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Graphic Designers and Illustrators  (NOC 5241)
Bas-Saint-Laurent 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.

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

La Pocatière, Rimouski, Rivière-du-Loup, Amqui, Cabano, Causapscal, Matane, Mont-Joli, Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Pointe-au-Père, Trois-Pistoles, Le Bic

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Graphic Designers and Illustrators in Bas-Saint-Laurent 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 Bas-Saint-Laurent Region as well as in the rest of the Québec.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Bas-Saint-Laurent Region Good 2013-01-14

For the 2012-2014 period, job opportunities in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region are expected to be good for this occupation.

After declining in the early 2000s, the number of graphic designers and illustrators has risen in recent years in the Bas-Saint-Laurent. The numerous shutdowns in the printing and publishing industry led to a decline in employment in the early 2000s. In fact, most regional weeklies are now printed outside the region.

According to 2006 census data, graphic designers work primarily in professional, scientific and technical services (29%), printing (25%) and publishing (25%).

Continued positive growth is expected for the 2012-2014 forecast period as a result of employment gains in advertising agencies and design services firms. Few openings will arise from the need to replace retiring workers. There will be fewer openings than average since only 8% of graphic designers are aged 55 years or over.

Since unemployment is virtually non-existent in this occupation, the available labour pool is made up mostly of vocational and college program graduates.

Please consult the Québec and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.