52120 - Graphic Designers and Illustrators

Graphic Designers and Illustrators are in high demand across Canada due to the country's rapidly growing sectors including Manufacturing, Publishing, Advertising, Computer Systems Design, and in other Design Services. The demand for skilled workers under this TEER has been rapidly expanding post the pandemic, and this trend is expected to continue over the coming years. Meaning, there will be many job opportunities available for Graphic Designers and Illustrators in Canada.

The high demand for skilled workers in this field has resulted in competitive salaries and excellent benefits for Graphic Designers and Illustrators can range from $35,300 to $83,200 per year, depending on experience, location, and specialization, but they tend to be higher than average in this industry.

Graphic Designers and Illustrators jobs in Canada also offer many opportunities for career advancement in some of Canada’s popular employment areas including advertising and graphic design firms, establishments with advertising or communications departments, and multimedia production companies. There are numerous opportunities for professionals to expand their skills and take on new challenges as Graphic Designers and Illustrators in Canada.

Graphic Designers and Illustrators in Canada can avail of a wide range of benefits, from strong job security to high compensation, a supportive work environment, a direct Canada PR for Graphic Designers and Illustrators pathway, and free healthcare. Canada is known for its welcoming and diverse culture, making it a great place for individuals under this TEER to live and work.

Example Titles

• 3D animation artist
• Advertising designer
• Animator - animated films
• Bank note designer
• Cartoonist
• Commercial artist
• Graphic artist
• Graphic designer
• Graphic designer - multimedia
• Illustrator
• Layout designer
• Medical illustrator
• Multimedia illustrator
• Scientific illustrator

Main Duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Graphic designers

• Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements, and content of communications materials in order to meet their needs.
• Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication.
• Develop the graphic elements that meet the client’s objectives.
• Prepare sketches, layouts, and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software, and image processing, layout, and design software.
• Estimate the cost of materials and time to complete the graphic design.
• Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides or hire an illustrator or photographer to produce images that meet clients' communications needs.
• Establish guidelines for illustrators or photographers.
• Coordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials, such as Web sites, CDs, and interactive terminals.
• Coordinate sub-contracting.
• Work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Supervise other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians.

Illustrators

• Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs.
• Develop and produce realistic or representational sketches and final illustrations, by hand or using computer-assisted design (CAD) software, for printed materials such as books, magazines, packaging, greeting cards, and stationery.
• Assist in developing storyboards for electronic productions such as multimedia, interactive and digital products, and television advertising and productions.
• Produce 2-D and 3-D animated drawings or computer illustrations.
• May adapt existing illustrations.

Employment Requirements

• A university degree in visual arts with specialization in graphic design, commercial art, graphic communications, or cartooning or completion of a college diploma program in graphic arts is required.
• Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college, or technical institution may be required.
• In addition to the arts, training in biology, engineering, architecture, or a scientific field is usually required for medical, technical, and scientific illustrators.
• Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required for graphic designers and illustrators.

Salary Prospects

Job Openings - TEER 52120

Over the period 2022-2031, new job openings for Graphic Designers and Illustrators are expected to total 27,300, while 33,000 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them. Immigrants learning how to get Graphic Designers and Illustrators jobs in Canada from India can find it relatively easier to land a job under TEER 52120.