Graphic arts technicians – NOC : 5223

Unit Group

5223 Graphic arts technicians

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.

Example Titles

animated cartoon technician

animation painter

computer graphics technician

graphics technician

multimedia graphic design technician

View all titles

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.

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.

Additional information

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

Classified elsewhere

Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations (9472)
Correspondence, publication and regulatory clerks (1452)
Desktop publishing specialists (in 1423 Desktop publishing operators and related occupations )
Graphic designers and illustrators (5241)