Graphic Arts Technicians
(NOC 5223)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportGraphic arts technicians help create project concepts, interpret design specifications or sketches, prepare the page make-up, lay-out and lettering, and prepare production materials for press, electronic or multimedia publishing. They work for publishing, communications, advertising, marketing, printing, and multimedia companies, and by television and film production companies. They may also be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Graphic Arts Technicians most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 55% 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 Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.73
Median$36.29
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Graphic arts technicians help create project concepts, interpret design specifications or sketches, prepare the page make-up, lay-out and lettering, and prepare production materials for press, electronic or multimedia publishing. They work for publishing, communications, advertising, marketing, printing, and multimedia companies, and by television and film production companies. They may also be self-employed.
Job duties
Graphic arts technicians:
- Review the graphic designer's instructions.
- Produce or help develop and produce design concepts.
- Capture elements like titles, text, drawings, illustrations, graphics, lettering, and colour harmonization, using a computer.
- Produce computerized images and drawings.
- Digitize images and transform them using retouching systems, graphic palettes, or specialized software.
- Complete 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
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 Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Retail trade
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$26,783 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ALess than high school
N/AApprenticeship
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students 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. They 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.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Design and Visual Communications
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus 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 prepare students in any of the applied art media.
Institutions providing this program
Game and Interactive Media Design
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the design, development, and programming of interactive media entertainment, including computer and video games, virtual environments, Internet applications, and other interactive media. They 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
Graphic Design
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. They 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
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
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