design Director or Creative Director

• Head of Design

• Chief Design Officer