Graphic Artists and Designers
What does a Graphic Artist do?
- Graphic Artists and Designers design and prepare camera-ready copy for
any type of printed material, including business cards and stationary,
brochures, advertising, packaging, book covers, and many other types of
materials.
- This field also includes signs, architectural graphics, and film,
television, video, and computer-related imagery.
- In a large agency, they work on a team with the Art Director , a
Creative Director, and the assistant Art Director.
- After the client approves the design, a layout Artist orders the type
and produces the graphic designs.
- Then a Paste-Up or Mechanical Artist prepares the final copy.
- A Graphic Artist or Designer is able to do all of these tasks and any of
these people may call themselves Graphic Artists or Designers.
- The amount of design involved in the job depends on the type of employer
and the amount of direction provided by the Director.
- Their task is to inform and persuade a specific audience with images.
Web Graphic Designers are responsible for all graphic content, creations and
development of websites and other integrative on-line environments.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
EDD Labor
Market Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Info Net
Typical Employers:
Employers in the styling field include advertising agencies, art studios,
advertising and corporate communications departments of large firms, textile
manufacturers where they design fabrics, fashion designers, architects,
publishing companies, printing firms, large retail stores, supermarkets, mail
order houses where they prepare catalogs, motion picture and television studios
where they produce promotional materials. The military employs people in this
occupation. Many graphic artists and designers are self-employed.
Preparation:
Most Graphic Artists and Designers study the techniques used in graphic
communication at a two-year or four-year college or art school. You may begin
with an associate degree, but a bachelor's degree is preferred. Paste-Up or
Mechanical Artists are sometimes hired without training if they pass a paste-up
test. You can get training and experience in the military. Aspiring Artists
should get an objective evaluation of their work before planning a career in
graphic design. Courses in electronic-art are recommended.
Educational Program(s):
Printing and Graphics
Related Programs: Art, Drafting, Photographic Arts