Graphic Design Technology

What is graphic design? 

Graphic design offers a wide variety of career options as the skills involved are highly transferable. These professionals are responsible for enhancing the visual impact of reports, publications, advertising, commercials, videos, posters and digital media. Working on computers with specialized software programs, they use images, print styles and visual effects to communicate their message clearly and persuasively. Specific examples of the work done by desktop publishers range from designing corporate logos and letterhead, to creating store counter displays, banners and posters, to designing titles, credits and graphics for film and television. 

In graphic designing you work closely and extensively with your clients to create a product that is both visually appealing and able to fulfill the clients’ requirements. From estimating the cost of materials and time needed to complete the project to determining the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect, the ability to listen to and understand your clients’ vision is essential to your success. 

Graphic designers perform some or all of the following duties: 

HOW TO JOIN THIS FIELD

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.

Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required for graphic designers and illustrators.

INDIGENOUS AND REMOTE CONSIDERATIONS

Visual arts are highly valued in many Canadian Indigenous communities and most communities have skilled artists and designers in multiple mediums. There may be less existing knowledge and experience adapting designs to digital or graphic forms. With the lack of opportunities to learn about digital technologies, Indigenous and remote students may need qualifying courses or need to augment college learning to be successful in this field.

Although with significant improvements currently underway to internet connections in Indigenous and remote communities, careers in this field become more viable and are likely to become more so in years to come.

DISABILITY CONSIDERATIONS

Since this job may require sitting at a computer for long periods of time, people with visual disabilities may find it challenging. They may require specialized screens. Also, as it may require sitting for long periods of time, people with certain physical disabilities may struggle as well. Accommodations such as standing desks may make the work more comfortable and ergonomic. However, the fact that this work is digital in nature, may make it attractive to people with mobility disabilities, as they may be able to preform most of the work duties from the comfort of their home. People with learning disabilities may require extra support in post secondary as well as on the job to ensure their success.

Graphic Design Technology and the Skills for Success Program

The key Skills for Success for this career path are:

• Reading
• Digital
• Creativity & Innovation 

Graphic Designers