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Graphic Designers and Illustrators  (NOC 5241)
Hamilton--Niagara Peninsula 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

Brantford, Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, Stoney Creek, Thorold, Welland, Dundas, Dunnville, Fort Erie, Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Simcoe, Bay Beach, Beamsville, Carlisle, Crescent Beach, Crescent Park, Crystal Beach, Delhi, Flamboro, Fort Erie Beach, Fort Erie North, Mississauga Beach, Mulgrave, Oakhill Forest, Old Fort Erie, Point Abino, Port Dover, Ridgeway, Ridgewood, Rose Hill Estates, Shand's Corner, Thunder Bay, Waterford, Wavecrest, Waverly Beach, Woodhouse Acres

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Graphic Designers and Illustrators in Hamilton--Niagara Peninsula Region

Education and job requirements can vary by region. Workers in regulated occupations require a licence to work legally. Workers in non-regulated occupations do not require a licence, but employers may have other certification requirements.

Skills Requirements

There are often specific abilities, aptitudes and knowledge that are prerequisites to obtain employment in an occupation.

Most employers who advertise are looking for workers who have the following experience and skills:

Experience:
1-2 years

Specific Skills:
Produce final designs or illustrations. Prepare specifications for design. Consult with clients to establish nature and context of designs and illustrations for reproduction.

Business Equipment and Computer Applications:
Photoshop and Illustrator.

Additional Skills:
Estimate costs of materials and time to complete graphic designs and illustrations.

Essential Skills:
Oral communication, working with others, computer use, problem solving, job task planning and organizing, writing, reading text, document use, finding information, critical thinking, decision making and continuous learning.

List of Associations

AssociationsLink opens in a new window are organizations that may provide news to its members about networking events, professional development and other common issues for people working in the same industry.

CanLearn Searches

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[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]

Local Training

The following links provide information on Ontario universities and colleges that offer graphic design, fine arts and other programs that may be relevant to this occupation:
http://www.electronicinfo.ca/
http://www.ontariocolleges.ca/

Private career colleges in Ontario may also have programs related to this occupation. More information can be found on the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Web site at http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/ when searched under `Ontario Private Career College Search Service'.

[ Report Publication Date: 2011-11-01 | Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

Getting your language skills assessed

If you do not know what your English or French language level is, visit one of the Language Assessment Centres across Canada. They will assess your language level and direct you to the appropriate language training program.

Please consult the Ontario and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.