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How to become a graphic designer in BC

Graphic Designer / Visual Communication Designer ยท British Columbia

Design logos, posters, websites and brands. You need a design diploma or degree and a strong portfolio of your work.

How long
2 to 4 years (college diploma or bachelor degree + portfolio)
Cost
Not published
Who licenses it
No BC licence
National certificate: None (portfolio & diploma)

THE ROUTE

The route at a glance

STEP 1

Secondary Foundations & Creative Entrance Portfolio

Prepare high school academic prerequisites and build a creative entrance portfolio

STEP 2

Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication

Graduate from a recognized post-secondary design degree or diploma program

STEP 3

Digital Design Software & UI/UX Technical Mastery

Master digital graphic software, interactive prototyping, and layout tools

STEP 4

Industry Practicum & Professional Portfolio Website

Complete an industry internship and publish an online design portfolio

JOB

Full Professional Practice & Agency Advancement

Advance to senior designer or art director and pursue optional DesCan certification

This is the overview. For the courses to take, the entry rules, the exams and the schools, open the full route.

See the full route, step by step โ†’

THE JOB

What the job is like

Pay and outlook from WorkBC.

Pay
$24.04 โ€“ $57.69 / hr$35 median
Job outlook
6,770 forecasted job openings (2025โ€“2035) ยท 2025โ€“2035
Where the work is
Mainland/Southwest, Vancouver Island/Coast, Thompson-Okanagan
What a day looks like

Work takes place in creative design agencies, tech startup offices, in-house marketing studios, or home work spaces, as well as flexible schedules with widespread remote and hybrid work arrangements across british columbia.

Watch out for

Be mindful of ergonomic repetitive strain risk requiring specialized ergonomic mice and adjustable desks and follow all required safety procedures.

Where it can lead

Lead digital user experience architecture, design systems, and software interface prototyping for tech companies.

Direct overall visual campaigns, manage creative teams, and guide multi-platform brand identity strategies.

JOBS

Find jobs

Live postings on the big job boards, searched for this job in British Columbia.