Graphic design

The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.

graphic designing
visual design
graphic designs

knowledge

cross-sector

Graphic design is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Gambling, betting, and lottery games designer: Gambling, betting, and lottery games designers design innovative gambling, betting and lottery games. They determine the design, gaming rules or structure of a game. Gambling, betting, and lottery games designers may also demonstrate the game to individuals.
Illustrator: Illustrators provide a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text or idea. Illustrations can help clarify difficult concepts or objects that are hard to describe textually. Illustrators can work for books, magazines, journals, comic books and other publications.
Imagesetter: Imagesetters process images and graphic templates by using phototypesetting machines. They optimise the templates for the best possible result by determining the right arrangement of text and image on the print sheet. The product is then set onto photo paper or film.
Animation director: Animation directors supervise and recruit multimedia artists. They are responsible for the quality of the animation, that the production is delivered on time and within budget.
Animator: Animators use software to create animations, these are rapidly sequenced together images to create an illusion of movement.
Computer-aided design operator: Computer-aided design operators use computer hardware and software in order to add the technical dimensions to computer aided design drawings. Computer-aided design operators ensure all additional aspects of the created images of products are accurate and realistic. They also calculate the amount of materials needed to manufacture the products. Later the finalised digital design is processed by computer-aided manufacturing machines that produce the finished product.
Graphic designer: Graphic designers create text and images to communicate ideas. They make visual concepts by hand or using computer software, intended for publishing in paper or online media such as advertisements, websites, and magazines.
Picture editor: Picture editors select and approve photographs and illustrations for newspapers, journals and magazines. Picture editors make sure that the photographs are delivered on time for publication.
Desktop publisher: Desktop publishers are responsible for the layout of publications. They use computer software to arrange texts, photographs and other materials in a pleasing and readable finished product.
Miniature set designer: Miniature set designers design and build miniature props and sets of motion pictures. They build models used for visual effects that meet the look and requirements of the production Miniature set designers cut material using hand tools to construct three-dimensional props and sets.
Animation layout artist: Animation layout artists work with the cameramen and director to coordinate and create optimal 3D animation shots. They translate 2D storyboards into 3D animated shots and are responsible for camera angles, frames and lighting of animation scenes. Animation layout artists decide which action takes place in which animation scene.
Sign maker: Sign makers design and develop signs for a variety of uses such as flyers, traffic signs, billboards and business signs. They use different materials and techniques and if necessary they install the sign on site. Furthermore they also perform maintenance and repairs.
Video and motion picture editor: Video and motion picture editors are responsible for the assembly and cutting of raw footage into a logically and aesthetically either for movies, television series, or domestic purposes. They reorganize scenes that have been shot and decide which special effects are needed. Video and motion picture editors work closely together with sound editors and music directors.
Storyboard artist: Storyboard artists draw out the scenes of a motion picture or television series according to the script in order to see what will be possible during production. They work together with the producer and video and motion picture director.
Typesetter: Typesetters ensure that printed text is correctly set and visually pleasing. While typesetting was originally done manually and later employed techniques like linotype and phototypesetting, almost all typesetting is now done digitally using design programs or specialised typesetting programs.
Special effects artist: Special effects artists create illusions for movies, videos and computer games. They use computer software.
Creative director: Creative directors manage the team that is responsible for the creation of advertisements and commercials. They oversee the whole creation process. Creative directors pitch the designs of their team to the client.
Cartoonist: Cartoonists draw people, objects, events, etc. in a comical or derogatory way. They exaggerate physical features and personality traits. Cartoonists also portray political, economic, cultural ans social events in a humoristic way.

