Graphic Arts Technicians

(NOC 5223)

in All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport

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 Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate openings due to growth and retirements not available for this occupation.
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport

Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 735 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2016

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

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

$31,008

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport

Hourly Pay

$10.81

Minimum

$16.00

Median

$31.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$945

Minimum

$11,712

Median

$60,447

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

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

82.4%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

42.1%

57.9%

39.8

median age

Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport

11,000

employed in 2016

59.4%

employed full-time

33.3%

self employed

55.6%

44.4%

38.2

median age

Where will I likely work?

63.2%

Halifax

15.8%

Northern

10.5%

Cape Breton

10.5%

Annapolis Valley

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

Northern

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

35.7%

Information, Culture & Recreation

21.4%

Other Industries

14.3%

Retail Trade

14.3%

Computer System Design Services

14.3%

Other Professional Services

What is the age of Employment?

100.0%

45-54

Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport

43.8%

35-44

35.4%

45-54

12.5%

25-34

8.3%

55-64

4.2%

65+

Top levels of education

52.9%

College certificate or diploma

$27,291 median annual income

29.4%

High school

$11,516 median annual income

Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport

27.5%

Bachelor's degree

$19,705 median annual income

26.2%

High school

$7,127 median annual income

20.3%

College certificate or diploma

$20,158 median annual income

10.2%

Less than high school

$2,298 median annual income

8.0%

Master's degree

N/A

Education & training

Animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects

This program is typically offered at the college or university level.

This instructional program class includes 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.

There are no schools in Nova Scotia offering this program.

Computer graphics

This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.

This instructional program class includes 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

Nova Scotia Community College - Truro Campus

36 Arthur Street

Truro, NS B2N 1X5

(902) 893-5385

Graphic Arts Technicians

(NOC 5223)

Job Outlook

Hourly Pay

N/A

N/A

N/A

Annual Pay

N/A

$31,008

N/A

Hourly Pay

$10.81

$16.00

$31.00

Annual Pay

$945

$11,712

$60,447

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Sample job titles

Skills

Job requirements

Other considerations

By the numbers

Quick look

Where will I likely work?

Top Industries of Employment

What is the age of Employment?

Top levels of education

Education & training

Animation, interactive technology, video graphics and special effects

Computer graphics

Design and visual communications - General

Digital arts, general

Digital communication and media/multimedia

Game and interactive media design

Graphic design

Web page, digital/multimedia and information resources design

Employment requirements & contacts

Contacts

Additional resources

Related jobs

Job postings