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What is a graphics specialist and how to become one
Billboards, websites, and other media aren't effective without a graphics specialist. A graphics specialist is an essential part of advertising, web design, and publishing firms due to their understanding of art combinations, words, and colors. A graphic specialist is similar to a graphic designer.
They communicate ideas and concepts through art, creative messaging, and computer software. Due to their versatility, they can work in any industry. However, they are popular in marketing, advertising, and media management firms.
You must have a bachelor's degree in graphic design and a solid portfolio to display your works before hitting the labor market as a graphics designer. A graphics specialist must have expertise with graphics software to design layouts and create animation effects. This helps clients communicate their concepts and ideas using digital, electronic, and print media.
What general advice would you give to a graphics specialist?
Dr. Sarah Satterfield Ph.D.
Department Chair Visual and Performing Arts, Professor of Music and Humanities, College of Central Florida
Avg. Salary $56,007
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 3%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%
Asian 10.42%
Black or African American 3.42%
Hispanic or Latino 10.63%
Unknown 4.99%
White 70.17%
Genderfemale 46.61%
male 53.39%
Age - 37American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 37Stress level is moderate
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Graphics specialist career paths
Key steps to become a graphics specialist
Explore graphics specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific graphics specialist skills
Skills Percentages Graphic Design 11.85% Adobe Illustrator 8.80% Adobe Photoshop 7.17% Adobe Indesign 5.08% Adobe Creative Suite 4.89% Complete relevant graphics specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New graphics specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a graphics specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real graphics specialist resumes.Research graphics specialist duties and responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of several overhead presentations, advertising design, brochure marketing, and desktop publishing initiatives.
- Create graphics / artwork for screen print, dye-sublimation, embroidery, apparel, fliers, and web graphics.
- Prepare page layouts for posters, signage, handouts, brochures, business cards, stationery, and direct mail pieces.
- Edit HTML for menu systems in CBT courses.
Prepare your graphics specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your graphics specialist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a graphics specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable graphics specialist resume templates
Build a professional graphics specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your graphics specialist resume.
Apply for graphics specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a graphics specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first graphics specialist job
Are you a graphics specialist?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average graphics specialist salary
The average graphics specialist salary in the United States is $56,007 per year or $27 per hour. Graphics specialist salaries range between $38,000 and $81,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do graphics specialists rate their job?
Graphics specialist reviews
Creativity, Innovation, Intact Brand Integrity through Brand Guidelines
Being able to combine creativity and analytical skills
I had to scroll all the way to the bottom to see the salary range.
Working in the production/preflight realm of work is great because I am able to execute the concept that the designer comes up with. I have a very technical role that requires a lot of attention to detail, which is something I enjoy. Also, the competition is stiffer considering most designers are not trained to do production work
Updated January 8, 2025
