Graphic designers and illustrators
Career Overview
Graphic designers and illustrators create and produce images to communicate information. They structure and organize visuals to represent information through images.
Graphic designers may work in a range of areas including web and digital design, motion design, advertising, branding and marketing. Illustrators may specialize in children’s books, advertising, editorials and humour, medical, scientific and technical illustration, as well as multimedia and digital design.
Job Titles
Duties
Graphic designers:
- Work with clients to set the overall look, graphic elements and visual content of communications materials
- Research and provide clients with ideas, best practices and concepts
- Identify the most effective medium to produce the desired visual effect using the best method of communication
- Develop graphic elements that meet communication or project objectives
- Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software
- Estimate the cost of materials and time to complete the project
- Use existing photo/illustration banks and typography guides, or hire an illustrator or photographer to produce images that meet project needs
- Establish guidelines for illustrators or photographers
- Co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials, such as websites, social media and other digital media
- Co-ordinate sub-contractors
- Work in a multidisciplinary environment
- May supervise other graphic designers and creative professionals
Illustrators:
- Work with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations to meet project 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 or for online/digital distribution
- Help develop storyboards for electronic productions, such as multimedia, interactive and digital products, and television advertising/productions
- Produce 2D and 3D animated drawings or computer illustrations
- May adapt existing illustrations
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
15,095% Employed Full Time
53%Graphic designers and illustrators work in many settings and on a range of projects – both long-term and short-term. They work in studios, offices or from home. Work hours tend to be Monday to Friday; however, some deadlines require overtime or working on a weekend/holiday.
People in these careers work for advertising and graphic design firms, large organizations with marketing and communications departments and digital production companies.
Many graphic designers and illustrators operate their own businesses. Some may work alone. Others may work for an agency of hundreds of designers working in multiple offices around the world.
People in these careers often work with public relations professionals on community engagement, issues and crisis communications. Visual elements – both online and printed – play a key role in making sure that information is clearly and effectively communicated to stakeholders.
Graphic designers and illustrators spend a significant amount of time, on computers at desks, doing work that requires intense concentration and hand-eye co-ordination. They may experience eye and wrist strain. Often, they face tight timelines, challenging projects or clients and stressful situations.
Career Pathways
Recent graduates can find junior positions in advertising and marketing agencies, graphic design studios, communication design firms, magazines, newspapers and in-house corporate teams.
Many entry-level graphic designers and illustrators choose self-employment as an option, building their client base straight out of school.
With experience and further education, individuals may progress to management or senior positions, such as senior designer, art director or creative director.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
Graphic designers and illustrators typically require a university degree in visual arts, with a specialization or completion of a college diploma in graphic design, or equivalent.
Other professional requirements may include:
- Creative ability and artistic talent
- Certification by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) or the Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan)
- Training in biology, engineering, architecture or a scientific field for those interested in medical, technical or scientific illustration
- A well-developed portfolio so clients and employers can see their demonstrated skills
RGD Certification requires applicants to have a combination of seven years of relevant education and professional work experience. Applicants must take a test that is online, open book and multiple choice. A portfolio presentation is also required.
The CDP Certification through DesCan requires applicants to have a minimum of six years of combined education and professional practice experience. Applicants will be asked to submit five case studies of their work which will be reviewed by the National Certification Board review panel.
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Animation, Commercial Art & Illustration
- Design (General)
- Visual Arts
- Pre-press/Desktop Publishing/Digital Imaging Design
- Integrated/Multimedia
- Graphic Design
- Web Technologies
- Communication Design
Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
15,095Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 95 | 0.6% |
| Kootenay | 190 | 1.3% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 12,190 | 80.8% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 45 | 0.3% |
| Northeast | 40 | 0.3% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 780 | 5.2% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 1,740 | 11.5% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
6,600Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 30 | -0.4% |
| Kootenay | 40 | 1.5% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 5,570 | 1.9% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 0 | -4.9% |
| Northeast | 10 | 0.2% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 270 | 1.9% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 690 | 1.2% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 3,490 |
| Information, Culture and Recreation | 1,980 |
| Retail Trade | 310 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
| Educational Services | 120 |
Insights from Industry
Work for graphic designers and illustrators is affected when the economy slows down. However, demand in some areas remains stable. It’s helpful to know the creative industry. Research online, talk to professionals in the business and understand where you fit into this industry.
Individuals starting their careers may wish to join a professional organization like RGD, DesCan or the Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC). Access to workshops, peer mentoring and employment-related networking are important.
In a challenging employment field, individuals with more extensive education from credible organizations have a much greater chance of being hired.
Historically, job opportunities in design and illustration were concentrated in urban centres, but more opportunities for remote work are now available.
Many organizations, including banks and insurance companies, retailers and municipalities, now employ large numbers of graphic designers to implement and complete design projects in-house. Also, areas of specialization that are of particular interest right now are accessible design, sustainable practices, user experience (UX) design and 3D illustration.
Resources
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Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD)www.rgd.ca
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Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan)descan.ca/the-society
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Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan) – Job Boarddescan.ca/job-board
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The Canadian Association of Professional Image Creatorswww.capic.org
Career Videos
Watch the video below to see what a graphic designer does in a day.
Watch the video below to see what a graphic designer does in a day.
