What is a Graphic Artist?
A graphic artist is a craftsman who composes visual material for printing or digital display. Originally, a graphic artist would create plates which could transfer designs to paper. Now the plate-making is automated, if plates are required at all, and the graphic artist does most of his or her work completely digitally, on a computer. Ads in magazines or newspapers and on the web are all created by a graphic artist. They may create the picture, or may use photographs or stock imagery. Text is composed by a copywriter, and the graphic artist is responsible for selecting the appropriate font, color and placement for maximum impact of the message. Graphic artists are usually commercial artists, but there are more and more graphic artists working entirely in digital media producing fine art — that is, art whose purpose isn’t to sell a product or convey a message, but is meant to evoke an emotion, convey a feeling or present a mood. A graphic artist needs a firm grounding in the discipline
A graphic artist is someone who takes your raw text, ideas, photos, drawings and turns them into finished ‘art-work’ ready for the printers. They may also be able to do or arrange illustrations or photographs for you. Where to find one? Try asking similar publications or printers. When you meet them ask to see examples of their work – make sure it suits your needs. It’s a good idea to get your own ideas about the ‘look’ you want by browsing through magazines and other publications in a bookshop or newsagent. Brief them thoroughly, describe your audience, the type of ‘look’ you imagine, your constraints of time and money. Since they know more about graphic design and printing than you do it’s important to listen to their advice. Get an estimate of the number of hours, and hence the cost, for your publication. Remember that this will usually be an under-estimate, especially since you are sure to be making last minute corrections or changes. A private or ‘freelance’ graphic artist (chargi
