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What They Do |
Graphic designers perform some or all of the following duties:
 | Supervise other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians. |
| Co-ordinate sub-contracting |
| Work in a multidisciplinary environment |
| 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. |
Illustrators 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 computer-assisted 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. |
| Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials in order to meet their needs |
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Where They Find Work — Top Occupational Areas |
| Specialized design services |
31.0% |
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| Information and cultural industries |
14.0% |
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| Printing and related support activities |
10.0% |
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| Advertising and related services |
10.0% |
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| Computer systems design and related services |
5.0% |
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| Miscellaneous manufacturing |
4.0% |
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| People in this group work for advertising and graphic design firms, multimedia production companies, and other organizations with communications or advertising departments. Graphic designers and illustrating artists may also may also work for the government or be self-employed. |
| The unionization rate (18%) is below the average (32%) for all occupations. |
| The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Graphic Designers and Illustrators are found in Ontario and British Columbia while the lowest concentrations are in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland. |
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