Graphic Designers and Illustrators (NOC 5241)

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

Where They Find Work —    Top Occupational Areas Specialized design services 31% Information and cultural industries 14% Retail trade 14% Printing and related support activities 10% Advertising and related services 10% Computer systems design and related services 5% Miscellaneous manufacturing 4% 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.

Related Occupation(s) Photographers, Graphics Arts Technicians and Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts (NOC 522) Creative and Performing Artists (NOC 513)

Something to Think About To enhance your professional knowledge and broaden your opportunities, consider: Continually updating knowledge/skills Improving interpersonal skills (Human resources management) Learning business management (marketing, strategic planning) Learning how to market on a website (e-commerce) Learning how to build and maintain customer relations

Use the "Where They Find Work" graph to target your worksearch. It may be easier to get into industries with the most people in this field. Want to work in an industry that hires fewer workers in this field? To be more marketable, check out whether you have the most up-to-date knowledge and technology skills for that industry. Check the provincial/territorial or local information (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca) for opportunities in your area.