JOB Talk: Graphic artist
JOB Talk: Graphic artist
Name/age: Dawn Mitchell, 36
Occupation: Graphic artist/creative director
Employer: Self-employed, G4G Interactive Inc.
Contact: Call 510-7467, e-mail dawn@g4ginteractive.com or visit www.g4ginteractive.com
Years in field: 15
Salary range: From about $20,000 for entry-level positions up to about $150,000 for executive positions in large markets, according to the American Institute for Graphic Arts
Education and training: ■ Associate of Arts degree in computer science-business, Palm Beach Community College, West Palm Beach, Fla.■ Associate of Science degree in visual communications, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.)■ Skills in areas such as illustration, animation, photo manipulation and computer programming
Goal of the job: To create professional-looking print and online products, such as brochures and Web sites, that clients will be proud of.
Tasks: Meeting with clients, selecting vendors and ensuring printed products are of highest quality and meet clients’ needs. Tasks vary depending on graphic artist’s area of expertise and the type of project.
Startup costs: At least $15,000 for computer hardware, design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, scanners, backup hard drives, and other art supplies and tools.
How did you become involved in this line of work?Art was always my best school subject. I got involved in art while in college studying computer science. Someone showed me a photo of Stonehenge floating on top of water and it amazed me. At the time I was working for a sign company, where I started as a receptionist and then began participating in various design projects, and the people for whom I worked suggested that I enroll at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. It was the best decision I ever made, and this is what I love to do.
What types of projects do you work on?My most common projects involve designing logos, brochures, sales sheets, postcards, vehicle wraps and billboards. I also design e-mail newsletters and Web sites.
What are your design processes?I talk with clients to see what their needs are. I then coordinate with my team members (writers, illustrators, photographers, printers, marketing professionals, etc.) to organize the elements. Then I work with software such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop to put all of those elements together into a visually appealing piece. When it’s approved, we place the project online or send the project to the printer for the finished product.
What advice do you have for people interested in this job?As a freelancer, you not only have to be a graphic designer but a receptionist, salesperson and bookkeeper. You definitely need a strong professional team to help you with the items you don’t do in-house, and you need to have a strong design background in order to succeed. It’s not for those who want to jump in with no experience. You also have to keep up with the latest design software along with the ever-changing landscape of the Web.
Have an idea for Job Talk? Contact Patrick Collins at 412-5934 or pcollins@news-record.com.
