Pay and perks for graduate jobs in art and design

Wages in art and design

Salaries vary greatly in this diverse employment sector. At the bottom end, it is common for those starting out to work voluntarily and unpaid, or just for expenses. This is most common in internships or work placements, and can help you to get a foot in the door or build your portfolio.

A large proportion of people in this sector also work self-employed or on a freelance basis, charging hourly, daily or per-project or per-design rate. Rates depend on the sector, location and level of the person, for example, a website designer may charge £150 a day or £400+ per day.

Alternatively, they may charge far more per website designed, especially if they are working as part of a design agency. Self-employed fine artists like Tracey Emin, charge per completed piece, although very few can expect to be paid £160k for their bed.

Working conditions

Your conditions will vary greatly according to the sector and nature of the work. Self-employed and freelance artists and designers can, in principle, set their own hours, but will be under pressure to secure new work and cultivate new clients.

Employed artists and designers are more likely to work a ‘regular’ working week. This is particularly true of those in advertising agencies, design agencies, fashion houses, and industrial and product designers.

Long hours are a common feature of agency work, as creatives have to come up with ideas to meet clients’ deadlines. Perks can include playing a part in the cultural output of an industry or scene. Parties and recognition as a skilled artist are also driving factors for many.