Career Profile: Graphic Artist, Designer and Illustrators Think you have to be a Biologist to work with the outdoors? No way! There are tons of careers out there to chose from. For example, are you creative? Do you like to draw or create things with your computer? If so, you may be interested in becoming a graphic artist, designer or illustrator. What do they do? Almost every product you use from toothpaste to camo has the design of a graphic artist. They create the overall design and packaging for products and publications. Usually a graphic artist will work with other departments to understand the need for the design and then create it. Where do they work? They work at many different places. Some examples are: advertising or design firms, manufacturing facilities, printing and publishing businesses, multimedia production companies and other organizations with communications or advertising needs. Some are even self-employed!           What skills are needed? First and foremost, creativity and communication skills are required. You must be able to communicate in all aspects (writing, visually and verbally). Training in multimedia design and computer technology is also required. Familiarity with programs such as Adobe PageMaker, Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Illustrator, QuarkXPress, Macromedia Fireworks, Flash, Freehand and/or other graphic design tools is a must in today’s work force. What type of education is required? You must have a high school diploma. No bachelor’s degree is required, but it is highly recommended as nearly 75% of recent entrants into the trade have an undergraduate degree from a university. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is granted at four-year colleges and universities. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design currently recognizes about 200 institutions with programs in art and design; most of these schools award a degree in art. Some educational programs related to Graphic Arts are Graphic and Audio-Visual Arts, Creative and Design Arts, Applied Arts and Computer Science. According to U.S. government statistics, in 2000 graphic designers earned between $26,560 and $45,130 annually. Let’s visit with an actual Graphic Artist who combines her love of art and the outdoors: Name: Carol Smith Title: Graphic Artist Employer: National Wild Turkey Federation, Edgefield, SC Your Education: I have Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) with an emphasis in Design from Mississippi University for Women Responsibilities: I am one of eight graphic artists at the NWTF. We create eye-catching layouts for all of our publications, including Turkey Call, Women In The Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportmen and JAKES magazines. We also design logos for various events, create flyers, brochures, signs, banners, etc. Two of our artists also work on our web site—creating the Internet sites and ads. Most rewarding aspect of job: Two things: seeing the finished product and the people I've met over the years. What is a typical day like? Right now, I'm working on The Caller, a couple of signs, a calendar and a patch. We usually have several projects going at one time. Why did you choose your career? I knew I wanted to work in some kind of creative field, and the first job I got was as a graphic artist at a magazine. Tips for becoming a graphic artist: 1. Learn all aspects of graphic design, don't limit yourself with just web page design or desktop publishing. 2. Remember when some one is criticizing your work, they're not criticizing you—don't take it personally. 3. Become efficient in Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator and InDesign, QuarkXpress and Macromedia DreamWeaver or Flash. 4. Have fun.