WHAT DOES A GRAPHIC DESIGNER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A Graphic Designer Do?)

Graphic Designers Workstation / Photo Credit: Mulligan Design - Joy Studio

WHAT DOES A GRAPHIC DESIGNER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does A Graphic Designer Do?)

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What Does A Graphic Designer Do?

Across the full spectrum of the entertainment and media industries, there is a need for graphic designers to produce original art to be used for advertising, marketing, promotions, and PR materials. From movie posters to album covers and video game packaging to websites, striking visual collateral is essential to culling an audience.

Graphic Artists produce all the props that contain graphic (written) items, e.g. money, newspapers, magazines, handwritten or typed letters, musical scores, books, maps, shop signage, menus, credit cards, passports, etc. They work closely with the Production Designer, Props Master, Standby Props, and Art Director(s).

If they are responsible for making an important action or “hero” prop, which will be on screen for a large part of the film, they often meet with the Director during pre-production to discuss exact requirements. They may spend six weeks working on four duplicate copies of one “hero” prop (e.g. an ancient book of alchemic signs, which requires them to work closely with a paper specialist, book binder and leather manufacturer and involves a high degree of hand-finish). Otherwise, they usually spend shorter periods of time on numerous dressing props that can be made quickly and used on a number of sets.

Occasionally, if an Actor has to use a prop (e.g. in a period film, the Director may want a shot of the character writing a manuscript), Graphic Artists work with the actor on set, showing them how to write with a quill onto the prop manuscript.

Items are often designed using freehand drawing and calligraphy skills and laid out on a computer using a software package such as Photoshop or Illustrator.

On smaller films, Graphic Artists undertake detailed research, while on big budget films this is carried out by Specialist Researchers. On larger fantasy or sci-fi films, two Graphic Artists may be employed, working closely with the Visual and Special Effects departments to produce special, animated or fantastical items such as animated photographs, flying envelopes, etc.

Graphic Artists must establish and maintain contacts with specialist suppliers of materials such as papers and inks and with reprographic (specialist printing) companies, printers, book binders, etc.

Graphic Artists are usually asked for by the Set Decorator, who has worked with them before, or knows their work by reputation. The job is highly creative but work is irregular, and most Graphic Artists work on a wide range of television, commercials and films. They work on a freelance basis.

Duties

The graphic designer typically works under the direct supervision of the art director, and is responsible for producing art assets and graphic page layouts according to design documentation and notes provided by the client. He or she will participate in concept meetings to understand the product or brand, and collaborate with the art director to come up with a design brief. Some research may be required before determining how to best visually represent a product, and the graphic designer is expected to work within given parameters, which could include mimicking an existing branding style, incorporating existing photos, or integrating required content like logos or specific wording. Working under strict deadlines, this person must deliver several comp versions of the design to the client, which will be reviewed and returned with notes for improvements. When a final design has been approved, the artist will produce refined samples for each medium (billboards, posters, etc.) that will then be reproduced for distribution. With one client satisfied, it’s on to the next project, and the design cycle repeats.

Skills & Education

Artistic talent is a necessity, as is skill in the use of design software like Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Though finished products are delivered in digital format, the graphic designer is expected to be proficient in traditional art as well; drawing ability should be the core foundation of any graphic designer. A college degree in studio art or graphic design is highly recommended, as are courses in photography, art history, and advertising. Proficiency in web design or graphic design for online media is also a considerable asset. You must be capable of prioritizing multiple tasks, as numerous projects may be dumped in your lap at once. This career demands an individual who is highly organized, detail-oriented, and an excellent communicator.

What to Expect

There is tremendous freedom and variety in a career as a graphic designer; artists have the opportunity to work full-time or freelance, dabbling in film, television, music, games, and live entertainment. Permanent positions exist within advertising and public relations firms, or in-house at a production company, film studio, game developer, or record label. If there is a specific area of the entertainment industry that appeals to you, concentrate your job-hunting efforts on companies that service that sector. Many companies offer internships or entry-level positions in the art department that can lead to full-time employment as a graphic designer. Variety in your portfolio and the ability to work in multiple styles and genres will make you a more valuable asset. A graphic designer is expected to produce material to fit the changing needs of the client, not simply to serve his or her own artistic compulsions.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Ella Laryen,

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Graphic Designers Workstation / Photo Credit: Mulligan Design - Joy Studio