Substack preview by Designer Gayle

Transitioning from graphic design to instructional design is a unique journey that blends creativity with education. As someone who has walked this path, I can attest that instructional design is not just for those with teaching backgrounds. In fact, many opportunities exist in a variety of industries such as healthcare, government, corporate HR, technology, and nonprofits. One thing I learned early on is that the skills graphic designers possess—visual communication, user-focused design, and problem-solving—are incredibly valuable in instructional design. These skills help in creating engaging, effective learning experiences that make complex information accessible. The $90 course I took was a game changer; it opened my eyes to the practical aspects of instructional design and gave me confidence to pivot. Pursuing a master’s degree, although unexpected, deepened my knowledge and prepared me for more advanced roles. Interestingly, the instructional design field offers a median annual salary of around $74,720 as of 2024, with a strong employment outlook driven by more than 85,000 job openings projected annually in the U.S. If you’re contemplating a career shift or simply wondering if you’re built for more than your current title, this field welcomes diverse experiences and backgrounds. Many instructional designers today come from varied paths yet find their niche in designing impactful educational content across industries. For those curious to learn more, I share regular insights and honest experiences on my Substack, which is free to read. It might be the resource you need to start or fuel your own career pivot—because sometimes, the right course or degree can be the first step to discovering what you’re really meant to do.