Layout Designer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a layout designer. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a layout designer.
Who is a Layout Designer?
Layout designers are creative people whose role is similar to that of graphic designers. They may be freelancers working on a commission basis or in a creative agency. They manage client requests and set expectations according to their needs. They work with images and texts for publication or printing. The main part of their job is to ensure that the images and texts of the projects they work on are balanced and attractive. Layout designers are familiar with different graphic design software, applications, or programs. They know how to use the different functions of various software to achieve the desired effect agreed with the client.
Layout designers have a degree in courses related to graphic design, visual communication, and fine arts. They must also have extensive knowledge and skills in editing and layout software. Although some people are creative enough to become layout designers without formal education, it is still important to have one, as it allows you to learn design theories and techniques.
Layout designers use a variety of software applications and systems, requiring excellent computer skills to navigate effectively. They work closely with the entire design and graphics team to ensure that content is consistent and meets quality standards and requirements. The layout designer also assesses current market trends to identify media elements and modify the design to meet the needs and interests of the company.
Layout Designer Job Description
Below are the layout designer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of layout designers include the following:
- Developing a design concept that best conveys the client’s message, drawing on current trends in art, architecture, fashion, and other disciplines.
- Drawing floor plans and other architectural designs, including sketches or computer visualizations of building interiors or exterior landscapes.
- Creating sketches or mock-ups of projects to obtain feedback from clients or other team members before working on the final product.
- Using computer software to create layouts for printed materials such as brochures, magazines, and advertisements.
- Designing logos and other graphic elements such as text, images, and illustrations that appear in advertisements, brochures, catalogs, and other printed materials.
- Keeping abreast of new design trends to create innovative designs that meet clients’ tastes.
- Collaborating with other designers and architects to develop concepts for projects such as restaurants, retail shops, hotels, and public spaces.
- Creating detailed drawings of building interiors or exterior landscapes to guide builders or contractors involved in a project.
- Ensuring that projects comply with safety regulations and industry standards
- Coordinating projects with the publishing team, including graphic designers, proofreaders, and illustrators.
- Brainstorming new page ideas to naturally integrate advertising into the text.
- Organizing page elements for screen and print media.
- Determining the size of text and images for each page.
- Changing the aspect ratio of images for optimal display.
- Modifying page graphics to manage images and text.
- Checking page proofs for final approval.
- Analyzing successful campaigns and adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Understanding design requirements.
- Planning for budget constraints.
- Developing prototypes and presenting ideas.
- Participating in brainstorming sessions to come up with innovative ideas and concepts.
- Framing elements of the page that include text and images.
- Ensuring correct spacing and placement of text.
- Using appropriate font size and style.
- Using appropriate color schemes.
- Modifying images to improve the overall look of the design.
- Proofreading text in the design.
- Receiving feedback from team members.
- Making changes to the design.
- Holding meetings with clients to discuss the details of the different designs the client is expecting.
- Defining specifications and establishing a delivery schedule to meet the client’s needs.
- Using software to develop creative, innovative, and conceptual designs and layouts for the content provided.
- Positioning page elements to ensure a readable and attractive flow of information.
- Modifying graphics to improve visual presentation, for example by resizing or cropping images so that they do not obscure text.
- Applying typographic principles to select appropriate fonts, text sizes, and styles for illustrations and design, taking into account audience, readability, and other characteristics.
- Working with publishing teams to coordinate layout elements and make necessary changes during the printing and publishing process.
- Reviewing page proofs to correct errors and ensure the accuracy of the final layout.
Qualifications
A layout designer generally requires the following qualifications:
Education
Most employers require layout designers to have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, interior design, or a related field. Subjects studied in these programs include color theory, computer-aided design, drawing, illustration, photography, printmaking, typography, and web design.
Training and experience
Many employers offer on-the-job training to new layout designers. This training helps the new employee learn the specific software and computer programs used by the company. It will also help the new employee learn the company’s specific design style and formatting requirements.
Some layout designers receive training in a related field before becoming a layout designer. For example, a graphic designer may be trained in web design before becoming a layout designer.
Certification and Licensing
Certification is not usually a requirement to become a layout designer, but it can help you become a more competitive candidate when applying for a job.
Essential Skills
People who want to work as layout designers need to have specific skills and qualities that potential employers admire. The following are the skills required for layout designers.
- Computer skills
A layout designer must have a thorough knowledge of the computer programs needed to create layouts and structures. Common applications include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Page Maker, Graphic Design, Autodesk Maya, and Adobe Illustrator.
- Creative skills
A layout designer must be creative enough to develop and conceptualize ideas. The innovative concepts they develop result in original and attractive illustrations. The best way for layout designers to develop creative thinking is to brainstorm and be open and flexible to new ideas.
- Precision and attention to detail
Layout designers must ensure that they pay attention to every detail of their designs, ensuring that the information is correctly conveyed to the target audience. They must also have well-developed proofreading skills.
