What Is a Sign Designer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A sign designer is a graphic design specialist who creates the visual elements of a sign, such as a billboard, window display, or advertisement. Your duties and responsibilities in this career are to consult with art directors and other creative designers in your department to understand what kind of sign your client wants. This may include specifications such as color scheme, appropriate brand logos, and other visual elements that fit in with the campaign or goals. You then design a layout for the clients to review. If it meets their approval, you enter production and ensure that you have taken care of all physical components.

The qualifications to become a sign designer include formal training in graphic design, as well as experience in the marketing, advertising, or PR industries. A bachelor’s degree is not necessary, though it can be helpful in improving your opportunities, but having some formal postsecondary training, such as courses at a community college or design school, is important. You should have strong computer skills, including skills and experience with design programs, such as Photoshop, InDesign and similar applications. Customer service is also important for maintaining good business relationships, especially if you are a freelancer.