Graphic Design Research Task

Graphic Design

Graphic designers produce design solutions to communicate client messages with high visual impact. Graphic design solutions are required for a huge variety of products and activities, such as websites, advertising, books, magazines, posters, computer games, product packaging, exhibitions and displays, corporate communications and corporate identity (e.g. giving organisations a visual 'brand').

A graphic designer works to a brief agreed with the client or account manager. They develop creative ideas and concepts choosing te appropriate media and style to meet the client's objectives.

The work demands creative flair, up-to-date knowledge of industry software and a professional approach to time, costs and deadlines.

Graphics Artists produce all the props for films that contain graphic items, e.g. money, newspapers, magazines, handwritten or typed letters, musical scores, books, maps, shop signage, menus, credit cards, passports, etc. The audience should be unaware that the letters, menus, bills, books, printed sheet music, shop signage, cash or credit cards read or used by characters are not genuine articles, but clever reproductions. They are manufactured props, carefully made to reflect the period and setting in which the story unfolds. Ensuring that these printed props appear as realistic as possible is a highly specialised job within the Art Department.

What is the job?
The demand for specialist action props varies enormously from film to film, and Graphics Artists may spend six weeks working on four duplicate copies of one major "hero" prop (e.g. an ancient book of alchemic signs, that requires them to work closely with a paper specialist, book binder and leather manufacturer, and involves a high degree of hand-finish), or for shorter periods on numerous dressing props that can be made quickly and used on a number of sets.

Graphics Artists may work closely with the Production Designer, Props Master, Standby Props, and the Art Director(s). If they are responsible for making an important action or "hero" prop, which will be on screen for a large part of the film, they often meet with the Director during pre-production to discuss exact requirements. They liaise with a number of specialist suppliers to commission the items, in duplicate, so that they are available on the first day of principal photography. On smaller films, Graphics Artists undertake detailed research, while on big budget films this is carried out by Specialist Researchers. On larger fantasy or sci-fi films, two Graphics Artists may be employed, working closely with Visual and Special Effects departments to produce special animated or fantastical items such as animated photographs, flying envelopes, etc. Graphic Artists must establish and maintain contacts with specialist suppliers of materials such as papers and inks and with reprographic (specialist printing) companies, printers, book binders, etc.

Typical career routes
Graphics Artists usually start their careers at junior levels in the Art Department, working on a number of films. They may assist the Set Decorator, or work as general Art Department Assistants, learning how Art Departments work, and practising their drawing and graphics skills wherever possible.

Training and qualifications
Graphics Artists are likely to be graduates of Graphics, Art, Architecture, Theatre, Interior or 3D Design courses. Some individuals may also undertake higher level courses in Film and/or Theatre Production Design. After training, it is equally important to acquire on the job experience of how Art Departments work.

As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

The colleges and universities that offer courses on Graphic Design are the city of Glasgow college, Glasgow Caladonian and at any Forth Valley college.