- Typography skills
A layout designer must have a thorough knowledge of the principles that guide typography. They must understand how to use different sizes, styles, and fonts to create clear illustrations for readers.
- Print production
Knowing how to produce printed materials is an important skill for a layout designer. This includes knowing how to use software to create and edit documents, such as Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Word. It is also about knowing how to work with printing equipment such as large-format printers and plotters. Finally, it is about understanding the different types of paper and inks used for printing.
- Image editing
Image editing is the process of manipulating images to change their appearance. This skill can be useful to layout designers, as it allows them to create more visually appealing designs by improving the quality of the original image. For example, a layout designer may use image editing skills to remove an object from a photograph or adjust lighting and balance the colors to improve the appearance of an image.
- Communication
As a layout designer, you may work with clients or other artists who do not know design principles. Strong communication skills will help you explain technical concepts in a way that others can understand. Communication also includes listening skills, which are important for understanding what your clients want from their design.
- Graphic design
Graphic design skills are essential for creating layouts, as they allow you to create attractive and informative designs. You can use graphic design programs such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign to create graphics to complement your text. Graphic design also includes the ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) programs, which allow you to create original illustrations from scratch.
- Flexibility
As a layout designer, you may have to adapt your work in response to feedback from clients or supervisors. Flexibility allows you to be more receptive to new ideas and ensures that you meet clients’ expectations.
- Time management
Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks to meet deadlines. As a layout designer, it is important to manage your time well so that you can complete projects on time. This skill will also help to ensure that you have enough time to create quality work.
- Organization
Organization is the ability to keep track of files, documents, and other items related to your work. As a layout designer, you may have to organize large amounts of information for various projects. This includes keeping track of all the files you need, as well as organizing any physical materials that are part of the project. For example, if you are creating an advertisement for a car company, you may need to keep track of design files, source images used in the design, advertisement text, and any other important details.
- Attention to detail
Attention to detail is important to layout designers because it allows them to create precise and accurate designs. This skill involves paying close attention to the details of a project, such as the size of each element or the exact placement of the image on the page. Attention to detail ensures that the layout is appropriate and meets the needs of the client.
How to Become a Layout Designer
- Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Layout Design
Depending on the industry, prospective layout designers may be required to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in design, such as computer-aided design, graphic design, drafting or engineering technology, layout design, and media design.
An associate degree program in layout design may include courses like digital layout, drafting, and graphic design. Two-year programs in computer-aided drafting (called CAD) may include blueprint reading and geometric design. At the undergraduate level, a layout course will help students learn about engineering design and architectural drafting using CAD. The four-year layout programs will help students to develop more specific skills. The undergraduate graphic design programs teach students 2D and 3D design, typography, and illustration.
After choosing a program, layout design students can begin looking for internship opportunities. Students can also find undergraduate programs that offer internship opportunities.
Depending on the program you are interested in, you may be able to study online. Some institutions offer a part-time program or a fully online program for those who wish to study.
- Find entry-level jobs as a layout designer
Layout designers search for work in many fields, from manufacturing and engineering to publishing and marketing. They may promote a business or help new businesses create their website, which means they may become shop layout designers to help different markets accordingly. Online layout work may be available for those who wish to work remotely. Junior employees may receive on-the-job training to prepare layouts under the supervision of more experienced designers. Tasks for new employees may include checking manufacturer’s specifications and acquiring skills with specific computer-aided design or design software. Other responsibilities may include working with other departments to maintain brand consistency across layouts. When working in the technical area, layout designers will need to communicate with engineers to confirm their technical requirements.
- Explore the layout by gaining experience
As new employees gain experience, they take on more complex responsibilities, such as creating sketches or interpreting diagrams. As a result of this, layout designers may become proficient in some parts of the design process, such as creating preliminary drawings, preparing digital files, or using software to test technical equipment. When the opportunity arises, learn to use new software or technical tools in as many areas as possible. If you want to advance your career as a designer, the layout skills you learn on the job can be applied to a more specific job or a better-paid job.
A career as a layout designer requires that you continue to improve your tools and software even after you have the job and experience you need. If you are considering this occupation, plan to get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field to learn the necessary software and gain skills and experience in designing and creating drawings for equipment, publications, and the Internet.
Where to Work as a Layout Designer
Layout designers work in a variety of locations, including advertising agencies, design firms, corporate marketing departments, newspapers, and magazine production firms. They usually work regular hours, although they may sometimes work overtime to meet deadlines. Layout designers usually work on computers in comfortable, well-lit offices or studios. They may work in teams with other designers or alone, depending on the size of the company and the scope of the project. Although most of the work is done indoors, layout designers may occasionally travel for meetings or conferences with clients.
Layout Designer Salary Scale
The average annual salary of a Layout Designer in the United States and Canada is $49,263 and $65,740 respectively. In the United Kingdom, the average annual salary of a Layout Designer is £28,909.
