Graphic arts technicians
Graphic arts technicians assist in conceptualizing a project, interpreting design specifications or sketches, preparing the page make-up, lay-out and lettering, and preparing production materials for press, electronic or multimedia publishing.
Moderate
Market Demand
TEER 2
Skill Level
NS, QC, MB
Top Provinces
What They Do
- Review the graphic designer's instructions
- Produce or assist in developing and producing design concepts
- Capture elements such as titles, text, drawings, illustrations, graphics, lettering and colour harmonization, using a computer
- Produce computerized images and drawings
- Digitize images using peripherals and transform them using retouching systems, graphic palettes or specialized software
- Perform the layout, page make-up and placement using the conceptual mock-ups provided
- Produce proofs and camera-ready materials and prepare film and any other prepress materials
- Paint or ink individual cells of 2-D or 3-D animated drawings according to animator's specifications using an electronic palette
- Lay out, draw or paint letters, figures, logos and designs for windows, advertisements, billboards, vehicles, books and publications using specialized software or painting equipment
- Work in an interdisciplinary environment.
Qualifications
- checkA college diploma in commercial or graphic arts, computer graphics or animated design is required.
- checkCreative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.
- checkExperience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution may be required.
Market Outlook by Province
Nova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for graphic arts technicians (NOC 52111) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about graphic arts technicians in Nova Scotia: Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Graphic arts technicians mainly work in the following sectors: Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 50%Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 30%Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 13%Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 7% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 91% compared to 82% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 9% compared to 18% for all occupations48% of graphic arts technicians work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.20% of graphic arts technicians are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 73% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 27% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: 19% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 15% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 50% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Moderate
Outlook
Quebec
The employment outlook will be Limited for graphic arts technicians (NOC 52111) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about graphic arts technicians in Quebec: Approximately 5,800 people work in this occupation. Graphic arts technicians mainly work in the following sectors: Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 35%Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 16%Printing and related support activities (NAICS 323): 12%Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 9%Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 7% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 89% compared to 82% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 11% compared to 18% for all occupations65% of graphic arts technicians work all year, while 35% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.15% of graphic arts technicians are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 63% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 37% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 11% compared to 19% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 20% compared to 19% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 35% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 22% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations
Limited
Outlook
Manitoba
The employment outlook will be Limited for graphic arts technicians (NOC 52111) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment decline will lead to the loss of a few positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about graphic arts technicians in Manitoba: Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Graphic arts technicians mainly work in the following sectors: Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 45%Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 35%Printing and related support activities (NAICS 323): 20% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 90% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 10% compared to 19% for all occupations50% of graphic arts technicians work all year, while 50% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 36 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.38% of graphic arts technicians are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 70% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 30% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: 22% compared to 31% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 30% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 35% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 9% compared to 8% for all occupations
Limited
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 2 occupations require college education or apprenticeship training and qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Express Entry (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Programs
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 52111 openings right now.
Rodeo FX
9 active roles · Montreal, QC
Keywords Studios
4 active roles · Montreal, QC
People Can Fly
2 active roles · Montreal, QC
CD PROJEKT RED
2 active roles
Dream Machine FX
2 active roles · Montreal, QC · Toronto, ON
London Drugs
2 active roles · Richmond, BC
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Search Graphic arts techniciansarrow_forwardCore Competencies
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
to address design issues, adapt to changing project requirements and develop innovative solutions that meet client needs while maintaining aesthetic quality
Digital Literacy
to work with design software, publishing tools and digital platforms for layout, lettering and multimedia production
Spatial Visualization
to lay out, draw and paint letters, figures, logos and designs for windows, advertisements, billboards, vehicles, books and publications
Colour Perception
to select and manipulate colours for designs, ensuring the final printed or digital products meet artistic and branding standards
Attention to Detail
to ensure all elements of a design are executed flawlessly, maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy in the final product
Knowledge in Computer, Technology and Information Systems
to understand design software and digital tools, facilitating the creation, manipulation and production of high-quality visual material
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