Graphic designers translate verbal and abstract concepts into meaningful visual communication.

Graphic designers are problem solvers who research and manage visual design projects. Working directly with clients in a studio environment or with teams in advertising agencies, graphic designers develop creative concepts and choose appropriate media to meet desired objectives. They may focus primarily on electronic media such as the Internet or print media such as brochures, packaging, promotional materials and annual reports. For information about visual communication designers who work primarily in electronic media, see the Animator, Interactive Media Programmer and Web Designer occupational profiles.

In general, graphic designers:

• consult with clients to establish project objectives, target market, budget and schedule
• analyze needs/problems and develop visual solutions
• prepare concept presentations for client approval, ranging from simple sketches to full colour layouts
• develop approved concepts in consultation with clients
• prepare artwork or digital files for production
• proofread to ensure accuracy
• direct photographers, illustrators and other creative professionals involved in the project
• co-ordinate the production of print, electronic or audio-visual media.

Graphic designers may produce design products such as:

• trademarks, corporate logos and brand logos
• stationery and corporate identity materials
• annual reports and investor relations materials
• packaging and image design for consumer products
• advertisements
• promotional posters
• sign and wayfinding systems
• film and video graphics
• diagrams, maps and graphs
• publication design for books and magazines
• flyers, brochures and promotional literature.

On smaller projects, the design process may take days or weeks; larger, more complex projects can take months to complete. Most design studios have the capacity to produce everything from the initial concept to finished artwork. Some designers concentrate on a particular aspect of the design process (for example, design concept or layout production) or on a particular type of product (for example, corporate identity, marketing communications or packaging design).

Self-employed (freelance) graphic designers divide their time between studio work and meeting with clients, photographers and other professionals involved in the design process. Some travel may be required.

Designers employed by advertising agencies or design studios spend most their time in the agency or studio, occasionally attending meetings with clients. In advertising agenices, account executives or directors may act as liaisons between clients and designers.

Most graphic designers work a standard weekday schedule. Overtime and weekend work is required if necessary to meet project deadlines.

Most graphic designers have post-secondary education in visual communications or graphic design. Developing a strong portfolio of work is essential for finding employment as a graphic designer. Computer skills are a definite asset.

The Society of Graphic Designers of Canada recommends a three or four year program in visual communications or graphic arts. Graduates of one year certificate and two year diploma programs may be employed as graphic artists, production artists or graphic arts technicians.

In Alberta, the following post-secondary institutions offer three or four year programs specifically in visual communications/design:

• the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary offers a four year Bachelor of Design degree program in Visual Communications Design. Admission is competitive and based on a combination of grade point average and portfolio assessment. Applicants must complete first year studies before they are admitted to the program.
• Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton offers a one year Design Foundations certificate program and a two year Design Studies diploma program. The entrance requirement for the Design Foundations program is a high school diploma with at least 60 per cent in English Language Arts 30-1, or equivalent. The entrance requirement for the Design Studies program is successful completion of the Design Foundations program or equivalent.
• Medicine Hat College offers a four year Bachelor of Applied Visual Communications degree program with an exit option of a three year Visual Communications diploma. The entrance requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. Medicine Hat College also offers post diploma and post degree programs in visual communications.
• the University of Alberta in Edmonton offers a four year Bachelor of Design program with a specialization in business/marketing. The entrance requirpement is a competitive average in English Language Arts 30-1 and any four of the following: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Science 30, Pure Math 30, Math 31, Physics 30, Social Studies 30, a 30-level language other than English, one fine arts subject.

The following public and private institutions offer a variety of programs related to graphic design:

• Choice College in Spruce Grove
• DevStudios in Edmonton
• Grande Prairie Regional College
• Keyano College in Fort McMurray
• Lethbridge College
• MAX Campus in Drumheller
• Mount Royal College in Calgary
• NorQuest College in Edmonton 
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton
• Red Deer College  
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary
• Sprott-Shaw Community College in Calgary 
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge. 

Length of program and entrance requirements vary considerably.

For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

Graphic designers may be employed by or work on a contract basis for:

• corporate and government communications or public relations departments
• graphic design studios
• film and television studios
• advertising agencies
• multimedia companies
• hospitals and other institutions
• industrial designers
• book publishing firms
• architectural firms (signage)
• printers
• newspapers and magazines.

Advancement for self-employed contractors takes the form of building a larger clientele. Advancement opportunities for other graphic designers depend on the size of the organization and the designer's qualifications.

Graphic designers are part of the larger National Occupational Classification 5241: Graphic Designers and Illustrators. In Alberta, 82 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
• Manufacturing
• Information, Culture and Recreation.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Salaries vary depending on geographic location, experience, reputation and the ability of the designer.

According to the 2009 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Graphic Designers group earned from $12.02 to $43.27 an hour. The average wage was $22.92 an hour.

For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo.

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Society of Graphic Designers of Canada website: www.gdc.net