Overview
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.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Graphic designers
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
Coordinate sub-contracting
Work in a multidisciplinary environment
Supervise other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians.
Illustrators
Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs
Develop and produce realistic or representational sketches and final illustrations, by hand or using computer-assisted design (CAD) software, for printed materials such as books, magazines, packaging, greeting cards and stationery
Assist in developing storyboards for electronic productions such as multimedia, interactive and digital products and television advertising and productions
Produce 2-D and 3-D animated drawings or computer illustrations
May adapt existing illustrations.
Illustrators may specialize in a particular field such as illustrations for children, advertising, editorials, humour, or medical, scientific or technical illustration, or multimedia design.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$43,109
$65,175
$116,794
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
2,828expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A university degree in visual arts with specialization in graphic design, commercial art, graphic communications or cartooning or completion of a college diploma program in graphic arts is required.
Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution may be required.
In addition to the arts, training in biology, engineering, architecture or a scientific field is usually required for medical, technical and scientific illustrators.
Additional information
Progression to management or senior design positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Graphic designers and illustrators in B.C.
- Certification by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD)
- Certification by the Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan)
Certification by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD)
To work as a graphic designer or illustrator in B.C., you may choose to be certified by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD). Eligibility is achieved through a combination of education and work experience.
Certification by the Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan)
To work as a graphic designer or illustrator in B.C., you may choose to be certified by the Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan). Eligibility is achieved through a combination of education, work experience, and work examples.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.