Graphic Designers

HOW TO GET THERE

Typical pathway

A common pathway starts in secondary school with art, communications, computer, and media-related courses, plus a strong portfolio of schoolwork, posters, layouts, and digital designs. Many students then take college or university studies in graphic design, visual arts, multimedia, or a related field, while others build skills through self-study and practice. Early experience often comes from co-op, internships, freelance projects, school publications, or entry-level design jobs. Employers may look for strong software skills, creativity, typography, and a portfolio. Requirements can vary by employer, province, and the type of design work.

THE WORK

What you may do

Legacy duties

• Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials in order to meet their needs
• Determine the medium best suited to produce the 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.

SKILLS TO BUILD

Skills used in this Career