Overview & Job Duties

Graphic designers create visual concepts, by hand and/or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. According to the Department of Labors Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), typical job duties include: meeting with clients or the art director to determine the scope of a project; using digital illustration, photo editing software, and layout software to create designs; creating visual elements such as logos, original images, and illustrations that help deliver a desired message; designing layouts and select colors, images, and typefaces to use; presenting design concepts to clients or art directors; incorporating changes recommended by clients or art directors into final designs; and reviewing designs for errors before printing or publishing them.

Requirements

To qualify for TN status as a graphic designer, an applicant must possess one of the following:

  • Bachelors (Baccalaureate) or Licenciatura degree; or
  • Post-secondary diploma or post-secondary certificate and three years experience.

Please note: a qualifying degree must be in the same field or a closely related field. Adjudicating officers are instructed to use good judgment in determining whether a degree in an allied field is appropriate.