Graphic artists use their artistic talents and skills to design, promote, display, package, and advertise companies, non-profit organizations, products, festivals, books and government agencies. They develop design plans for CD-ROMs, websites, logos, stationery, print ads, signage, film and video, diagrams, posters, flyers and brochures. They put pictures on t-shirts, they oversee the layout of annual reports, magazines and newspapers, they design movie sets, they even work designing furniture. Graphic artists are hard at work with practically every company out there, working in a variety of ways to bring information to the public in interesting, exciting ways.
Traditionally, when a graphic artist set out to design a logo or organize a magazine ad, pencils, paper, and a lot of imagination were all the tools necessary. However, in today's computer generated world, graphic artists are now working with computer design software to complete the work.
Graphic artists can work for a magazine or newspaper, a retail company, an advertising agency, a graphic design firm or as freelance designers. They work closely with their clients, who assign them a project. The artist works alone or in a team developing a design concept, which must be approved by the client before the designing can begin.
Small projects can take only days to complete, while larger projects can take months. In a large company, artists may only focus on one area of a project, like layout, or design concept, but freelancers or artists with smaller companies must be versatile enough to do it all.
Graphic art is an open-ended sort of career. There are many possibilities, and the future is always changing. Computers are making the field more exciting, so graphic artists must ensure they stay one step ahead, and familiarize themselves with new technological developments, while still remaining focused on the principles of art.
Graphic artists need to be an independent, self-motivated and able to think creatively about a whole variety of subject matter. They are talented artists, who understand the fundamentals of art, as well as artistic applications to computer technology. They should be attentive to detail. Successful graphic artists must have good organizational skills, and be able to work with others under the pressure of constant deadlines. They must also have good communication skills and the ability to give and take constructive criticism.
Typical Tasks
Attend meetings with clients or supervisors to understand project's goals and objectives, target market, budget and schedule
Analyze project and develop initial concept ideas and sketches
Use a variety of materials to design product, including pens and computer program.
The typical day for a graphic artist will involve a lot of brainstorming, coming up with ideas, and meeting clients and design teams to discuss plans. Graphic artists also fine-tune designs, either on paper, with models, or on computer. They work indoors, with little opportunity to travel, unless to visit clients. They work with a number of people, from shoe store owners to other artists to big business executives.
Workplaces, Employers and Industries
Graphic artists work for magazines, advertising agencies, retailers, publishing companies, or are on staff with graphic design firms. Some are self-employed. They work in offices and studios, sometimes at home. They work with glue, paint, ink, and computers. Their hours are usually regular, unless they are working longer hours to meet a deadline.
Long Term Career Potential
Graphic artists can advance to supervisory roles, or open their own design firms. They can become animators, comic book artists, children's book illustrators, and visual artists, as well as train to use computer animation programs and get involved in computer animation, video game animation, and CD-ROM animation. They can also become textile artists, clothing designers, and layout designers.
Educational Paths
Graphic artists need a degree or diploma in graphic art, visual art, or commercial art as well as hands-on experience. Ask to volunteer in a graphic arts capacity with a school paper, local publication, or non-profit organization like a museum or a charity.
You will need to create a portfolio before you get into any program, so get creative! The school isn't looking for design work, necessarily, just proof that you are innovative and talented.
