Description

Graphic arts technicians assist in conceptualizing a project, interpreting design specifications or sketches, preparing the page make-up, lay-out and lettering, and preparing production materials for press, electronic or multimedia publishing. They are employed by publishing, communications, advertising, marketing, printing and multimedia establishments, and by television and film production companies. They may also be self-employed.

Job Titles

• Animated cartoon technician
• Animation painter
• Computer graphics technician
• Graphics technician
• Multimedia graphic design technician

Main Duties

• Review the graphic designer’s instructions
• Produce or assist in developing and producing design concepts
• Capture elements such as titles, text, drawings, illustrations, graphics, lettering and colour harmonization, using a computer
• Produce computerized images and drawings
• Digitize images using peripherals and transform them using retouching systems, graphic palettes or specialized software
• Perform the layout, page make-up and placement using the conceptual mock-ups provided
• Produce proofs and camera-ready materials and prepare film and any other prepress materials
• Paint or ink individual cells of 2-D or 3-D animated drawings according to animator’s specifications using an electronic palette
• Lay out, draw or paint letters, figures, logos and designs for windows, advertisements, billboards, vehicles, books and publications using specialized software or painting equipment
• Work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Workplaces

• Advertising agencies
• Marketing and communications departments and firms
• Multimedia production companies
• Printing establishments
• Publishing firms
• Self-employed
• Television and film production companies

Work Environment

• Indoors, environmentally controlled

Physical Demands

• Sitting
• Making repetitive motions

Requirements

• A college diploma in commercial or graphic arts, computer graphics or animated design is required.
• Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution may be required.
• Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.

Skills

• Coordinating
• Critical Thinking
• Evaluation
• Learning and Teaching Strategies
• Management of Material Resources

Abilities

• Spatial Visualization
• Colour Perception
• Fluency of Ideas
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Categorization Flexibility

Personal Attributes

• Adaptability
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Creativity
• Social Orientation

Similar Occupations

• Correspondence, publication and regulatory clerks (14301)
• Graphic designers and illustrators (52120)
• Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations (94151)

Source: OaSIS