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Graphic Designers and Illustrators  (NOC 5241)
Winnipeg Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Graphic designers conceptualize and produce graphic art and visual materials to effectively communicate information for publications, advertising, films, packaging, posters, signs and interactive media such as Web sites and CD-ROMs. They are employed by advertising and graphic design firms, by establishments with advertising or communications departments and by multimedia production companies, or they may be self-employed. Graphic designers who are also supervisors, project managers or consultants are included in this unit group. Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations to represent information through images. They are almost solely self-employed.

advertising designer, animator – animated films, cartoonist, commercial artist, cybergraphic designer, graphic artist, graphic designer, graphic designer – multimedia, graphic designer – multimedia, interactive or new media, illustrator, layout designer, medical illustrator, multimedia illustrator, scientific illustrator.

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Graphic designers perform some or all of the following 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.
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.

Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Outlook & Prospects for Graphic Designers and Illustrators in Winnipeg Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Graphic Designers and Illustrators in Winnipeg Region as well as in the rest of the Manitoba.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Winnipeg Region Good 2012-07-17

Employment prospects for graphic designers and illustrators are good. The downturn in the Canadian economy has negatively affected the media publishing sector which relies on advertising revenue. Graphic design is tied to the advertising industry so the demand for graphic designers could be affected. This occupation is vulnerable to changing business conditions. There is keen competition for available positions.

Web site development on the Internet has resulted in an increase in demand for the work of graphic designers in recent years. It is likely to continue to grow.

Commercial art/photography specialization enhances employment prospects. Computer graphics skills are important. Graphic designers need Quark xPress and InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator or comparable skills when applying for work as a agency designer or art director. Good written and verbal communication skills are also necesary.

More graphic artists are turning to freelance and contract work making self-marketing skills an asset.

Animators - Animation is one field where there are few employment opportunities in Winnipeg. The majority of animation jobs are in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, with Ottawa and Halifax being secondary.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Manitoba and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.