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CHOOSE 4 JOB ROLES WITHIN THE CREATIVE MEDIA SECTOR• Research these roles, describe the specific sector they

belong to and the role they play within the media sector

• Describe the aim of the role, what would be a typical “Day in the Life…”

• Describe the difference types of work and contracts these jobs have including full-time; part-time; freelance; permanent; temporary; voluntary; casual; etc

JOB ROLE 1 GRAPHIC DESIGNERGraphic designers use lettering and images to communicate information and the

ideas, this can be for many different purposes such as advertisements and product packaging.

As a graphic designer, your work would include:

discussing the requirements of the project (the brief) with clients and colleagues

providing costs for the project

choosing the most suitable materials and style

producing rough sketches or computer visuals to show the client

using specialist computer software to prepare designs

producing a final layout with exact specifications for typefaces, letter size and colours

working to budgets and deadlines.

You may also produce 3D designs for packaging, exhibitions and displays

JOB ROLE 2 ILLUSTRATORIllustrators combine art, design and creative skills to develop

ideas and produce original visual images for a wide range of products

The work would typically include:

Discussing requirements or briefs with authors, editors or designers

negotiating prices and time scales

deciding on the right style for illustrations

creating illustrations using hand drawing, painting or computer design packages

speaking with the client and changing designs if necessary

making sure the work is completed within set budgets and deadlines.

JOB ROLE 3 GAMES ARTISTGames Artists create the visual elements of a game, such as

characters, scenery, objects, vehicles, surface textures and clothing

Some games try to look as realistic as possible while others aim for a more stylised look. It is the Artist's job to model and texture characters and objects to achieve the desired result. The look of a game is often a significant factor in its success, second only to its play ability.

JOB ROLE 4 TECHNICAL ARTIST (GAMES)Technical Artists act as a bridge between the Artists and

Programmers working on a game

The Technical Artist acts as a bridge between the Artists and Programmers working on a game. They ensure art assets can be easily integrated into a game without sacrificing either the overall artistic vision or exceeding the technical limits of the chosen platform.

GAINING EMPLOYMENT IN THE MEDIA SECTOR• Describe how you would hope to gain employment within

this role e.g. education, training, work experience and volunteering

• Describe possible career paths within the industry e.g. where might you be in a years’ time, five years’ time or 10 years’ time.

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATIONAn employer will be as interested in your design skills and

creative ideas as they are in your qualifications. Talent and personal contacts (networking) are very important for getting work. You will need to have an up-to-date portfolio to show potential employers what you can do. Don’t be afraid to use your design skills (where appropriate) to make your CV stand out. Most graphic designers have a Foundation degree, HND or degree in graphic design or other art and design-based subject.

Job 1- graphic designer

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATIONMany illustrators have a degree in illustration or another art

related subject. Even without a degree you can still be successful if you have artistic flair, creativity, a strong portfolio and employers like your work.

Relevant degree subjects include:

illustration

fine art

graphic design.

Job 2- illustrator

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATIONMost Artists in the games industry possess a degree or HND in

an art subject, such as fine art, graphic design or illustration.

Job 3- games artist

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATIONYou will generally need at least a degree in a relevant visual

art or technical subject, to be a Technical Artist. However, experience working on wide range of projects, both in terms of art tools and game hardware, is the most important requirement for the role.

Job 4-Technical Artist (Games)

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH TRAINING To become a graphic designer you will need to have IT skills and drawing

skills. Also you will need to be able to find practical solutions to problems and be excellent at communication skills. Here are other skills that will be needed;

· creativity and imagination

· IT skills

· drawing skills

· an ability to find practical solutions to problems

· knowledge of printing techniques and photography

· the ability to manage your time, meet deadlines and work within a budget

· an understanding of current trends and styles

· excellent communication skills

· Good spelling and grammar.

Job 1- graphic designer

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH TRAINING

To be an illustrator you will need:

excellent drawing skills

attention to detail

the ability to work to a customer brief

creativity and imagination

knowledge of computer graphics

the ability to manage your time and meet deadlines

technical knowledge of a specialist area (for some types of illustration)

good communication skills for making presentations and 'selling' ideas.

Job 2- illustrator

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH TRAINING

• be able to draw from life

• have knowledge of anatomy and architecture

• be able to convey facial expressions and emotions

• have a flair for color, composition, perspective, modelling and texturing techniques, lighting and mood

• have skills in comic book art and/or story boarding

• be able to work as part of a team and independently

• be imaginative and creative

• pay close attention to detail and have strong powers of observation

• have good communication skills

• be able to work to a style guide

• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures

Job 3- games artist

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH TRAINING

• have extensive knowledge of art packages ranging from modelling to texturing and special effects

• be able to customize art packages so that they are as streamlined as possible for specific projects

• be able to work well as part of a team

• have good communication and people management skills, in order to train and mentor others

• be able to work with minimum supervision

• have excellent organisational skills

• be able to think creatively to resolve technical challenges and limitations

• have knowledge of console hardware architecture

• be highly skilled in the use of 3D graphics software

• be able to anticipate the needs of the artists so as to streamline their productivity

• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

Job 4-Technical Artist (Games)

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH WORK EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERINGJob1-Graphic designer

You will need to keep your skills up to date throughout your career. You may be able to attend short courses, for example in design software, and you will need to continue gaining experience and learning new skills on the job.

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH WORK EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERINGYou can develop your skills as an illustrator by completing a

postgraduate course although this is not essential. Relevant subjects could include:

illustration

children’s book illustration

medical art

archaeological illustration

fine art

graphic design and illustration.

Job 2- illustrator

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH WORK EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERINGA work placement during a degree course would provide a

useful way to gain the industry experience that could lead to your first job.

You will start off in a junior role and decision you will need to make early on is whether to specialise in 2D or 3D work.

Job 3- games artist

GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH WORK EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERINGYou will need to have detailed knowledge of at least one

industry-standard art package, especially use of scripting languages, as well as an understanding of the limitations of console hardware.

An alternative entry route you could take is from a similar position in the film or special effects industries, with experience of high-end rendering techniques or complex animation.

Job 4-Technical Artist (Games)