What does a computer artist do?
Computer artist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer artist resumes:
- Manage online product catalog using Dreamweaver.
- Train staff through PowerPoint seminars.
- Create custom graphics for slides and medical publications using Slidetek, a complete PC base graphics system.
- Utilize a variety of creative media including illustration, photography and digital design to convey ideas beautifully and intelligently.
- Create online stores and sell artwork through Zazzle, Etsy, and Cafepress.
Computer artist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 33% of Computer Artists are proficient in Art Direction, Adobe Photoshop, and Graphic Design. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Computer skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Artists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Art Direction, 33%
Collaborated on art direction, graphic content and marketing initiatives.
- Adobe Photoshop, 22%
Created and applied textures using Adobe Photoshop.
- Graphic Design, 17%
Worked as a computer artist/graphic designer.
- Macintosh, 6%
Created in-house newsletters, forms and brochures on a Macintosh computer using Aldus Freehand and PageMaker.
- PC, 5%
Created custom graphics for slides and medical publications using Slidetek, a complete PC based graphics system.
- Color Correction, 4%
Performed high end digital retouching, color correction, and digital illustrations
"art direction," "adobe photoshop," and "graphic design" are among the most common skills that computer artists use at work. You can find even more computer artist responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer artist to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what computer artists do because "graphic designers must be able to perceive their work from their consumers’ point of view to ensure that the designs convey the client’s message." Additionally, a computer artist resume shows how computer artists use analytical skills: "maintained a digital library and online database of presentations, rfp/rfis, and agency credentials. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer artist duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "graphic designers must communicate with clients, customers, and other designers to ensure that their designs accurately and effectively convey information." According to a computer artist resume, here's how computer artists can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "provided visual solutions to communication situations and practical design concepts for various company needs. "
Computer skills. This is an important skill for computer artists to perform their duties. For an example of how computer artist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "most graphic designers use specialized graphic design software to prepare their designs." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a computer artist: "created artwork for audio-visual production on genegraphic computer system. ".
Time-management skills. A big part of what computer artists do relies on "time-management skills." You can see how essential it is to computer artist responsibilities because "graphic designers often work simultaneously on multiple projects, each with a different deadline." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical computer artist tasks: "provided ad hoc assistance to sales and marketing departments, while guaranteeing strict adherence to deadlines and delivery dates. "
Artistic ability. Another common skill required for computer artist responsibilities is "artistic ability." This skill comes up in the duties of computer artists all the time, as "graphic designers must be able to create designs that are artistically interesting and appealing to clients and consumers." An excerpt from a real computer artist resume shows how this skill is central to what a computer artist does: "formulate multiple workshops within ceramics and sculpture demonstrate and encourage development of artistic skills supervise and educate students in a classroom setting"
Creativity. Lastly, "creativity" is an important element of what a computer artist does. Computer artist responsibilities require this skill because "graphic designers must be able to think of new approaches to communicating ideas to consumers." This resume example highlights how computer artist duties rely on this skill: "assisted art director with art direction, creative direction and department management. "
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Compare different computer artists
Computer artist vs. Freelance web designer
Freelance designers are creative, independent contractors who create visual and graphic designs for their clients. They develop text and illustrated versions of brands, messages, and communications with strong visible influence with their clients. Typical activities include networking, seeking projects, and negotiating prices to their customers. They manage client proposals, develop concepts, present solutions, and ensure the timely completion of projects. Freelance visual and graphic designers are creative, self-motivated as well as result and deadline oriented.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer artist are more likely to require skills like "art direction," "computer animation," "macintosh," and "color correction." On the other hand, a job as a freelance web designer requires skills like "client websites," "wordpress," "css," and "html css." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Freelance web designers tend to reach similar levels of education than computer artists. In fact, freelance web designers are 3.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Computer artist vs. Freelance designer
A design director spearheads and oversees design projects in a company or organization. They typically have the authority to lead the creative and design teams, make significant decisions, delegate responsibilities, set goals and schedules, manage budgets and resources, and direct the project's cycle from planning to execution. They also coordinate with clients and solve issues when any arise. Additionally, a design director leads and encourages teams to reach goals, all while implementing standards and policies, developing new ones when necessary.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computer artist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "graphic design," "computer animation," "macintosh," and "pc." Meanwhile, a freelance designer has duties that require skills in areas such as "sketch," "css," "adobe illustrator," and "photography." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Freelance designers tend to reach similar levels of education than computer artists. In fact, they're 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer artist vs. Design director
A lead designer is responsible for addressing the clients' needs of digital content and coordinating with the design team for the planning and innovation of the visual design and concept. Lead designers conduct the initial layout of frameworks and collaborate with the art staff for the specifications and outputs using various software applications and digital boards. They regularly update the client of the project's status, including adjustment and design recommendations, ensuring that the plan meets the client's budget goals. A lead designer must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on running diagnostic tests to improve optimal performance.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer artist resumes include skills like "adobe photoshop," "computer animation," "macintosh," and "pc," whereas a design director is more likely to list skills in "sketch," "human centered design," "product design," and "user experience. "
Design directors make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $155,570. On the other hand, computer artists are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $75,237.When it comes to education, design directors tend to earn higher degree levels compared to computer artists. In fact, they're 6.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer artist vs. Lead designer
Types of computer artist
Updated January 8, 2025
