BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasGraphic Designers

O*NET · 27-1024.00

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Also called Ad Designer · Ad Designer (Advertising Designer) · Ad Layout Worker · Ad Layout Worker (Advertising Layout Worker) · Apparel Graphic Designer · Artist · Brand Designer · Catalogue Illustrator
31 more

Commercial Artist · Concept Artist · Creative Designer · Design Consultant · Designer · Digital Artist · Forms Designer · Graphic Art Designer · Graphic Artist · Graphic Design Coordinator · Graphic Designer · Graphics Coordinator · Graphics Specialist · Interface Designer · Label Maker · Layout Artist · Marketing Graphic Designer · Multimedia Designer · Multimedia Developer · Multimedia Specialist · Online Producer · Presentation Designer · Presentation Specialist · Production Artist · Production Designer · Production Graphic Designer · Publications Designer · Studio Designer · Technical Illustrator · Visual Designer · Visual Graphic Designer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code ACE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Special Effects Artists and Animators

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ACEArtistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.92
  • E Enterprising3.43
  • R Realistic3.38
  • I Investigative2.86
  • S Social2.16

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent15%
  • Some College Courses5%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
  • Bachelor's Degree65%
  • Master's Degree10%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (21%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (25%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Writingbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Social Perceptiveness3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Time Management3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Monitoringbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
  • Negotiation3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Persuasion3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Service Orientation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Analysis2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Instructing2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Operations Analysis2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Systems Evaluation2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.32.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Technology Design2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Programming2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Mathematicsbasic2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Operations Monitoring2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Quality Control Analysis1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Equipment Selection1.1—
  • Operation and Control1.1—
  • Sciencebasic1.1—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—
  • Troubleshooting1.0—

Tasks

17 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.4.7
  2. Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.4.7
  3. Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.4.6
  4. Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.4.6
  5. Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.4.5
  6. Use computer software to generate new images.4.5
  7. Prepare digital files for printing.4.5
  8. Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.4.3
  9. Research the target audience of projects.4.3
  10. Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.4.2
  11. Mark up, paste, and assemble final layouts to prepare layouts for printer.4.1
  12. Study illustrations and photographs to plan presentation of materials, products, or services.4.1
Show the other 7
  1. Maintain archive of images, photos, or previous work products.4.1
  2. Prepare illustrations or rough sketches of material, discussing them with clients or supervisors and making necessary changes.4.0
  3. Prepare notes and instructions for workers who assemble and prepare final layouts for printing.4.0
  4. Research new software or design concepts.3.5
  5. Produce still and animated graphics for on-air and taped portions of television news broadcasts, using electronic video equipment.3.0
  6. Photograph layouts, using camera, to make layout prints for supervisors or clients.2.8
  7. Write or edit copy for clients.2.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Design4.75.8
  • Computers and Electronics4.45.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Fine Arts4.45.7
  • Communications and Media4.34.4Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • English Language3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Sales and Marketing3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Customer and Personal Service3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Production and Processing3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Administrative2.83.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Education and Training2.83.6Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Psychology2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Engineering and Technology2.63.3Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.63.2Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.52.9
  • Economics and Accounting2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Mathematics2.32.7
  • Telecommunications2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Geography2.12.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • History and Archeology1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Philosophy and Theology1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Foreign Language1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Law and Government1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Public Safety and Security1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Building and Construction1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Mechanical1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Physics1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Transportation1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Therapy and Counseling1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Chemistry1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Food Production1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Originality4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Fluency of Ideas3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Near Vision3.94.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Written Comprehension3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Oral Comprehension3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Expression3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.4Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Speech Clarity3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Visualization3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Category Flexibility3.03.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Selective Attention3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Far Vision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time Sharing2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Control Precision2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Speed of Closure2.32.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Manual Dexterity2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Auditory Attention1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.40.4
  • Dynamic Strength1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Thinking Creatively4.95.9
  • Working with Computers4.84.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting Information4.64.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.24.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
Show all 41
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.05.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.74.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Processing Information3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Developing and Building Teams3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Training and Teaching Others3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.02.7
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.72.6
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.72.7
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.52.6
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.42.6
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.22.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.81.9Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Spend Time Sitting4.8
  • Time Pressure4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.3
  • Level of Competition4.3

Technology

79 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (13)

  • Adobe After Effectshot
  • Adobe Creative Cloud softwarehot
  • Adobe Illustratorhot
  • Adobe InDesignhot
  • Adobe Photoshophot
  • Canvahot
  • Cascading style sheets CSShot
  • Figmahot
  • Hypertext markup language HTMLhot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Adobe Premiere Pro

Hot (23; 12 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • AJAX
  • Apple macOS
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Autodesk Revit
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Facebook
  • Google Docs
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • JavaScript
  • jQuery
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • PHP
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro
  • WordPress
Other tools (43)
  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Adobe ColdFusion
  • Adobe Distiller
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe FrameMaker
  • Adobe FreeHand MX
  • Adobe Macromedia HomeSite
  • Adobe PageMaker
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Apple iMovie
  • Apple iWork Keynote
  • Apple Keynote
  • Avid Pro Tools
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Drupal
  • Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
  • Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Google Ads
  • Google Chrome
  • Google Drive
  • Google Slides
  • IBM Notes
  • LinkedIn
  • Maxon Cinema 4D
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Nuance OmniPage Professional
  • Oracle Eloqua
  • Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
  • PDF readers
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • QuarkXPress
  • SignCAD Systems SignCAD
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Social media sites
  • Verilog
  • Web browser software
  • WeVideo
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Special Effects Artists and Animators
  2. Art Directors
  3. Web and Digital Interface Designers
  4. Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
  5. Desktop Publishers
  6. Video Game Designers
  7. Set and Exhibit Designers
  8. Commercial and Industrial Designers
  9. Interior Designers
  10. Software Developers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.