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ESCO occupation

graphic designer

Back to ESCO occupations

Graphic designers create text and images to communicate ideas. They make visual concepts by hand or using computer software, intended for publishing in paper or online media such as advertisements, websites, and magazines.

2166.9 ISCO 2166 ESCO source
Competences
64
Groups
4
Essential
19
Optional
45

Competences and skills

64 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 5 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
adobe creative suite

The set of software applications that are used to create visual content for personal or business use. Examples of items that can be generated are flyers, brochures, books, websites and videos.

digital
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Cross-sector

4 competences
copyright legislation

Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

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desktop publishing

The creation of documents using page layout skills on a computer. Desktop publishing software can generate layouts and produce typographic quality text and images.

digital
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digital media

The set of medias that are transmitted through electronic devices.

digital
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graphic design

The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.

digital
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Essential skills and competences 14 competences

Occupation specific

2 competences
convert scribbles into virtual sketches

Use software to convert the roughly drawn representation of a design into a two-dimensional geometrical sketch that they can further develop to obtain the final concept.

digital
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use creative suite software

Use a creative software suite such as ''Adobe'' to aid in graphic designing.

digital
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Sector-specific

3 competences
adapt to type of media

Adapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.

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develop an artistic framework

Develop a specific framework for research, creation and completion of artistic work.

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identify customer's needs

Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.

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Cross-sector

9 competences
design graphics

Apply a variety of visual techniques in order to design graphic material. Combine graphical elements to communicate concepts and ideas.

Scope note
This includes computer graphic design.
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design prototypes

Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.

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develop creative ideas

Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.

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develop digital content

Create and edit digital content in different formats, express oneself through digital means.

digCompdigital
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finish project within budget

Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

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follow a brief

Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.

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perform market research

Gather, assess and represent data about target market and customers in order to facilitate strategic development and feasibility studies. Identify market trends.

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respect publication formats

Submit text material for printing purposes. Always respect the required and expected publication formats.

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translate requirements into visual design

Develop visual design from given specifications and requirements, based on the analysis of the scope and target audience. Create a visual representation of ideas such as logos, website graphics, digital games and layouts.

digital
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Optional knowledge 20 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

11 competences
3D lighting

The arrangement or digital effect which simulates lighting in a 3D environment.

digital
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Adobe Illustrator

The computer program Adobe Illustrator CC is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.

digital
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Adobe Photoshop

The computer program Adobe Photoshop is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.

digital
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Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

The computer program Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.

digital
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Capture One

The computer program Capture One is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics.

digital
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design management

The way in which design principles are incorporated to help achieve business objectives, create products and services, obtain new customers, and support marketing activities.

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GIMP (graphics editor software)

The computer program GIMP is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by The GIMP Development Team.

digital
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graphics editor software

The field of graphical ICT tools which enable digital editing and composition of graphics, such as GIMP, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to develop both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics.

digital
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Microsoft Visio

The computer program Microsoft Visio is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Microsoft.

digital
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SketchBook Pro

The computer program SketchBook Pro is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Autodesk.

digital
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Synfig

The computer program Synfig is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by Robert Quattlebaum.

digital
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Cross-sector

9 competences
3D modelling

The process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of an object via specialised software. The product is called a 3D model. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering or used in a computer simulation of physical phenomena. The model can also be physically created using 3D printing devices.

digital
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advertising techniques

The communication strategies intended to persuade or encourage an audience, and the different media which are used to achieve this goal.

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aesthetics

Set of principles based on which something is appealing and beautiful.

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computer graphics

The field that merges approaches from computer science and design. It involves the process of creating images, 3D models generation, as well as the rendering, texturing and lighting them. Its applications vary from digital photography, film and video games, and the display of images on electronic devices.

digital
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digital compositing

The process and software for digitally assembling multiple images to make one, final image.

digital
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interactive media

The method of communication that takes place through digital medias and is based on customers interactions with them. The interactions take place with computerised elements (e.g., moving graphics, digital text and sound).

digital
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motion graphics

The techniques and software for creating the illusion of motion such as keyframing, Adobe After Effects, and Nuke.

digital
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photography

Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.

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publishing industry

Key stakeholders in the publishing industry. Acquisition, marketing and distribution of newspapers, books, magazines and other informative works, including electronic media.

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Optional skills and competences 25 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
perform ideation activities

Implement the different techniques to generate ideas. Sketching, prototyping and brainstorming are examples of these techniques.

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Sector-specific

16 competences
apply 3D imaging techniques

Implement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and 3D surface shapes.

digital
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create 3D characters

Develop 3D models by transforming and digitising previously designed characters using specialised 3D tools

digital
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create 3D environments

Develop a computer-generated 3D representation of a setting such as simulated environment, where the users interact.

digital
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create advertisements

Use your creativity to draft advertiments. Keep in mind the costumer's requirements, target audience, media and marketing objectives.

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create animated narratives

Develop animated narrative sequences and story lines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.

digital
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create moving images

Create and develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in motion and animations.

digital
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design greeting cards

Design the illustrations on greeting cards.

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develop animations

Design and develop visual animations using creativity and computer skills. Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, colour, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.

digital
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edit digital moving images

Use specialised software to edit video images for use in an artistic production.

digital
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edit negatives

Use different software products and techniques to process photographic negatives and adapt the images to the desired specifications.

digital
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edit photographs

Resize, enhance and retouche photographs, using airbrushing, editing software and other techniques.

digital
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operate 3D computer graphics software

Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.

digital
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select artwork developed by staff members

Review and approve designs, artwork, photography, and graphics developed by other staff members.

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use digital illustration techniques

Create drawings using digital illustration programmes and techniques.

digital
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use photographic equipment

Use analogue or digital camera equipment, along with a variety of accessories such as tripods, filters and lenses.

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use traditional illustration techniques

Create drawings using traditional illustration techniques such as watercolour, pen and ink, airbrush art, oil painting, pastels, wood engraving, and linoleum cuts.

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Cross-sector

8 competences
apply desktop publishing techniques

Apply desktop publishing techniques to create page layouts and typographic quality text.

digital
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brainstorm ideas

Pitch your ideas and concepts to fellow members of the creative team in order to come up with alternatives, solutions and better versions.

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draw design sketches

Create rough pictures to assist in creating and communicating design concepts.

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manage contracts

Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes in line with any legal limitations.

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meet expectations of target audience

Research the needs and expectations of the target audience to ensure the program's theme meets both.

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use CAD software

Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.

digital
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use presentation software

Use software tools to create digital presentations which combine various elements, such as graphs, images, text and other multimedia.

digital
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use word processing software

Use computer software applications for composition, editing, formatting, and printing of any sort of written material.

digital
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