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Job Definition
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Interests
Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Knowledge
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Skills
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Active Listening - 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.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Tasks
Prepare notes and instructions for workers who assemble and prepare final layouts for printing.
Develop negatives and prints to produce layout photographs, using negative and print developing equipment and tools.
Photograph layouts, using camera, to make layout prints for supervisors or clients.
Produce still and animated graphics for on-air and taped portions of television news broadcasts, using electronic video equipment.
Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
Use computer software to generate new images.
Mark up, paste, and assemble final layouts to prepare layouts for printer.
Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.
Review final layouts and suggest improvements as needed.
Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Internet websites.
Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
Prepare illustrations or rough sketches of material, discussing them with clients or supervisors and making necessary changes.
Study illustrations and photographs to plan presentation of materials, products, or services.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $55,670.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $30,130.00 and $88,710.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 36,700 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 41,800 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 510 openings due to growth and about 980 replacement openings for approximately 1,490 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Computer Graphics - A program that focuses on the software, hardware, and mathematical tools used to represent, display, and manipulate topological, two-, and three-dimensional objects on a computer screen and that prepares individuals to function as computer graphics specialists. Includes instruction in graphics software and systems; digital multimedia; graphic design; graphics devices, processors, and standards; attributes and transformations; projections; surface identification and rendering; color theory and application; and applicable geometry and algorithms.
Graphic Design - A program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. Includes instruction in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, color theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modeling, communication skills and commercial art business operations.
Similar Occupations
Art Directors - Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in art work, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, books, newspapers, and packaging.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators - Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of mediums and techniques, such as painting and sculpture.
Commercial and Industrial Designers - Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Fashion Designers - Design clothing and accessories. Create original garments or design garments that follow well established fashion trends. May develop the line of color and kinds of materials.
Interior Designers - Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.
Set and Exhibit Designers - Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Directors- Stage, Motion Pictures, Television, and Radio - Interpret script, conduct rehearsals, and direct activities of cast and technical crew for stage, motion pictures, television, or radio programs.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture - Operate television, video, or motion picture camera to photograph images or scenes for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance - Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Notes
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Job Openings
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