Saturday, 2 June 2012

Graphic Designer: Role & Responsibilities


A Graphic Designer is responsible for a wide variety of tasks.  These include:
·        
·         creating design solutions that have high visual impact
·         meeting clients or account managers to discuss the business objectives and requirements of the job;
·         interpreting the client's business needs and developing a concept to suit their purpose;
·         estimating the time required to complete the work and providing quotes for clients;
·         developing design briefs by gathering information and data through research;
·         thinking creatively to produce new ideas and concepts;
·         using innovation to redefine a design brief within the constraints of cost and time;
·         presenting finalised ideas and concepts to clients or account managers;
·         working with a wide range of media, including photography and computer-aided design (CAD);
·         proofreading to produce accurate and high-quality work;
·         contributing ideas and design artwork to the overall brief;
·         demonstrating illustrative skills with rough sketches;
·         working on layouts and artworking pages ready for print;
·         keeping abreast of emerging technologies in new media (particularly design programs such as QuarkXPress, FreeHand, Illustrator, Photoshop, 3ds Max, Acrobat, Director, Dreamweaver and Flash);
·         developing interactive design;
·         commissioning illustrators and photographers;
·         working as part of a team with printers, copywriters, photographers, stylists, illustrators, other designers, account executives, web developers and marketing specialists.

The following is an example of an accurate job description of a generic Graphic Designer
working in a design firm.  The description is longer and requires a fair bit more
persistence to get through, but the length allows for a more thorough understanding of
the specific tasks and responsibilities required for the role.

    Graphic Designer
    Description:
    GWS Personnel is currently working with a Government client who is seeking an experienced Graphic Designer to fill a temporary 4-6 week opportunity within their busy team. Relevant qualifications in Graphic Design and having demonstrated experience are essential. Responsibilities will include; .Developing their corporate brand. Provide support to management and staff on graphic design aspects of marketing etc. Ensure brand consistency. Devise and produce a diverse and creative range of marketing and promotional material. Portray a positive image of the company within the market The successful candidate will have. High level computer skills in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g. Indesign, Illustrator & Photoshop) & Microsoft Office. Experience in Flash would be advantageous. High level communication skills. Understanding & Knowledge of commercial printing. Previous design and marketing experience. You will be responsible for working towards deadlines so reliability and working under pressure is a must. You will have the ability to take ownership of this role so it's a great opportunity to make it your own and make use of your creative flair. For more information & to apply please contact Rhyley Hunter at GWS Personnel on (02) 6931 9070 or email a current CV in Word format to rhyley@gwspersonnel.com.au



    Here is an example of vague description of what a Graphic Designer is responsible for in a Graphic Design Firm:



    Graphic Designer
    Australian Taxation Office
    (Non-ongoing Position, Closing Date 14/06/2012)

    Description:
    Your role as a hands on Middleweight Graphic Designer is critical for the delivery of our day-to-day business. You'll facilitate the development of products from concept to delivery including the design and typeset of products and will perform quality assurance checks.




    The above description may be completely accurate, but is too complicated and loses that instant effectiveness the employer should be aiming for.  It also does not address the majority of tasks a Graphic Designer is typically responsible for in an organisation, which leads the viewer to believe these tasks are not required.

No comments:

Post a Comment