Graphic Arts Technicians
(NOC 5223)
in All Arts, Culture, Recreation and SportGraphic 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 Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Graphic Arts Technicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically temporary positions (such as a term, contract, or casual work). Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 59% of Graphic Arts Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $39,364. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$31,008
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$10.81
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 duties
Graphic arts technicians perform some or all of the following 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.
Sample job titles
- airbrush artist
- animation painter
- cartoon background artist
- graphics technician
- lettering artist
- multimedia graphic design technician
- photograph retoucher
- sign layout detailer
- silkscreen technician
- video game designer
Skills
To work in this field, a natural ability to draw and a good sense of creativity and imagination are beneficial. You should have an understanding of artistic principles and be able to visualize a finished piece of work from a sketch or brief description. Computer design and production skills are essential for the commercial jobs in this field. Self-discipline in meeting deadlines and a good business sense are also very important.
Job 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.
Other considerations
Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required. Progression to graphic designer positions is possible with experience or supplementary training.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information, Culture & Recreation
Other Industries
Computer System Design Services
Other Professional Services
Retail Trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$27,291 median annual incomeHigh school
$11,516 median annual incomeCompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor's degree
$19,705 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,127 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$20,158 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,298 median annual incomeMaster's degree
N/AEducation & training
Animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. These programs include courses in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.
Computer graphics
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the software, hardware, and mathematical tools used to represent, display, and manipulate topological two- and three-dimensional objects on a computer screen and that prepares individuals to function as computer graphics specialists. These programs include courses in graphics software and systems; digital multimedia; graphic design; graphics devices, processors, and standards; attributes and transformations; projections; surface identification and rendering; colour theory and application; and applicable geometry and algorithms.
Institutions providing this program
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
Design and visual communications - General
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program in the applied visual arts that focuses on the general principles and techniques for effectively communicating ideas and information, and packaging products, in digital and other formats to business and consumer audiences, and that prepares individuals in any of the applied art media.
Institutions providing this program
Digital arts, general
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class comprises any general, undifferentiated program that focuses on the use of computerized digital images as the primary medium of expression in the visual and performing arts, and that may prepare individuals for a wide variety of careers using new media, including graphic design, digital animation, motion graphics, 3D visualization, game and interactive media design, music and sound design, video production, web design, photography, and other fields.
Institutions providing this program
1577 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS B3J 1Z7
(902) 429-1847
Digital communication and media/multimedia
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the development, use, and regulation of new electronic communication technologies using computer applications and that prepares individuals to function as developers and managers of digital communications media. These programs include courses in the principles of computers and telecommunications technologies and processes; design and development of digital communications; marketing and distribution; digital communications regulation, law, and policy; the study of human interaction with, and use of, digital media; and emerging trends and issues.
Game and interactive media design
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the design, development, and programming of interactive media entertainment, including computer and video games, virtual environments, Internet applications, and other interactive media. These programs include courses in theory of games, turn-based games, real-time games, visual and interactive design, story development, animation, simulation, and programming.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
Graphic design
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. These programs include courses in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, colour theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modelling, communication skills and commercial art business operations.
Institutions providing this program
222 George Street, Suite C
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
(866) 446-5898
1577 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS B3J 1Z7
(902) 429-1847
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Web page, digital/multimedia and information resources design
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply HTML, XML, Javascript, graphics applications, and other authoring tools to the design, editing, and publishing (launching) of documents, images, graphics, sound, and multimedia products on the World Wide Web. These programs include courses in Internet theory; web page standards and policies; elements of web page design; user interfaces; vector tools; special effects; interactive and multimedia components; search engines; navigation; morphing; e-commerce tools; and emerging web technologies.
Institutions providing this program
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 455-3395
222 George Street, Suite C
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
(866) 446-5898
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
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