What does a computer graphic artist do?
Computer graphic artist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer graphic artist resumes:
- Manage online product catalog using Dreamweaver.
- Design logos, poster/t-shirt artwork, brochures, letterheads and business cards, charts and illustration and signage.
- g code for CNC router cutting.
- Maintain and troubleshoot computers and network.
- Develop the art per ISO federal and state requirements.
- Meet customers to review the typesetting and design for each project.
- Design custom products (e.g., posters, signs) for trade shows and sporting events.
- Design and page layout of wide range of projects, typesetting, preflighting of customer files.
- Design graphic images for large apparel manufacturer of corporate, college, resort and military markets.
- Design and produce high quality video and presentation graphics on slide, print, PowerPoint presentation, and videotape.
- Work as a contract employee preparing pamphlets, posters, and slide shows using computer generate images and photographic equipment
- Consult recommended, implement and install IOMEGA removable hard drives for Macintosh systems and train computer operators to utilize them.
- Job include creating illustrations, logos, brochures, and graphics for medical, legal and many other forms of publications.
- Leverage well-developed multi-tasking skills in overseeing production of direct store circulars, order books, advertisements, slicks, and layouts.
- Produce PowerPoint presentations for department and executive meetings.
Computer graphic artist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 13% of Computer Graphic Artists are proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Concept Art. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Artistic ability, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Graphic Artists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Adobe Photoshop, 13%
Experienced with PageMaker 7.0, QuarkXPress 5.0, Adobe Photoshop CS, and Microsoft Office 2003 Suite.
- Adobe Illustrator, 12%
Used Adobe Illustrator program to create screen printed graphics for company that produced awards for high schools and colleges.
- Concept Art, 10%
Produced concept art, finished art and animation as project need directed.
- Mac, 6%
Instructed courses for PC & Mac.
- Brochures, 5%
Job included creating illustrations, logos, brochures, and graphics for medical, legal and many other forms of publications.
- Maya, 4%
Created a 3-D animated production logo in Maya for the short student film, 'Infinite'.
Common skills that a computer graphic artist uses to do their job include "adobe photoshop," "adobe illustrator," and "concept art." You can find details on the most important computer graphic artist responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a computer graphic artist to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "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." Computer graphic artists often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "maintained a digital photography database. "
Artistic ability. Many computer graphic artist duties rely on artistic ability. "graphic designers must be able to create designs that are artistically interesting and appealing to clients and consumers," so a computer graphic artist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways computer graphic artist responsibilities rely on artistic ability: "utilized a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects and conferred with clients to discuss and determine layout design. "
Communication skills. computer graphic artists are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to computer graphic artist responsibilities, because "graphic designers must communicate with clients, customers, and other designers to ensure that their designs accurately and effectively convey information." A computer graphic artist resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "establish a close communication between graphic art department, advertising and marketing agencies. "
Computer skills. For certain computer graphic artist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "computer skills." The day-to-day duties of a computer graphic artist rely on this skill, as "most graphic designers use specialized graphic design software to prepare their designs." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what computer graphic artists do: "typeset and design utilizing the latest computer graphics programs. "
Creativity. Another crucial skill for a computer graphic artist to carry out their responsibilities is "creativity." A big part of what computer graphic artists relies on this skill, since "graphic designers must be able to think of new approaches to communicating ideas to consumers." How this skill relates to computer graphic artist duties can be seen in an example from a computer graphic artist resume snippet: "provided art direction to creative product designers, photo stylists/ editors, and technical artists. "
Time-management skills. Lastly, "time-management skills" is an important element of what a computer graphic artist does. Computer graphic artist responsibilities require this skill because "graphic designers often work simultaneously on multiple projects, each with a different deadline." This resume example highlights how computer graphic artist duties rely on this skill: "gained knowledge in computer software to deliver information in a fast, deadline driven environment. "
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Compare different computer graphic artists
Computer graphic artist vs. Freelance 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 graphic artist are more likely to require skills like "concept art," "maya," "graphic design," and "pc." On the other hand, a job as a freelance designer requires skills like "sketch," "css," "photography," and "website design." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
On average, freelance designers reach similar levels of education than computer graphic artists. Freelance designers are 1.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer graphic artist vs. Lead designer
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.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real computer graphic artist resumes. While computer graphic artist responsibilities can utilize skills like "concept art," "mac," "brochures," and "maya," lead designers use skills like "sketch," "human centered design," "user experience," and "html css."
In general, lead designers achieve similar levels of education than computer graphic artists. They're 2.1% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer graphic artists in the next 3-5 years?
Paul Molnar
Associate Professor of Theatre, Independence Community College
Computer graphic artist vs. Web designer
A web designer is a creative professional responsible for creating and redesigning the content and layout of websites. Web designers are required to meet clients and users to discuss the needs and goals of their clients. To create graphics, colors, and fonts, web designers usually use HTML coding to alter the website's layout. Web designers must build their portfolio by taking on unique projects for themselves and the people they know.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, computer graphic artists are more likely to have skills like "concept art," "mac," "brochures," and "maya." But a web designer is more likely to have skills like "css," "wordpress," "html css," and "javascript."
When it comes to education, web designers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to computer graphic artists. In fact, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer graphic artist vs. Designer
A designer is someone who creates a master plan of the look or workings of something before it will be made. It could be tangible or intangible objects, products, procedures, laws, events, games, graphics, services, and even experiences. Designers are creative thinkers with a great eye to configure the skeletal and structural properties of the targeted output. They work in several fields, such as fashion, architecture, web graphics, and user experience. In spite of the variety of professionals in the design industry, all of them are artistic, passionate, inspiring, and emotionally connected to their projects and brands.
Types of computer graphic artist
Updated January 8, 2025
