What do Graphic Artists do?

A Graphic Artist would typically need to:

• Combine artistic and design talents with technology to create aesthetically appealing artwork that conveys emotions and tales to the viewers.
• Use abstract or new artistic techniques in a variety of traditional and digital formats to achieve sales and marketing goals.
• Meet with clients to discuss acceptable project designs and to grasp their individual needs and expectations.
• Layouts, iconography, package designs, website designs, logos, and illustrations for publications, billboards, restaurant menus, and product packaging are all possible.
• Select a stylish structure, text, graphics, colours, font, size, and type; combine all aspects to create an aesthetically acceptable design.
• Create rough draughts and sketches of the accepted concepts, either by hand or by computer.
• Send the rough draught or sketch to their art director or customer for additional discussion and editing.
• Participate in a collaborative design modification and approval process until the final design is approved.
• Collaborate with experts in public relations, advertising, promotions, and marketing.
• Make a note of any adjustments requested by the client and put them into action. Before it is published, they should double-check their work for errors.

Standard Work Environment

Graphic artists usually work in a large studio with computers and drafting desks. The art supplies and media they employ are dictated by the type of art they create.

Travel may be required to meet with clients and generate new business. Although Graphic Artists typically operate independently, they meet with clients and contact specialists in public relations, advertising, promotions, and marketing on a regular basis.

Work Schedule

The number of projects you’re working on and the deadlines you’re juggling will influence how many hours you’ll need to put in at any given time. Most Graphic Artists, however, spend more than 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends, to meet the needs of their clients.

Self-employed professionals must devote additional time to searching for and applying for new employment, networking with clients, and expanding their client base.

According to research, the younger generation values flexible hours and favorable telework regulations more than money. Employers are more prepared to give talented employees the opportunity to adapt their schedules to meet employment needs.

Employers

Finding a new job may appear difficult. Graphic artists can improve their job search by soliciting referrals from their network, contacting firms directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment is a common alternative.

Graphic Artists are generally employed by:

• Advertising Agencies
• Public Relations Companies
• Graphic Design Companies
• Corporate Communications Departments
• Publishers
• Manufacturing Firms

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional organizations and groups, such as The International Council Of Design (ICOD), are essential for Graphic Artists who want to further their professional growth or interact with other professionals in their sector or employment.

Professional associations offer members chances for ongoing education, networking, and mentorship. Membership in one or more of these organizations adds value to your CV while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• Intense competition leads to irregular income, if self-employed
• Health issues resulting from long hours spent at the computer or over the drawing board
• Stress due to tight and simultaneous deadlines
• Long working hours might negatively impact health and work-life balance

Suggested Work Experience

Graphic artists will profit from extracurricular activities that complement instruction on digital animation and illustration tools.

Many anecdotes can be heard and significant hands-on experience can be gained from more experienced individuals who can turn seemingly ordinary occurrences into unique learning opportunities.

Summer internships, part-time entry-level work, or short-term paid/volunteer work provide a taste of the work, vital insight into how a firm functions, assist create useful relationships, and boost one’s chances of landing a permanent job.

Look for any opportunity to expand your knowledge of print, electronic, and graphic media. You could obtain real-world experience communicating with clients and arranging projects based on their specifications.

In addition to developing organizational, communication, interpersonal, time management, and planning skills, the experience may assist a prospective Graphic Artist in determining if the public, private, or voluntary sectors are most suited to achieving one’s goals.

The career services department at your educational provider can provide information on feasible job placements, internships, and volunteer opportunities in a variety of industries.

To attract potential companies or freelance clients, build a strong portfolio that showcases your style and skills. Online training and specialization programmes can assist you in developing a diverse portfolio of work that showcases your talent.

To demonstrate your devotion to course providers and future employers, read about the profession and interview or job shadow experienced Graphic Artists.

Recommended Qualifications

As a self-taught Graphic Artist, you can succeed. Most candidates, however, opt to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited learning institution in graphic art, graphic design, interactive computer graphics, transmedia narrative, fine arts, or painting.

Students with a four-year degree in a different area can also pursue a career as Graphic Artists if they receive the necessary technical training. A certified certificate in graphic design software will also help you.

It is usual for people to specialize in fields such as design, illustration, or photography. Classes in animation, video graphics, digital arts, drawing, and game and interactive media design would be great.

Art, commercial art, computer applications, desktop publishing, drawing and painting, graphic arts and printing, and web page design are all recommended high school courses.

Because self-employment is widespread among Graphic Artists, classes in accounting, entrepreneurship, and business basics can prepare you to manage your own firm someday.

It is important to remember that completion of a certain academic program does not ensure admittance into the profession. Professional qualifications and transferrable skills, on the other hand, may open more than one door.

Before enrolling in a specific programme, do your homework and investigate all available possibilities for education and career. Associations and employers in your field are reliable sources that can help you make an informed selection.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

A Graphic Artist’s proficiency in a skill set is demonstrated through job experience, training, and passing a test. By including a Code of Ethics, successful certification programmes defend the public welfare.

Certification from an impartial and reputable institution in web design, digital design, visual communication, interior design, medical illustration, Adobe Creative Suite, and marketing can help you stand out in a competitive employment market and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Projected Career Map

Graphic Artists may be promoted to Chief Designer, Design Manager, or Creative Director positions based on exceptional performance, extensive experience, and timely attainment of professional qualifications.

Self-employment is a possibility at any stage of one’s career. As you gain popularity, you will attract the attention of graphic designers and art directors who are interested in your style and area of expertise. You can now demand more from your customers.

A growing number of millennials are opting to job hop and build a scattershot resume that demonstrates ambition, enthusiasm, and a willingness to master a wide range of skills in order to expedite their career progress and personal development.

Studies show that job hopping, which was formerly considered a “flaky” activity, might lead to increased work satisfaction. Employees seeking a great culture and fascinating work are eager to try out different roles and workplaces in order to obtain vital, transferable skills.

Job Prospects

Graphic Artists with artistic abilities, mastery of relevant software programmes, and communication and time management skills have the highest job possibilities.

Beneficial Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) will assist an active Graphic Artist in developing personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

Graphic arts is a highly competitive field. Graphic artists who engage in additional education and training have a better chance of retaining a firm foothold in the business.

More jobs will come your way if you demonstrate that you have a strategically developed skill set and the capacity to work in a variety of mediums, such as print periodicals and the Internet.

Graphic artists who spend their formative years working and aggressively selling themselves will reap the benefits later when they can afford to spend more time creating art and less time on self-promotion.

Conclusion

Graphic Artists can obtain enormous job satisfaction from enabling an idea or story such that its visual picture fascinates the intended audience, thanks to their boundless potential for abstract thought and the absence of limiting limitations.

Advice from the Wise

“There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.”