Graphic Artist

Job overview
Graphic art is the expression and presentation of concepts in visible form, with emphasis on colour, line, material and texture.

What do people do in this job?
Graphic artists are principally concerned with drawing, painting, print-making and, by extension, sculpture.

Print-making makes it possible to reproduce the same image over and over again. Sculpture is a three-dimensional art form involving the use of materials such as stone, wood, metal, clay and plastics.

Careers open to artists include:

• Animator, using a series of drawings photographed so as to give the impression of movement when run through a projector.
• Cartoonist, presenting humorous insights into people or events which will appear in newspapers and magazines.
• Colour consultant, working with architects, interior decorators and home owners and giving expert advice on the variation and effect of colours and shades.
• Display artist, whose work is seen in shops, museums and international shows where skill is required to display merchandise or items as attractively as possible. A display artist must be able to conceptualise, draw, design and paint models which may be made of wood, cardboard and other material.

Opportunities for graphic artists occur in advertising agencies, the film, television and print media industries, theatres, art schools, museums, and art shops.

Opportunities for self employment
Artists can work as consultants on a freelance basis, give art classes or open their own art studios.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Artists must have an awareness of their environment and be able to express this visually and effectively by means of their sense of colour, line and design.

At the same time they need to be practical and innovative.

What qualifications are needed?
Formal training for people with an aptitude for art is normally available at art colleges and polytechnics.