Graphic Design Specialist Jobs in California
Graphic Design Specialist jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where entertainment studios, tech companies, and consumer brands drive sustained demand for visual communication talent. Employers like Disney, Adobe, and Apple maintain large in-house creative teams in the state and hire across seniority levels from junior designers to senior brand specialists. The most in-demand specialties are brand identity, digital and UX-adjacent design, and motion graphics. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 14+ Graphic Design Specialist jobs
- San Diego, California
- Faculty
- Full-time regular
- 5638
Position Title & Department:
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design Posting #5638
Department Description:The Department of Art, Architecture + Art History (DAA+AH) is home to three intertwined programs committed to developing the next generation of artists, architects, designers, critics, and creative thinkers. The program in Visual Arts offers students a broad foundation with lower-division courses in drawing, photography, sculpture, graphic design, video and animation. It allows for both disciplinary specificity and interdisciplinary breadth with advanced studies into 2D, 3D, and 4D (time-based) traditional and emerging practices, and the curriculum finishes with a capstone sequence that includes a thesis exhibition representing their specific research and pathway through the major. Visual Arts at USD is uniquely positioned to provide students with close faculty mentorship and opportunities for funded research within a liberal arts context. To learn more, see the department website.
The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.
University Description:The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.
Detailed Description:The Department of Art, Architecture + Art History (DAA+AH) in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of San Diego (USD) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Visual Arts: Graphic Design at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2027.
We seek candidates who embrace USD’s teacher-scholar model: an active practitioner in the field of design with a deep interest in teaching and supporting student success. Ideal candidates have expertise in design’s trajectory from its traditional association with discrete printed materials to digital tools and virtual environments that can process experience, data, and information in interactive and expansive contexts. Candidates should have the ability to apply these skills and concepts to teach innovative classes that critically engage the language and history of art and design.
The ideal candidate actively contributes to and collaborates with a vibrant community of undergraduates engaged in a broad range of disciplines within a visual arts program. Additionally, this candidate would be interested in exploring cross-curricular partnerships and collaborations within and outside the department—a well-supported priority at USD.
USD’s academic leadership model presents possible future opportunities to participate in shared governance in the College and beyond. All faculty are required to engage in service at the department and College level. We are looking for a colleague who is interested in joining the fabric of our community through teaching, advising, leading, mentoring, and departmental and college-wide service.
Job Requirements:The successful candidate will:
- Hold an MFA or equivalent in art and/or design, or a closely related field.
- Have demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
- Show knowledge of and a sustained engagement with tools and processes across media germane to contemporary design practices and both digital and material outcomes.
- Demonstrate engagement with critical perspectives around making and show evidence of a sustained practice that contributes to the dialogues and the discourses of contemporary graphic design.
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Posting Salary:$6,931.25-$7,917 monthly: Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
Special Application Instructions:Applications are asked to submit the following materials:
1. Cover letter that outlines alignment with the mission of the college and department.
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Teaching Statement that describes a teaching philosophy that exemplifies inclusionary practice.
4. Sample Syllabi that exemplify approach to teaching Graphic Design.
5. Statement outlining creative practice and/or scholarly work.
6. Samples of creative practice or scholarly work.
7. Samples of students’ creative work.
8. Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters if the candidate advances to the second round.
Any questions regarding the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Prof. Allison Wiese (awiese@sandiego.edu).
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.
- San Diego, California
- Faculty
- Full-time regular
- 5638
Position Title & Department:
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design Posting #5638
Department Description:The Department of Art, Architecture + Art History (DAA+AH) is home to three intertwined programs committed to developing the next generation of artists, architects, designers, critics, and creative thinkers. The program in Visual Arts offers students a broad foundation with lower-division courses in drawing, photography, sculpture, graphic design, video and animation. It allows for both disciplinary specificity and interdisciplinary breadth with advanced studies into 2D, 3D, and 4D (time-based) traditional and emerging practices, and the curriculum finishes with a capstone sequence that includes a thesis exhibition representing their specific research and pathway through the major. Visual Arts at USD is uniquely positioned to provide students with close faculty mentorship and opportunities for funded research within a liberal arts context. To learn more, see the department website.
The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.
University Description:The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.
Detailed Description:The Department of Art, Architecture + Art History (DAA+AH) in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of San Diego (USD) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Visual Arts: Graphic Design at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin Fall 2027.
