While both professions are ideal for those interested in digital and creative arts, the career paths for a graphic artist versus a graphic designer differ. Understand the two jobs and learn about graphic designer and graphic artist jobs, salaries and more.
[Featured Image]: A graphic artist wearing a white blouse and red sweater works on graphic designs on their laptop.For creative individuals interested in digital technology, working as a graphic artist or graphic designer can be a satisfying career. Both professions involve creative expression with digital tools, but they can differ in scope and projects.
The duties, software, and skills of graphic designers and graphic artists overlap, but learning the differences between the two jobs can help artistically driven people pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career. In this article, you’ll learn about the skills, educational requirements, work environments, salary differences, and job outlooks that set these two professions apart.
What does a graphic artist do?
A graphic artist is a creative professional who produces visual material to communicate emotions, stories, and other messages to audiences. Graphic artists work in traditional and digital media and rely on artistic principles that may be abstract or novel.
Whether producing fine art or cartoons, graphic artists are artists. They often use software, digital photography, hand drawings, painting, collage, and other creative tools to create many different kinds of projects, including:
Book covers
Still or moving images and storyboards for film or television
Printed designs for home decor or clothing
Backdrops for animation or video games
Art for advertisementsWhat does a graphic designer do?
Graphic designers are also commercial artists, but they combine visual and text-based content to meet clients' needs. Graphic designers ensure readability and aesthetically pleasing layouts of material using a set of best practices that allow for effective communication strategies.
Graphic designers understand complementary color palettes, optimum use of white space, readable fonts, and visual hierarchy that naturally attracts the eye to the information clients want their viewers to see. The seven principles of graphic design inform their work:
Pattern
Contrast
Emphasis
Balance
Scale
Harmony
Rhythm and movement
With these design principles and best practices in mind, graphic designers work with an in-depth understanding of a brand and its elements, including text, logos, images, and illustrations.
As a graphic designer, you may create:
Flyers
Digital banners
Print advertisements
Posters
Magazine layouts
Branding guidelines such as font designs and logo creation
What skills set these two professions apart?
Graphic artists and graphic designers have slightly different skill sets. Graphic designers must determine the clearest and most aesthetically pleasing way to present words and images within a specified space. They use problem-solving skills to encourage viewers to interact with the product.
On the other hand, graphic artists focus more on communicating feelings than solving problems. They are more like storytellers who create a narrative and are less driven by specific rules.
Additionally, while graphic artists can work in the same companies as graphic designers, artists may be more likely to work as freelancers. Designers may work more within a creative team that includes copywriters, editors, and creative managers who execute marketing strategies. Graphic artists more often work separately from a team.
What are the differences in educational requirements?
While graphic artists and graphic designers can teach themselves skills through apprenticeships, self-study, or years of practice, aspiring professionals are likely to have post-secondary degrees or certifications.
Degrees
Graphic designers tend to have bachelor’s degrees in graphic design or a related arts field. Coursework may include classes in:
Studio art
Principles of design
Computerized design
Printing techniques
Website design
Commercial graphic production
Marketing
Writing
Business
Graphic artists may be self-taught but can also have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, graphic arts, or fine arts. They can specialize in a specific area such as design, illustration, or photography and may take classes in:
Animation
Video graphics
Digital arts
Drawing
Game and interactive media design
Certifications and training
As a graphic designer, it’s important to be knowledgeable about design principles and the latest computer software used in the industry. A Professional Certificate like Meta’s Social Media Marketing can provide the tools for creating and managing effective advertising campaigns in social media. A Specialization like the California Institute of the Arts Graphic Design Specialization is a good option for gaining the skills to work in interface design, motion graphics, and editorial design.
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