Graphic design is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Chief marketing officer: Chief marketing officers manage the high level marketing operations in a company. They coordinate all the efforts related to the marketing, promotional, and advertising activities across units or geographical areas. They make sure that different activities aimed at creating awareness of products are profitable for the company. They take decisions and prepare reports on marketing projects and the costs they entail.
Promotion assistant: Promotion assistants provide support in the implementation of programs and promotional efforts in points-of-sale. They research and administer all the information required by managers to decide whether promotional programs are required. If so, they support in getting of materials and resources for the promotional action.
Newspaper editor: Newspaper editors decide which news stories are interesting enough and will be covered in the paper. They assign journalists to each item. Newspaper editors determine the length of each news article and where it will be featured in the newspaper. They also ensure that publications are finished on time for publishing.
Print studio supervisor: Print production supervisors organise the activity of one or more teams of machine operators in printing, binding of books and finishing of printed materials. They aim to optimise production processes.
Advertising manager: Advertising managers perform the implementation of the advertising initiatives planned in the strategic marketing plan. They organise and prepare the resources needed to launch advertising campaigns and operations in advertising agencies. They prepare and align the communication channels, negotiate contracts, and ensure that operations adhere to budgets.
Fine arts instructor: Fine arts instructors educate students in specific theory and, primarily, practice-based fine arts courses at a specialised fine arts school or conservatory at a higher education level, including drawing, painting and sculpturing. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master in the fine arts. Fine arts instructors monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the fine arts through, often practical, assignments, tests and examinations.
Prepress technician: Prepress technicians prepare printing processes by formatting, setting and composing text and graphics into a suitable form. This includes the capture of text and image and processing it electronically. They also prepare, maintain and troubleshoot printing presses.
Secondary school teacher: Secondary school teachers provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually specialist subject teachers, who instruct in their own field of study. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary and evaluate their knowledge and performance through assignments, tests and examinations.
Manufacturing manager: Manufacturing managers plan, oversee and direct the manufacturing process in an organisation. They ensure products and services are efficiently produced within the timeframe and budget given.
Art studies lecturer: Art studies lecturers are subject professors, teachers, or lecturers who instruct students who have obtained an upper secondary education diploma in their own specialised field of study, art studies, which is predominantly academic in nature. They work with their university research assistants and university teaching assistants for the preparation of lectures and of exams, grading papers and exams and leading review and feedback sessions for the students. They also conduct academic research in their field of arts studies, publish their findings and liaise with other university colleagues.
Public relations manager: Public relations managers strive to convey and maintain a desired image or reputation of a company, individual, governmental institution, or organisation in general to the public and stakeholders at large. They use all sorts of media and events to promote the positive image of products, humanitarian causes or organisations. They attempt to ensure that all public communications portray clients the way they want to be perceived.
Visual arts teacher: Visual arts teachers instruct students in various styles of visual arts, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, in a recreational context. They provide students with an overview of art history, but primarily utilise a practice-based approach in their courses, in which they assist students to experiment with and master different artistic techniques, and encourage them to develop their own style.
Art teacher secondary school: Art teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, art. They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of art through assignments, tests and examinations.
Design and applied arts vocational teacher: Design and applied arts vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, applied arts and crafts, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for an applied arts and crafts profession, such as graphic designer or interior designer. Design and applied arts vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of applied arts and crafts through assignments, tests and examinations.
Broadcast news editor: Broadcast news editors decide which news stories will be covered during the news. They assign journalists to each item. Broadcast news editors also determine the length of coverage for each news item and where it will be featured during the broadcast.
Service manager: Service managers are responsible for the supervision and coordination of the provision of different professional and technical services to customers. They ensure a smooth interaction with clients and high levels of satisfaction post-service. This occupation includes the provision of policing, correctional, library, legal and fire services.
Art director: Art directors shape the visual layout of a concept. They create innovative designs, develop artistic projects  and manage the cooperation between all aspects involved. Art directors may perform creative work in theatre, marketing, advertising, video and motion picture, fashion or online companies. They ensure that the work performed is visually appealing to audiences.
Editor-in-chief: Editors-in-chief oversee the production of news stories for newspapers, magazines, journals and other media. They manage the day-to-day operations of a publication and make sure it is ready on time.
Advertising specialist: Advertising specialists provide advice to companies and organisations about the development of their advertising strategies and on advertising-related topics covering a more general strategic approach. They combine knowledge of marketing, budgets, and psychology with a creative mind to develop advertising campaigns. They propose alternatives to clients that promote their organisations, products, or projects.
Book publisher: Book publishers are responsible for the selection of new materials. They decide which manuscripts, that the book editor has provided, are being published. Book publishers oversee the production, marketing and distribution of these texts.
Special-interest groups’ official: Special-interest groups’ officials represent and act on behalf of special-interest groups such as trade unions, employer organisations, trade and industry associations, sports associations and humanitarian organisations. They develop policies and ensure their implementation. Special-interest groups’ officials speak for their members in negotiations about topics such as working conditions and safety.
Magazine editor: Magazine editors decide which stories are interesting enough and will be covered in the magazine. They assign journalists to each item. Magazine editors determine the length of each article and where it will be featured in the magazine. They also ensure that publications are finished on time for publishing.

References

1. Graphic design – ESCO