Overview
Outlook
Data
Training
Description
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 CDs. 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.
Job Titles
- 2D animation artist
- 2D animator
- 3D modeler
- Advertising designer
- Animated cartoon artist
- Cartoon film artist
- Cell animator
- Multimedia designer
- Package designer
Main 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
- Coordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials, such as Web sites, CDs and interactive terminals
Workplaces
- Advertising firms
- Establishments with advertising or communications departments
- Graphic design firms
- Multimedia production companies
- Self-employed
Skills
- Coordinating
- Critical Thinking
- Decision Making
- Digital Literacy
- Equipment and Tool Selection
Abilities
- Colour Perception
- Fluency of Ideas
- Near Vision
- Spatial Visualization
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
Personal Attributes
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Attention to Detail
- Collaboration
- Independence
Similar Occupations
- Painters, sculptors and other visual artists (53122)
- Graphic arts technicians (52111)
- Interior designers and interior decorators (52121)
- Advertising managers (10022.01)
Source: OaSIS
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook will be moderate for Graphic designers and illustrators (52120) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
- Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
- A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
- There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about Graphic designers and illustrators in Prince Edward Island:
- Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
- Graphic designers and illustrators mainly work in the following sectors:
- Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 26%
- Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 13%
- Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 12%
- Other manufacturing (NAICS 313-316, 323-324, 326-327, 331, 334-335, 337, 339): 10%
- Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 9%
- The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
- Full-time workers: 88% compared to 84% for all occupations
- Part-time workers: 12% compared to 16% for all occupations
- 74% of graphic designers and illustrators work all year, while 26% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
- 30% of graphic designers and illustrators are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
- The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
- Men: 56% compared to 51% for all occupations
- Women: 43% compared to 49% for all occupations
- The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
- no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
- high school diploma or equivalent: 15% compared to 28% for all occupations
- apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
- college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 49% compared to 25% for all occupations
- bachelor’s degree: 21% compared to 17% for all occupations
- university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 11% compared to 8% for all occupations
Source: Job Bank
Prevailing Wages
| AREA | LOW | MEDIAN | HIGH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEI | $18.75 | $24.52 | $33.33 |
| Canada | $19.23 | $29.60 | $46.63 |
Training
| TRAINING PROGRAM | INSTITUTION | CREDENTIAL |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design | Holland College | Diploma |
| Video Game Art and Animation | Holland College | Diploma |
More Info
View the full occupational profile with details on work characteristics, interests, employment requirements and more on the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS) website.
Related Jobs
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