Blog Articles tags graphics design Multimedia Artist: Job Description, Education & Career Outlook
Published in graphics design, graphic artist by jamestomerson |
Job Description
Multimedia artists use their computer and creative skills to create animated images and special effects for a variety of media including TV shows, movies, cartoons, computer games and commercials among others. While working on a project, these artists work closely with programmers who can look after the complex technical aspects. When you choose to become a multimedia artist, you can also select a specialization depending on your individual skills, aptitude and interests.
For example, those who want to work in the computer gaming industry can choose specializations like character artist, texture artist, animator etc. An animator is responsible for creating animated images for games while a texture artist creates the environment to be presented on the screen. Likewise every artist has specific job duties to perform.
Key Responsibilities
Some of the typical job duties of a multimedia artist are as follows.
Development of animated narrative sequences
Adding lifelike characteristics to images
Designing of graphics using specialized computer software programs
Development of 2D and 3D images for movies, television shows, games etc
Creation of storyboards
Creation of drawings and illustrations
Multimedia artists use a variety of techniques and methods to create promotional products, multimedia presentations, brochures, computer artwork, slideshows and illustrations among others. These artists possess excellent artistic and animation skills to be used in a wide range of projects.
Educational Qualification & Training
Candidates who aspire to become a multimedia artist need to possess a bachelor's degree in art or design. There are several colleges and universities that offer bachelor and master degree programs in fine arts. Students can also kick-start a career in multimedia with an associate degree in fine arts or a relevant field. Getting trained in computer techniques and design software programs is essential to have a successful career in this occupation.
To become successful and increase their chances of being hired, multimedia artists should also create an impressive portfolio of their quality work. They can show their portfolio to art directors and editors. Internship programs provide an excellent opportunity for multimedia artists to develop an impressive portfolio.
Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for multimedia artist jobs will grow faster than the average of all other careers, increasing at rate of 26% from 2006 through to the year 2016. Visual arts will witness the best employment growth for multimedia jobs. Considering the tough job market, candidates may need to face stiff competition while getting jobs. However, there will be no dearth of employment opportunities for those who have advanced education, skills and several years of work experience.
Major Employers
Trained multimedia artists can land jobs across a range of industries. Major employers for these jobs include the motion pictures industry, video production industry, advertising industry, computer systems designs and software publishers.
Annual Salary
Salaries of multimedia artists will vary according to the geographic location, work experience and the type and size of the employer. The median annual salary of these artists is around $56,330. Motion pictures and the video industry offer the highest salary. With growing experience and skills, multimedia artists can earn as high as $70,960 annually.
Graphic Designers: Job Description, Education & Job Outlook
Published in graphics design, graphic designing, graphic artist, degree in graphic design, degree in fine arts by jamestomerson |
Job Description
Graphic designers work with both print and electronic media. The main job duty of these artists is to get the message across to the audience using a variety of techniques like photography, animation, illustration etc. These designers are responsible for creating innovative layout and production design for magazines, newspapers, journals and other publications. They also hold the responsibility of producing promotional material including business logos, displays, brochures and packaging among others.
Today, a large number graphic designing professionals work for the interactive media, multimedia projects and internet web pages. At first, graphic artists or designers are required to understand the individual requirements of the clients. In tune with the business goals of clients, designers produce designs that effectively communicate the message and attract the audience instantly.
Depending on the target audience clients may have, designers need to consider a number of factors in mind including physical, cultural and social factors. They also take into account multiple visual elements including color, sound, style, animation, artwork etc. Designer may also closely work with art directors depending on the requirements of the work projects.
Graphic designers are proficient in multiple computer software packages. They use graphic tools and software packages to design various elements and animate graphical objects. A designer may work alone or in a team depending on the bulkiness of the project. They may also have design assistants to help themselves complete tasks efficiently.
Work Environment
Working environment may vary depending on the type of employer graphic artists work for. Advertising companies, publishing firms designing companies offer comfortable work settings and well lighted environment. Designers employed with these companies work regular hours. On the other hand, professionals who are self employed work out their own schedules. Designers employed in the printing and publishing industry may need to put in some extra hours to complete work within the given deadline.
Educational Qualification & Training
A bachelor's degree in graphic design is the standard requirement to occupy entry level and advanced graphics design job positions. There are several colleges, universities and design colleges that offer degree programs in subjects like fine arts, graphic design etc. The coursework for these bachelor degree programs includes training in areas like design principles, studio art, printing techniques, graphics production, website design etc.
