Graphic Designer 232411: what counts as relevant design work?
Graphic Designers plan and produce visual information using typography, images, colour, symbols and layout to meet a communication or commercial objective. The work starts with a brief and audience, develops a visual concept and carries the approved design through to production.
Software proficiency alone is not the occupation. The evidence should show visual communication decisions, design development and finished work rather than only operating design tools or preparing another person's artwork.
What the occupation covers
- clarifying a client's objectives, audience and design constraints;
- researching communication requirements and developing concepts;
- preparing sketches, layouts and visual presentations;
- selecting typography, colour, imagery and production media; and
- documenting and delivering approved designs for publication or display.
VETASSESS requires occupation evidence, including a portfolio
VETASSESS treats Graphic Designer as Group B and assesses both qualification level and the relevance of employment. Graphic design, visual communication and communication design are identified as highly relevant fields, with alternative pathways where the qualification major differs.
Applicants must provide a portfolio link or work samples in addition to the normal identity, qualification and employment evidence. The portfolio should support the claimed employment rather than operate as a collection of unexplained personal projects.
UX, web and multimedia work need careful classification
VETASSESS states that a UX or UI designer needs a strong foundation in graphic design—particularly colour, typography and layout—to be considered under 232411. Web Designer, Multimedia Designer and Illustrator are separately classified occupations.
The STSOL result supports state-nominated subclass 190 and 491 occupation-list access, not subclass 189. The page also shows ROL access for subclass 494 and an occupation-list result for subclass 407. It does not show current CSOL access for the 482 or 186 pathways.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting a portfolio without connecting the samples to verified employment and design responsibilities.
- Using 232411 for a UX or UI role with no substantial graphic-design foundation.
- Ignoring the separate classifications for web, multimedia, illustration or industrial design.
- Reading a subclass 190 or 491 match as confirmation that a state accepts the applicant's stream.