The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Design Internship / Apprenticeship
6-12 monthsSkills to master
- Following brand guidelines, basic software proficiency, taking feedback, file organisation, understanding commercial briefs.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering accurate, on-brand assets on time.
- Proactively asking clarifying questions on briefs.
- Demonstrating consistent improvement in technical skills and design choices.
- Successfully managing 3-5 small design tasks simultaneously.
- 2
Freelance Junior Designer
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Client communication, project management (small scale), delivering to deadlines, building a diverse portfolio, basic invoicing.
You're ready to move on when
- A portfolio showcasing 10+ diverse projects for real clients (even if small).
- Ability to manage client expectations and revisions effectively.
- Experience with different types of marketing collateral (e.g., social, web, print).
- Strong self-organisation and time management skills.
- 3
In-house Marketing Assistant (with design focus)
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Understanding marketing objectives, working with content calendars, quick turnaround design, internal stakeholder communication, basic digital marketing asset creation.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven ability to create on-brand marketing assets for various channels.
- Understanding of how design contributes to marketing campaign success.
- Experience working with marketing teams and understanding their needs.
- Ability to handle a high volume of small, fast-paced design requests.