Analysis of Specific Job roles and Technical skills Required in the Field of Graphic Design

Many skills that are used in the graphic design field, that you may think are only used for one role tend to bleed out into other sectors of the industry. For example, jobs that specialise in UX/UI design would tend to be very heavily based on user research and require those with analytical skills and data sorting in order to provide proof and reasoning for their design choices to the client and other co-workers working in different regions of the project. 

There is a massive web formed in the graphic design industry, where each tie is a fundamental skill needed in order to be considered a proficient designer, and they all intersect into one another. The difference in roles is dependent on your job’s responsibilities, and a different individual skill is accentuated to meet the needs of that task.  

There are some exceptions to this ethos, i.e., motion graphics are still very much related to graphic design and would be classed together. However, considering that area is very much new to the field, there are other elements in software development and mathematics that take lead more so than other traditional graphic design elements. Even then, graphic designers are still expected to have knowledge in 3D modelling and the basics of motion graphics using software such as cinema 4D. Since it is easier to visualise concepts when in a 3D format, or to make user function more enjoyable. 

Sketching and conceptualising is an important skill that is transcendent in all examples of great project roles. For some, you may be an illustrator and for others, you would have to sketch up product design briefs/ mock-ups. The main element that separates graphic designers and fine art artists is this deliberation to unite purpose, function, and art into one entity rather than an intrapersonal meaning. Meaning, even if you are not trained to draw fine art, you are still expected to express ideas through diagrams and simple drawings as that gives your visions more depth to others. 

It is a very communication-based industry, whatever you create, most function to serve its purpose so it could potentially get passed to another department. For example, a designer could create wireframes of an app, but then it would get sent to the department that is able to understand the wireframes and insert any editorial work accordingly. It is an incredibly social industry. 

Looking into the job roles

A UX designer’s focus is mainly on the usability and functionality of a website. They are expected to conduct user research and empathise with the users of their product in order to create an efficient design. The job role strays away from the aesthetic aspect of the finished product. UX designers are expected to create informational architectures by creating wireframes of how the product/website would flow and then make prototypes. They gather a control group of people to test the prototypes before interviewing them. A great deal of psychology is use in this role to help iterate a good user journey. If the test group report back any problems or discomforts with the protypes, the UX designer is then expected to resolve this issue before creating another prototype and repeating the process.

In comparison to a UI designer, UX is a job meant for those who are more versed in the mechanics of a design/product. For as a UI designer is more focused on the visual design of a product. This collides with aspects of branding roles and stylising the final product. A UI designer would look very meticulously into how an icon or button is presented and would make the decisions on the typography as well. UI could cross slightly into animation at times, as this could be a better way to enhance a design. UI is much closer to graphics design in principles then UX design, but wouldn’t exist without the other.

This seg ways into looking at the job role of a motion graphic designer compared to an animator. Motion graphics can play a part in UX/UI design but it’s main focus is looking into micro animations. This could be looking at how text transitions onto a page or video. Rhythm and timing play a fundamental part in how a segment of a design is animated, as their animations are brief and more stylised. Motion graphics are inserts to multidisciplinary projects, helping to solidify the way a brand appears to it’s intended audience. In industry practice a motion graphic designer would be expected to be proficient in software’s such as Cinema 4D and After Effects.

Compared to an animator who’s role focuses on bringing characters and environments to life. The software that they are expect to use in industry standards would programs such as Adobe Animate, 3Ds Max, Blender and Maya. Animation in this role is more in-depth of creating the actions of an animated figure. In industry (compared to a motion designer who could complete a job alone) an animator is expected to work in a team to get a project done. Motion generally tends to be in part with other sections of graphics design (e.g after they have completed their project it would go to a UI/UX designer to be inserted into the final product). An animator is expected to work along side other animators to complete a project. To animate a 10 minute video could take up to 1000+ hours depending on the type of animation and budget (e.g 3D or 2D).

An illustrator, however, is expected in industry to provide still visual storys telling in their drawings. These could help to construct a product’s visual elements, such as a mascot or a piece of artwork. They are also used for planning out projects. For example, in animation or game design, illustrator’s would be tasked with created 2D character designs or story boards. The standard practice for illustrators is one of the few in graphic design where traditional mediums (e.g. pencilwork, paintings etc..) would be used. Although in some sub categories of illustrators they may be expected to know how to use Procreate, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and many more.

Looking into the role of an art director, where they are expected to lead a team that consists of illustrators and possibly animators. This industry role evolves more around managing and leadership then creating art their selves. Art directors would look into strategizing art projects and guiding a team of designers that specialise in a range of different disciplines to reach a cohesive and polished outcome. They hold a great deal of responsibility and ironically the job may lack in creativity compared to other job roles.

Lastly, the role of a brand designer is critical when creating a public presence for a company. Branding a company/ business means to create an identity that is memorable to the public. They construct the whole characteristics of the company, which is fundamental for a successful business. Branding for a big project would need to consist of graphic designers from all principles in order to execute the final outcome professionally.

In summary, all great graphic designers are problem solvers, conceptualists, analysers and harbour a great eye for design. How a graphic designer translates these skills into their own work determines their purpose and role in the industry.  

Works Cited

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Multimedia, Prism. “Top 10 Qualities of Graphic Designer - What Makes You a Good Designer?” Prism Multimedia, 24 June 2023, prismmultimedia.com/top-10-qualities-of-graphic-designer-what-makes-you-a-good-designer/.

“Understanding the Difference between CG and CGI.” Garagefarm.net, 2023, garagefarm.net/blog/understanding-the-difference-between-cg-and-cgi. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.

“Using Psychology in Graphic Design.” Syntactics Inc., www.syntacticsinc.com/news-articles-cat/using-psychology-in-graphic-design/.

“What Are the Key Skills and Qualities of a Successful Graphic Designer in an Agency?” Www.linkedin.com, www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-key-skills-qualities-successful-graphic-designer.

WOOD, ANTHONY. “10 Essential Traits of a Successful Graphic Designer.” Creative Boom, 16 May 2016, www.creativeboom.com/tips/20-essential-traits-of-a-successful-graphic-designer/.

‌https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/what-does-a-ux-designer-do/

https://resources.workable.com/brand-designer-and-illustrator-job-description

https://jeremycarson.com/art-director-graphic-designer?020&in=lessons/career