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Brand Consultant, Commercial Artist, Designer, Graphic Artist, Graphic Consultant
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Graphic designers are problem solvers. They research and manage visual design projects. Graphic designers put their creativity to work and apply it to the right media for the best effect. Their focus may be designing for a website or app, 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:
Graphic designers produce visual products such as:
On smaller projects, a typical timeline could be days or weeks. Larger, more complex projects can take months for final approval. Most design studios take projects from initial concept to finished artwork. Some designers put their skills toward a particular aspect of the design process, such as design concept or layout. Some focus on a specific type of product, such as corporate identity, marketing communications, or packaging design.
Graphic designers work directly with clients or with teams in a studio, an advertising agency, or a government or corporate setting.
Self-employed or freelance graphic designers divide their time between the studio and meetings with clients, photographers, and others in the design process. Travel may be needed.
A typical day for designers in advertising agencies or design studios is spent at their employer’s workplace. Occasionally they meet with clients. In advertising agencies, account executives or directors may act as liaisons between clients and designers.
A weekday schedule is standard. Overtime and weekend hours are not unusual to meet project deadlines.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software; and in determining the medium best suited to produce desired visual effects and most appropriate vehicle for communication
Interest in precision working to co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual and electronic materials such as Web sites, CD-ROMs and interactive terminals; and in estimating costs of materials and time to complete designs
Interest in consulting with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communication materials in order to meet their needs; in supervising other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians, in co-ordinating the work of sub-contractors, and in working in a multidisciplinary environment
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Graphic designers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 295 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 11, 2024 and Dec 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements | 245 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives | 214 |
| Tasks: Estimate costs of materials and time to complete graphic designs and illustrations | 204 |
| Tasks: Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials | 200 |
| Tasks: Co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials | 197 |
| Tasks: Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication | 194 |
| Tasks: Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs | 180 |
| Tasks: Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides | 178 |
| Attention to detail | 172 |
| Tasks: Establish guidelines for illustrators or photographers | 155 |
Most graphic designers have post-secondary education in visual communication or graphic design. Having a strong portfolio makes all the difference in finding employment. Computer skills are a must.
Graphic designers also need to stay on top of new developments in their field. They should be knowledgeable to within the last 6 months of the latest software technology. As part of training, graphic designers will develop a portfolio to showcase their skillset and design style.
The Design Professionals of Canada recommends a 3- or 4-year program in visual communications or graphic arts. Graduates of 1-year certificate and 2-year diploma programs may work as graphic artists, production artists, or graphic arts technicians.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Graphic designers may be employed by or work on a contract basis for:
Typical career progression starts with a junior position. With experience, designers can advance into intermediate and senior graphic designer roles. After 10 or more years of experience, they may move on to a role as an art director. In general, the more senior the role, the more people the designer will manage.
After some experience, a graphic designer might decide to become self-employed. Self-employed designers advance by growing their client base. Larger clients often mean more complex projects and greater management responsibility.
Graphic designers can become more specialized over time as they gain experience with media they like to work in, or with a certain kind of client they like to work with.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Graphic designers and illustrators
2016 NOC: 5241
79.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries vary depending on location, experience, reputation, and ability. Self-employed graphic designers generally have higher earnings.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $50.00 | $25.08 | $20.19 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $53.48 | $29.09 | $25.00 |
| Top | $16.00 | $56.01 | $33.13 | $29.40 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $53,832 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $43,638 |
| Wholesale Trade | $50,830 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $42,636 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $53,805 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $57,218 |
| Educational Services | $62,902 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $65,375 |
| Public Administration | $75,372 |
Canadian Association of Professional Image Creators (CAPIC) website: capic.org
Design Professionals of Canada website: descan.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 22, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
