About the job
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. They are employed by publishing, communications, advertising, marketing, printing and multimedia establishments, and by television and film production companies. They may also be self-employed.
- 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.
- airbrush artist
- animation painter
- cartoon background artist
- graphics technician
- lettering artist
- multimedia graphic design technician
- photograph retoucher
- sign layout detailer
- silkscreen technician
- video game designer
To work in this field, a natural ability to draw and a good sense of creativity and imagination are beneficial. You should have an understanding of artistic principles and be able to visualize a finished piece of work from a sketch or brief description. Computer design and production skills are essential for the commercial jobs in this field. Self-discipline in meeting deadlines and a good business sense are also very important.
- A college diploma in commercial or graphic arts, computer graphics or animated design is required.
- Experience or training in multimedia design at a post-secondary, college or technical institution may be required.
Creative ability and artistic talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required. Progression to graphic designer positions is possible with experience or supplementary training.
Labour Market Information
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Graphic Arts Technicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically temporary positions (such as a term, contract, or casual work). Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 59% of Graphic Arts Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $39,364. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Occupation | Estimated employment in 2018 | Estimated change in employment between 2017 and 2019 | Estimated openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019 | Estimated rate of unemployment in 2018 | Estimated hourly earnings in 2015 (learn more) | Estimated annual earnings in 2015 |
Graphic Arts Technicians | 70 | x | x | x | Minimum: N/A Median: N/A Maximum: N/A | Minimum: N/A Median: $31,008 Maximum: N/A |
Occupations in Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport | 11,000 | Moderate growth | 735 | Moderate | Minimum: $10.81 Median: $16.00 Maximum: $31.00 | Minimum: $945 Median: $11,712 Maximum: $60,447 |
Graphic Arts Technicians | Compared to: Occupations in Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport | |
Percent employed full-time | 82% | 59% |
Percent self-employed | 34% | 33% |
Area of Employment | Graphic Arts Technicians | Compared to: All NS Occupations | ||
% Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
Southern | N/A | x | 12% | $30,581 |
Northern | 16% | x | 16% | $33,660 |
Cape Breton | 11% | x | 13% | $32,974 |
Halifax | 63% | x | 47% | $41,209 |
Annapolis Valley | 11% | x | 13% | $32,958 |

Age | Graphic Arts Technicians | Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport |
% Employed | % Employed | |
15-24 | N/A | N/A |
25-34 | N/A | 13% |
35-44 | N/A | 44% |
45-54 | 100% | 35% |
55-64 | N/A | 8% |
65+ | N/A | 4% |
Median Age | 40 | 38 |

Gender | Graphic Arts Technicians | Compared to: Occupations in Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport |
% Employed | % Employed | |
Female | 42% | 56% |
Male | 58% | 44% |
Education | Graphic Arts Technicians | Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport | ||
% Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
Less than high school | x | x | 10.2% | $2,298 |
High school | 29.4% | $11,516 | 26.2% | $7,127 |
Trades certificate | x | x | 3.6% | $13,575 |
College certificate or diploma | 52.9% | $27,291 | 20.3% | $20,158 |
University certificate or diploma | x | x | 1.7% | $20,801 |
Bachelor's degree | x | x | 27.5% | $19,705 |
University advanced certificate or diploma | x | x | 1.5% | $18,274 |
Master's degree | x | x | 8.0% | x |
Doctorate | x | x | 1.0% | $30,975 |
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry | x | x | 0.1% | $11,741 |
Total | 100% | 100% |
Hourly earnings data are from the Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada. Data are not available for all occupations. Hourly earnings are calculated based on usual hours worked per week. This is how an annual salary, for instance, gets converted to an hourly rate. The data include full and part-time workers along with new and experienced workers. Self-employed workers are excluded.
Annual employment income data reported in the Work Prospects section, are from the 2011 National Household Survey by Statistics Canada. Much of the data (around 70%) came directly from tax records. The data relates to the year 2010 and includes total wages and salaries and net income from self-employment.
Employment Requirements & Contacts
Training Paths & Education
This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to use computer applications and related visual and sound imaging techniques to manipulate images and information originating as film, video, still photographs, digital copy, soundtracks, and physical objects in order to communicate messages simulating real-world content. These programs include courses in specialized camerawork and equipment operation and maintenance, image capture, computer programming, dubbing, CAD applications, and applications to specific commercial, industrial, and entertainment needs.
This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the software, hardware, and mathematical tools used to represent, display, and manipulate topological two- and three-dimensional objects on a computer screen and that prepares individuals to function as computer graphics specialists. These programs include courses in graphics software and systems; digital multimedia; graphic design; graphics devices, processors, and standards; attributes and transformations; projections; surface identification and rendering; colour theory and application; and applicable geometry and algorithms.
This instructional program class comprises any program in the applied visual arts that focuses on the general principles and techniques for effectively communicating ideas and information, and packaging products, in digital and other formats to business and consumer audiences, and that prepares individuals in any of the applied art media.
This instructional program class comprises any general, undifferentiated program that focuses on the use of computerized digital images as the primary medium of expression in the visual and performing arts, and that may prepare individuals for a wide variety of careers using new media, including graphic design, digital animation, motion graphics, 3D visualization, game and interactive media design, music and sound design, video production, web design, photography, and other fields.
This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the development, use, and regulation of new electronic communication technologies using computer applications and that prepares individuals to function as developers and managers of digital communications media. These programs include courses in the principles of computers and telecommunications technologies and processes; design and development of digital communications; marketing and distribution; digital communications regulation, law, and policy; the study of human interaction with, and use of, digital media; and emerging trends and issues.
This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the design, development, and programming of interactive media entertainment, including computer and video games, virtual environments, Internet applications, and other interactive media. These programs include courses in theory of games, turn-based games, real-time games, visual and interactive design, story development, animation, simulation, and programming.
This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply artistic and computer techniques to the interpretation of technical and commercial concepts. These programs include courses in computer-assisted art and design, printmaking, concepts sketching, technical drawing, colour theory, imaging, studio technique, still and life modelling, communication skills and commercial art business operations.
This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply HTML, XML, Javascript, graphics applications, and other authoring tools to the design, editing, and publishing (launching) of documents, images, graphics, sound, and multimedia products on the World Wide Web. These programs include courses in Internet theory; web page standards and policies; elements of web page design; user interfaces; vector tools; special effects; interactive and multimedia components; search engines; navigation; morphing; e-commerce tools; and emerging web technologies.
There are no additional resources for this occupation.