Graphics Studio Assistant

Also known as:

Design Assistant - Graphic Design
Studio Assistant - Graphic Design

Introduction

Graphics studio assistants work for professional designers. They help to create a visual message using lettering, drawings and photographs. As there are few vacancies, entry can be competitive.

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Work Activities

A graphics studio assistant works under the direction of a more experienced designer, preparing clients' visuals and art work ready for reproduction into print.

The aim of graphic design is to communicate ideas by visual means. The graphics studio assistant visualises ideas through print, drawings, patterns and photography using a variety of materials, for example oil paints, pastels, crayons and acrylics.

Whilst the precise nature of the work varies from one design studio to another, each project usually involves similar stages. The graphics studio assistant takes instructions for the project and then researches the background. For example, they may need to look at a product to be advertised, the client company's image, and the intended market.

They then work on creative ideas, producing rough sketches and preparing layouts. The graphics studio assistant may also present ideas to clients before preparing the work for production. Desktop publishing software is widely used by graphics studio assistants. For a project, the graphics studio assistant should always be aware of the cost limits and suitable different materials, techniques and reproduction methods. A knowledge of typography is essential in all aspects of graphic design.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You should have a good sense of colour and shape. The level of drawing ability and illustration required will depend upon the specialist field within the studio, but all graphics studio assistants must have good creative and artistic abilities with the ability to solve design problems.

You must be able to work both alone and as part of a team. Effective communication with colleagues and clients is important and you must be able to work quickly under pressure.

You should also have a lively and enquiring mind, and the ability to work neatly while paying close attention to detail.

You will also need computer skills, including an understanding of desktop publishing software.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for graphics studio assistants vary with the industry and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Graphics studio assistants earn in the range of £16,000 - £19,000 a year, rising to around £23,000 - £28,000 a year. Higher salaries are possible for some, depending on their range of skills and competencies.

Graphic studio assistants work a basic 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. However, late finishes and weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.

There are employers throughout the UK, including small commercial design studios, advertising agencies, exhibition companies, firms involved with point of sale and display, television, film and audio visual companies, and publicity departments in large organisations.

Entry to this work is very competitive.

The job of graphics assistant can be the first step towards becoming a professional graphic designer.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Art and Design) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

They can lead to relevant degree/HND courses.

Colleges and universities may consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements, especially those with skills and abilities gained in arts, crafts or design. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges and universities.

Skills and abilities gained using desktop publishing software are essential. Courses at various levels are offered by many centres, by distance learning. Relevant courses have titles such as desktop publishing, or relate to specific software packages for print, such as Quark Express, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, and for web packages, such as Dreamweaver and Flash.

To enter this work or relevant courses you need to have a portfolio of work demonstrating your creative ability.

• 26% of people in occupations such as graphics studio assistant are self-employed.
• 11% work part-time.
• 9% have flexible hours.
• 3% work on a temporary basis.

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