We seek candidates who embrace USD’s teacher-scholar model: an active practitioner in the field of design with a deep interest in teaching and supporting student success. Ideal candidates have expertise in design’s trajectory from its traditional association with discrete printed materials to digital tools and virtual environments that can process experience, data, and information in interactive and expansive contexts. Candidates should have the ability to apply these skills and concepts to teach innovative classes that critically engage the language and history of art and design.
The ideal candidate actively contributes to and collaborates with a vibrant community of undergraduates engaged in a broad range of disciplines within a visual arts program. Additionally, this candidate would be interested in exploring cross-curricular partnerships and collaborations within and outside the department—a well-supported priority at USD.
USD’s academic leadership model presents possible future opportunities to participate in shared governance in the College and beyond. All faculty are required to engage in service at the department and College level. We are looking for a colleague who is interested in joining the fabric of our community through teaching, advising, leading, mentoring, and departmental and college-wide service.
Job Requirements:The successful candidate will:
- Hold an MFA or equivalent in art and/or design, or a closely related field.
- Have demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
- Show knowledge of and a sustained engagement with tools and processes across media germane to contemporary design practices and both digital and material outcomes.
- Demonstrate engagement with critical perspectives around making and show evidence of a sustained practice that contributes to the dialogues and the discourses of contemporary graphic design.
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Posting Salary:$6,931.25-$7,917 monthly: Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
Special Application Instructions:Applications are asked to submit the following materials:
1. Cover letter that outlines alignment with the mission of the college and department.
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Teaching Statement that describes a teaching philosophy that exemplifies inclusionary practice.
4. Sample Syllabi that exemplify approach to teaching Graphic Design.
5. Statement outlining creative practice and/or scholarly work.
6. Samples of creative practice or scholarly work.
7. Samples of students’ creative work.
8. Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters if the candidate advances to the second round.
Any questions regarding the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Prof. Allison Wiese (awiese@sandiego.edu).
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.
See All 14 Graphic Design Specialist Jobs in California
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Find JobsGraphic Design Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Graphic Design Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in graphic design specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- Portfolio demonstrating brand identity, digital, or print design work across industries
- Experience collaborating with marketing, product, or creative teams on multi-channel campaigns
- Strong understanding of typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy principles
- Ability to manage multiple projects under deadline in a fast-paced California studio environment
Graphic Design Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a graphic design specialist in California?
Graphic design is not a state-licensed profession in California, so there is no board exam or registration required to work in the role. Most California employers expect a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a related field from an accredited program, along with a strong portfolio. Completing a degree at a California College of the Arts, UCLA, or Art Center College of Design and building real project work into your portfolio is the most direct path.
How much do graphic design specialists make in California?
Graphic design specialists in California earn a median of about $75,130 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,190 for the lowest 10% to over $129,560 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire graphic design specialists in California?
Companies currently hiring graphic design specialists in California include wx, Vivas, and CLEOPATRA INK, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of entertainment studios, major tech headquarters, and consumer-facing brands makes it one of the more active states for in-house creative hiring year-round.
Which California cities have the most graphic design specialist jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Brea have the most graphic design specialist openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its deep concentration of entertainment studios, advertising agencies, and consumer brands, while San Francisco and San Jose reflect demand from tech and software companies that maintain large in-house creative and brand teams.
Are there remote graphic design specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields, because graphic design work is largely screen-based and deliverable-driven rather than requiring physical presence. About 44% of graphic design specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how naturally the role adapts to distributed creative teams. Brand, digital, and motion design roles tend to be the most remote-friendly, while roles tied to print production or on-set work at studios often require in-person availability.
How can I get hired as a graphic design specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a junior designer or design associate role at a California agency or in-house team, where structured mentorship and project variety accelerate skill development quickly. Large California employers like Warner Bros., Mattel, and major Bay Area tech companies regularly post internship and entry-level design positions aimed at recent graduates. Adjacent roles such as production artist, social media coordinator with design duties, or marketing coordinator are common starting points that build toward a specialist title. A polished portfolio, even if built from coursework or personal projects, carries more weight than years of experience at this stage.
Where can I find and apply to graphic design specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to graphic design specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search for roles that match your experience level and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 14 Graphic Design Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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