Graphic arts technicians
Career Overview
Graphic arts technicians help conceptualize projects; interpret design specifications or sketches; prepare page mock-ups, layouts and lettering; and prepare production materials for press, electronic or multimedia publishing.
People in this occupation:
- Work for publishing, communications, advertising, marketing, printing and multimedia establishments, and for television and film production companies
- May be self-employed
- Should be creative and enjoy careful, precise work
- Must possess organizational and communication skills
- Must be able to work to deadline
- Should have strong computer skills
Job Titles
Duties
Graphic arts technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Review the graphic designer’s instructions
- Produce or help with 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
- Do 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 environment that includes a variety of skill sets
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
2,885% Employed Full Time
60%Graphic arts technicians usually work 35–40 hours per week. However, they may have to adjust their work day to suit clients' schedules and deadlines, sometimes meeting with clients in the evening or on weekends.
Graphic arts technicians who work for manufacturing establishments, large corporations or design firms generally work in bright and comfortable settings. Self-employed graphic arts technicians may work from a home office and may travel to meet with clients.
Those who work with computers for extended periods of time are at risk of eye strain, back strain and wrist problems. Correct positioning when using computers for long periods will reduce these risks.
Career Pathways
Recent graduates may find work in a variety of design sectors, such as advertising agencies, communication design firms and newspapers.
Some entry-level graphic arts technicians choose self-employment.
With experience and training, workers in this group may progress to graphic designer positions. With further experience they may progress to management or senior positions such as senior designer, art director or creative director.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
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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 arts technicians generally need a college diploma in commercial or graphic arts, computer graphics, animated design or web design. Other requirements may include:
- Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution in programs that can be one to three years long a well-developed portfolio of work that allows clients and prospective employers to view the type and quality of their work
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Design (General)
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.
Talking to others to share information effectively.
Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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
2,885Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 0 | 0.0% |
| Kootenay | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 2,725 | 94.5% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 10 | 0.3% |
| Northeast | 0 | 0.0% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 50 | 1.7% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 90 | 3.1% |
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)
1,280Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | Not available | Not available |
| Kootenay | Not available | Not available |
| Mainland/Southwest | 1,200 | 2.0% |
| North Coast and Nechako | Not available | Not available |
| Northeast | Not available | Not available |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 30 | 3.0% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 50 | 1.0% |
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) |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture and Recreation | 710 |
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 510 |
| Retail Trade | 20 |
| Wholesale Trade | 10 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Resources
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Advertising and Design Club of Canadatheadcc.ca
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Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC)www.gdc.net
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The Magazine Association of BCmagsbc.com