Graphic Design vs. UI/UX Design in Malaysia: Which Career Path is Better?
Graphic design and UI/UX design are two of the most sought-after creative careers in Malaysia, but which one is right for you? While graphic design focuses on visuals and branding, UI/UX design is all about user experience and digital interactions. This guide breaks down the key differences, required skills, career prospects, and salary comparisons to help you choose the right path.
By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-13 at 5:56 AM
Updated on 2025-03-13 at 5:56 AM
What’s the Difference Between Graphic Design and UI/UX Design?
Both fields involve creativity and design, but they serve different purposes.
🔹 Graphic Design – Focuses on visual communication, branding, and print/digital media. Graphic designers create logos, advertisements, brochures, and social media graphics to engage audiences.
🔹 UI/UX Design – Focuses on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) in digital products. UI/UX designers design websites, mobile apps, and digital platforms, ensuring they are visually appealing and easy to use.
1. Skills Required for Graphic Designers vs. UI/UX Designers
Although both careers require creativity, they demand different technical skills.
Graphic Design Skills:
✔ Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
✔ Branding and typography
✔ Print and digital media design
✔ Color theory and composition
UI/UX Design Skills:
✔ Wireframing and prototyping (Figma, Adobe XD)
✔ User research and usability testing
✔ Interaction design and user psychology
✔ Front-end development basics (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
💡 Thinking of becoming a designer? Take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to see which career matches your strengths.
2. Career Opportunities: Which Field Has More Demand in Malaysia?
Graphic Design Career Paths:
🔹 Branding and Advertising Agencies
🔹 Social Media Marketing
🔹 Publishing and Print Media
🔹 E-commerce and Corporate Branding
UI/UX Design Career Paths:
🔹 Tech Startups and Software Companies
🔹 E-commerce and Fintech Platforms
🔹 Web and Mobile App Development
🔹 Digital Product Companies
With Malaysia’s digital transformation, UI/UX design has seen rapid growth, making it one of the most in-demand creative careers today.
3. Salary Comparison: Graphic Design vs. UI/UX Design in Malaysia
On average, UI/UX designers earn higher salaries than graphic designers due to the technical and analytical skills required.
| Job Title | Entry-Level Salary | Mid-Level Salary | Senior-Level Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | RM2,500 – RM3,500 | RM4,000 – RM6,000 | RM6,500+ |
| UI/UX Designer | RM3,500 – RM5,500 | RM6,000 – RM10,000 | RM12,000+ |
💡 Want to explore design jobs? Browse Hiredly’s latest job listings for opportunities in graphic design and UI/UX design.
4. Which Career Path Should You Choose?
✔ Choose Graphic Design if:
- You love branding, typography, and illustration.
- You prefer working on advertisements, packaging, or social media.
- You enjoy creating static visuals rather than interactive experiences.
✔ Choose UI/UX Design if:
- You are passionate about creating user-friendly digital experiences.
- You want to work on websites, mobile apps, or software platforms.
- You enjoy research, testing, and problem-solving.
Still unsure? Read How to Become a Self-Taught Graphic Designer in Malaysia to explore your options.
Both graphic design and UI/UX design offer exciting career opportunities, but UI/UX design has a growing demand in Malaysia’s digital landscape and offers higher salaries. However, if you’re passionate about branding and visual storytelling, graphic design remains a rewarding career choice. Want to kickstart your design career? Explore Hiredly’s job listings, join the Young Talent Community, and take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to discover your ideal career match!
By Matt Khoo on 2025-03-13 at 5:56 AM