Computer Graphic Artists working in the art department of an agency are responsible for creating art, graphics, and type for advertisements and other materials by computer. Individuals may be responsible for laying out advertisements and promotional materials with the computer. Computer Graphic Artists have the ability to be creative with a keyboard, electric stylus, mouse, and scanner instead of using the standard pen, ink, pencil, paintbrush, or paint. The individual may use any number of different computers and computer programs to work with. One of the reasons that the Computer Graphic Artist is currently in demand is that he or she can often produce the same amount of work as a traditional artist more efficiently. Projects can be done in a shorter time period and often more accurately.
The Computer Graphic Artist has varied duties and responsibilities. He or she may function as a typesetter or typographer as well as an artist. The individual may be called upon to choose the type for headlines and body copy from the vast array of computer fonts available. Making headlines for advertisements with the use of a computer may take only seconds. The individual need only type in the words. The Computer Graphic Artist may also be responsible for designing new or special fonts with the computer to meet the needs of a specific advertisement. While this still takes time, it can be done faster and reproduced more easily and more accurately.
The Computer Graphic Artist may be required to do cartooning, sketching, or even “painting” with the use of the computer. He or she works with a variety of different computer programs, depending on what type of project is required. These might include drawing, painting, graph, video presentation, cartooning, 3-D, font design, or page layout programs.
The individual often works with other departments in the agency. He or she may produce a variety of different computer-generated graphs, charts, and diagrams for presentations to the research department, or for executives working on bringing in new business. Data can constantly be changed and new charts generated with little or no trouble. The Computer Graphic Artist may also be responsible for using the computer to make overhead projector sheets for presentations. At times the Computer Graphic Artist may be required to develop the graphics for video presentations or slides for visuals.
Computer Graphic Artists may be responsible for designing original graphics or art for advertisements and other materials. The individual may also modify existing designs by making them larger or smaller, or changing colors or line weights. After the design is complete the artist gives it to his or her superior for approval. The Computer Graphic Artist stores work he or she has generated with the computer in the computer’s memory, on a hard disk, electronic tape, or floppy disks, or by running it through a printer to obtain a hard copy. The Computer Graphic Artist may be responsible for just the graphics of an ad, the headline type, the body type, or all three. He or she may also be required to do the layout with the help of the computer. When he or she obtains a graphically pleasing layout, it is saved, and a hard copy is printed for approval. Any changes can easily be made afterward with the cut-and-paste layout procedure.
The individual may use the same graphic design and layout procedure for other advertisements, logos, promotional and marketing material, sales pieces, and publications he or she is responsible for preparing. The Computer Graphic Artist working in an agency is usually responsible to the art director or the assistant art director. He or she will work normal business hours. As in all other jobs in advertising, when an advertisement or other project must be finished or must meet a deadline, the individual must work overtime.
Earnings vary greatly depending on the position and the individual’s responsibilities and experience. Other factors include the size and location of the agency. Earnings may start as low as $24,000 for an individual working in a small agency or one who has limited responsibilities and experience. Compensation may go up to $50,000 plus for individuals who are experienced in computer graphics, art, and advertising and are employed by major agencies. Most of the larger and many of the smaller agencies also offer benefit packages to augment salaries.
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Note: This article was sent to us by: Freddie Humphrey at 04122010
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