What Does a Graphic Artist Do?
Graphic artists, also referred to as graphic designers, create visuals for print, websites, film, and electronic media in order to illustrate message ideas to the public. Graphic artists use a variety of forms of visual content related to color, animation, photography, type fonts, and layout techniques.

Graphic artists are responsible for planning the production design of magazines, business reports, advertisements, newspapers, journals, and other publications that are needed to inform or explain ideas.

Some Interesting Facts About Graphic Designers
• Approximately 25% of graphic artists are self employed
• Many salaried fulltime graphic artists also do freelance work for supplemental income
• Graphic artists need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in order to qualify for entry level jobs.
• An associate’s degree can qualify for some technical graphic artist positions.
• Graphic Designers who have a good working knowledge of computer design software and Web design will have better opportunities to qualify for graphic artist jobs.

What Happens In the Workplace
As with many job situations, the work environment varies from place to place. Graphic artists who work for large design firms generally experience better working conditions. They work in well-lighted offices with comfortable surroundings. Work hours may include overtime during crucial periods of production.

Graphic designers who work for smaller companies may work in less spacious conditions and experience more demands in meeting tight deadlines.

The Job Situation
Freelancers and graphic consultants must constantly seek new clients or assignments in addition to maintaining their present client base. In order to meet client requests, weekend work and overtime is usually required.

Jobs for graphic designers are expected to grow about 10% from 2006-2016. Individuals with experience in animation and Web design have the best opportunity to qualify for job positions because of the growing need for design work in cell phones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), video games, and other fields in related technology.

In May 2008, graphic artists made an mean annual wage of $46,750.