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Graphic Designer
Graphic designers conceptualize and produce graphic art and visual materials to effectively communicate information for publications, advertising, films, packaging, posters, signs and interactive media such as web sites and CD-ROMs. They are employed by advertising and graphic design firms, by establishments with advertising or communications departments and by multimedia production companies, or they may be self-employed. Graphic designers who are also supervisors, project managers or consultants are included in this unit group. Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations to represent information through images. They are almost solely self-employed.
Possible Titles:
advertising designer animator - animated films cartoonist commercial artist cybergraphic designer graphic artist graphic designer graphic designer - multimedia graphic designer - multimedia, interactive media or new media illustrator layout designer medical illustrator multimedia illustrator scientific illustrator
Responsibilities:
Graphic Designers can perform some or all of the following duties:
Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials in order to meet their needs
Determine medium best suited to produce desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication
Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives
Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software
Estimate cost of materials and time to complete graphic design
Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides or hire an illustrator or photographer to produce images that meet clients' communications needs
Establish guidelines for illustrators or photographers
Co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials, such as web sites, CD-ROMs, interactive terminals, etc.
Co-ordinate sub-contracting
Work in a multidisciplinary environment
Supervise other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians.
Illustrators can perform some or all of the following duties:
Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs
Develop and produce realistic or representational sketches and final illustrations, by hand or using computerassisted design (CAD) software, for printed materials such as books, magazines, packaging, greeting cards, stationery, etc.
Assist in developing storyboards for electronic productions such as multimedia, interactive and digital products, television advertising and productions, etc.
Produce 2-D and 3-D animated drawings or computer illustrations
May adapt existing illustrations.
Illustrators may specialize in a particular field such as illustrations for children, advertising, editorials, humour, or medical, scientific or technical illustration, or multimedia design.
Employment Requirments:
A university degree in visual arts with specialization in graphic design, commercial art, graphic communications or cartooning is usually required or Completion of a college diploma in graphic arts is required.
Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution may be required.
In addition to the arts, training in biology, engineering, architecture or a scientific field is usually required for medical, technical and scientific illustrators.
Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, is required for graphic designers and illustrators.
Additional information:
Progression to management or senior design positions is possible with experience.
The title "registered graphic designer" is recognized by law in Ontario.
Courtesy of: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada