A graphic artist is the professional behind all visual masterpeices that can be seen on television, internet, print, electronic media, magazines, movies, written material, and advertising or any other means that uses web or graphic designs. They also design, conceptualize and lay out graphical designs that are visible in most advertising mediums.
EDUCATION
Graduates of Design, Visual Arts, Computer Science, Computer Programming or Computer Engineering can be a Graphic Artist. A certificate in any computer software such as web designing, Adobe Photoshop, 2D and 3D animation are also a plus. Graduate short courses in graphic design or vocational courses can be useful to an aspiring graphic artist as well.
DUTIES
Graphic artists communicate and present ideas to their clients or managers about the project. They coordinate with the clients to discuss ad specifications, budget, schedules and the designs that would fit their needs and taste or other work orders as needed. Graphic artist conceptualize a design according to the demand of the client. They do the designing, coloring, lay out, and print design. Some graphic artist works with others, such as printers, programmers, developers or other technicians to complete the project, sometimes working directly with the client.
They are also responsible in modifying and revising projects, deadlines and staying within timelines. This requires excellent organizational skills and time management. Designers should be able to solve visual problems and challenges and they also have a unique job of taking the ideas from the client in a creative way that will capture the information that the client is trying to show. But the main duty of the designer is to present projects or information in a memorable way.
QUALIFICATIONS
To become a graphic artist you must have a wide knowledge in graphic design, web design, and computer software. Designers must have artistic sensibility, knowledge of design elements, artistic ability and creativity. You must also have problem solving skills and a knack for choosing the right fonts, colors, and lines while conveying meaning. Since a graphic artist job requires using design software such as Photoshop, animation, AutoCad, and other complex computer software, graphic artists must possess technical skills. Being able to create designs using these different computer applications is important to execute projects. Graphic artists need to be organized, must have time management skills and general business skills in order to meet deadlines and stay within the budget. You should also have the ability to make concepts and develop designs according to your client’s needs.
AVERAGE COMPENSATION
Salary and compensation for graphic artista varies. The job title “Senior Graphic Artist” means that you’ll be earning more. Educational can become a factor if you are working for a company but since graphic artists have the options to work as freelancers and can be self-employed, education level may not matter much. Though holding a degree doesn’t really matter, experience and insights are a big plus that will help you increase your value to employers or clients.*
*According to the BLS, http://www.bls.gov/oco/