In addition to bachelor degree programs, many professional design schools also offer associate degree programs and certificate courses in graphic design. These 2-year and 3-year courses can also help bachelor degree holders (in another field) learn the technical skills of the trade and kick-start a career in the field of graphics designing. To make the most of their careers and become successful, designers need to keep themselves abreast of the latest design software, graphics tool and technologies.
Job Outlook
In the year 2008, graphic designers occupied around 286,100 jobs in the United States. Most of these design jobs were in the advertising and publishing industry. Many designers also complete assignments on a freelance basis, in addition to having a salaried job. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth in this occupation will be as fast as the average of all other occupations. Projected employment growth in this field is 13 per cent from the year 2008 through to the year 2018.
Annual Salary
In May 2008, graphic artists or designers earned a median annual salary of $42,400. Salaries of professionals, however, vary depending on the type and size of the employer and the work experience they carry. Those who work for specialized design services earn around $45,870 annually. With extensive working experience and growing skill sets, graphic designers can earn an annual salary as high as $74,660.
Do You Want To Be Successful Graphic Designers?
Published in graphics designer, graphics design, designing, design program, design education, design by admin |
What Do Graphic Designers Do?
Graphic designers will have to interact with their clients, assess their needs and put together a visual presentation that will get across the right message. They work using various computer softwares such as PageMaker, Macromedia Fireworks, Flash, Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. The clients need to be able to get across what kind of design they have in mind and the graphic designer is given the task of bringing to life their ideas as visual designs and presentations. The designers need to work with demanding clients within strict timeframes that may make life a bit stressful for some while those who are creative and talented will thrive as graphic designers. Their work can be seen in various media, they can be seen in web pages, in newspapers, in CD labels, letterheads, and corporate logos among others.
Job Skills Required
We at http://www.degreeauthority.com/ intend to make it easier for students to make informed decisions regarding the educational pathway they choose. This will help them avoid making the wrong choice that may leave them at the cross road at some point in the future which can not only be unsettling but also very stressful. If students desire to become graphic designers it is imperative that they satisfy certain criteria. They must be good at art and drawing, be original and creative with their own unique styles. They must be able to understand needs of the clients and create designs that are not only visually appealing; they must also be persuasive enough to make sales. Good interpersonal skills, communication skills, and an eye for detail are also other skills that are required. They must be hard working and they must be able to meet deadlines constantly. They must be able to work under pressure and must be able to work as a team or independently. Those who have secured professional education in using computer software such as Adobe, Quark etc. have a better chance at success.
Studying Design
As students browse through http://www.degreeauthority.com/ they will be amazed at the many educational opportunities that are open to them in the field of design, including graphic design. Students can opt for a regular college education or they can select an online program offered by one of the reputed educational institutions. Students who opt for a program in graphic design will learn about designing in advertisements, publication design, multimedia design and animation. They will learn the basic concepts of design, they will learn about typography, technical drawing, imaging, still as well as life modeling and get the gist of color theory. They will also be trained in computer assisted drawing and art, and learn about creative problem solving. Students can opt for a certification, associate's, bachelor's or a master's degree program in graphic design. Students must remember that the curriculum may vary in different institutions. It is therefore recommended they find out in detail the coursework involved in each program before they make a choice. This is because some institutions offer animation where as others do not. Find out the kind of computer program that they train you in, are internship part of the program as they can help students gain first hand experience of their work environments, will they help in building your portfolio or is a portfolio necessary to gain admission into the college.
Degree Programs
There is confusion among students about opting for a two year associate's degree program or for a four year bachelor's degree program in graphic design. Associate's degree programs are not as costly, the class sizes are smaller, the students get individual attention and students get trained in the core skills of the trade. It is a fact that employers prefer students with a bachelor's or master's degree and the students do get more in depth knowledge of graphic design if they opt for a 4 year degree program. Associate's degree program are suitable for students who are educated and at cross roads. They also help students who seek entry level jobs as graphic design assistants and as drafters.
Graphic designers can opt to enter fields such as print design, marketing design, product packaging design, advertisement design, web design, desktop publishing design etc. Programs in graphic design are offered by many reputed educational institutions, both private and public. Students need not worry about financing their education as various financial aid packages are available. The students can also take up flexible online programs that will enable them to learn while they earn. They can take up programs at any one of the 250 educational institutions that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Career Outlook
In the year 2006 there were as many as 261,000 graphic designers. They earned a median annual salary of about $39,000. Some worked full time, some worked part-time, some were self employed while others were freelancers. As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, the employment rate of growth is projected at 10% which is as fast as the average growth rate of all other occupations. There will be a demand for experienced and professionally qualified individuals and students who wish to take up programs in graphic design have made a wise choice.
