Graphic designers create concepts and materials for a number of purposes such as advertising, training or promotional materials. They may use their skills to create logos, websites, packaging and designs in both online and offline spaces.

Graphic designers can work for a variety of employers and industries such as:

• publishing and printing
• retailers
• clothing and fashion industries
• marketing, web design and advertising firms
• educational institutions.

Award coverage for graphic design employees depends on:

• the industry or industries their employer operates in
• the specific duties and qualifications of the employee.

Industry Award coverage

Graphic Arts and Printing Award

The Graphic Arts and Printing Award can cover a graphic designer working for an employer in the graphic arts industry if their duties, skills and responsibilities meet the classification definitions of the award.

Example

Guilliana is a graphic designer who works for a publishing firm that creates concepts and designs that are intended to be used for marketing purposes. Using Computer-aided Design (CAD), she produces original artwork based on clients’ instructions that will later be used for advertising.

She holds a AQF Certificate Level IV and may be classified as a Level 8 in the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award.

Textile and Clothing Award

The Textile and Clothing Award covers graphic design employees where their employer is in the textile, clothing, bag making, button making, footwear or allied manufacturing and fabricating industries. Their duties, skills and responsibilities need to meet the classification definitions of the award.

Example

Bill is a graphic designer. He works for Marshmallow Shoes, a manufacturer that designs and makes footwear. Marshmallow Shoes is covered by the Textile and Clothing Award.

Bill has a trade certificate and is engaged to produce detailed design sketches, fashion illustrations and technical drawings for the design team. He also contributes to product development that will be printed onto the footwear.

Based on his duties and qualifications, he may be classified as a Skill Level 4 employee.

Other industry awards

Examples of other industry awards that can cover graphic designers include:

• Children’s Services Award
• Educational Services (Post-Secondary) Award
• Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award
• Legal Services Award
• Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award
• Broadcasting Award.

No industry award coverage

When there's no industry award covering the employer of a graphic designer, the employee may be:

• covered by the Graphic Arts and Printing Award on an occupational basis
• covered by the Miscellaneous Award, or
• award free.

This depends upon the employee's duties and qualifications.

Graphic Arts Award

The Graphic Arts Award can cover a graphic designer on an occupational basis if their qualifications, duties, skills and responsibilities meet the classification definitions of the award. Their employer does not need to be in the graphic arts industry for there to be coverage for the employee.

Example

Travis is a graphic designer employed by an aged care facility. He creates designs and concepts that will be used to advertise the facilities’ amenities and services.

Travis is covered by the Graphic Arts and Printing Award on an occupational basis. He’s classified as a Level 4 as he utilises his AQF Certificate Level II for his role.

Miscellaneous Award

The Miscellaneous Award can cover a graphic designer if:

• they’re not covered by an industrial or occupational award
• they’re not a professional employee
• they’re not a manager.

An employee may be considered a professional employee if their role requires a degree qualification, for example, a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.

Example

Anna works as an experienced graphic designer for a fast food chain. She doesn’t hold a qualification in graphic arts. She works in the photography and social media team designing campaigns for her employer.

Her employer is covered by the Fast Food Award. This award has no classifications that match the work Anna does. There is also no occupational coverage that covers the type of work she performs.

As Anna doesn’t hold a qualification in graphic arts she isn’t covered by the Graphic Arts and Printing Award. She’s covered by the Miscellaneous Award.

For more information on photographers, see Award coverage for photographers, photographers’ assistants and photographic employees.

Award free employees

Graphic design employees who aren't covered by an industry or occupational award or the Miscellaneous Award are award free. Award free employees are entitled to the national minimum wage and the National Employment Standards.