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Graphic arts technicians (NOC 5223)

Occupation related to information and communications technology

Job titles

Nature of work

Graphic arts technicians assist in conceptualizing a project, interpreting design specifications or sketches, preparing the page make-up, lay-out and lettering, and preparing production materials for press, electronic or multimedia publishing. They are employed by publishing, communications, advertising, marketing, printing and multimedia establishments, and by television and film production companies. They may also be self-employed.

Fields of interest

  • Creating, designing
  • Working in the arts, culture, music, or recreation
  • Working with computers, information technology, and communications

Main duties

  • Graphic arts technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Review the graphic designer's instructions
  • - Produce or assist in developing and producing design concepts
  • - Capture elements such as titles, text, drawings, illustrations, graphics, lettering and colour harmonization, using a computer
  • - Produce computerized images and drawings
  • - Digitize images using peripherals and transform them using retouching systems, graphic palettes or specialized software
  • - Perform the layout, page make-up and placement using the conceptual mock-ups provided
  • - Produce proofs and camera-ready materials and prepare film and any other prepress materials
  • - Paint or ink individual cells of 2-D or 3-D animated drawings according to animator's specifications using an electronic palette
  • - Lay out, draw or paint letters, figures, logos and designs for windows, advertisements, billboards, vehicles, books and publications using specialized software or painting equipment
  • - Work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Main characteristics of the occupation

These headings are provided for the following occupation(s) :

Graphic arts technicians (NOC 5223)

Employment requirements

  • * A college diploma in commercial or graphic arts, computer graphics or animated design is required.
  • * Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution may be required.
  • * Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.

Skill type

  • Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

Skill level

  • Technical

More information

  • * Progression to graphic designer positions is possible with experience or supplementary training.

Job titles - Classified elsewhere

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