Career Preparation

Market Trends

The last decade has seen spectacular advances in computer technologies
and sophisticated computer design software fueling expanded productivity
in Computer Graphic Design Industries nationwide requiring a highly skilled
computer literate labor force.

The Telecommunications and Informational Technology revolution has placed Massachusetts second only to California in expanded growth of Internet and
Information Technology industries. These industries require a skilled computer
trained work force of Web site designers, maintainers, and administrators.

The Central Massachusetts Graphic Arts Industry includes printing, prepress and preflight technologies,
advertising and corporate identity promotion. Electronic publishing career include Web page and web site
production with multimedia and animation designing Internet sites for business, advertising, entertainment,
education and public service.

Computer Graphic Design artists utilize digital technologies to produce designs, symbols, typography,
illustrations and photography for use in print and electronic publications to communicate ideas to a world
market. Web publishers, newspapers, magazines, ad agencies and manufacturers all use in-house or
freelance design specialists in the promotion and sales of their products.

1) Computer Graphic Designers: Advertising Agencies. Corporate Identity Promotion, Newspaper Advertising
and Publications. Publishers. Design Agencies. Printing. Manufacturing. Public and Community Organizations.

2) Photographer: Production of consumer products, High school Yearbook, Corporate Identity and yearly report.
Photo retouching, correction and manipulation. Production development and printing. Photo Promotional and Reproduction sales.

3) Pre press and Preflight: Software Specialist. High Resolution Scan Operator. Color Specialist. Electronic
Platemaker. Internet File Specialist. Digital Printing. Software Troubleshooting.

4) Educational Computer Lab Manager: Grade, Middle, High schools, and College level. 5) Web page and
Web site Designer / Maintenance / Administrator.

Creative Director

Job Function: Leads and directs the creative team in the production of Advertising and marketing collateral.
Manages creative projects from concepts to completion. Translates marketing objectives into creative strategies
and concepts. Job skills and experience: Strong leadership, communication and product management skills.
Superior design sense. Web expertise /advertising agency experience a plus. Proficiency in Quark Xpress,
Illustrator, PhotoShop. 8+years experience. Salary range: 57,000-78,000.

Art Director

Job Function: Oversees the creative and conceptual process for internal and external marketing and
promotional materials. Works with creative director and or copywriter to develop strategies for advertising campaigns. Supervises illustrators photographers and production artists on projects. Often specializes in
a particular medium such as direct mail or print advertising. Job skills and experience: Ability to create
compelling distinctive images. Solid understanding of the firm's or client's strategic objectives. Proficiency
QuarkXpress, Illustrator, PhotoShop. Advertising agency background. Experience with a high profile
campaign a plus. 5+ years experience. Salary range: 48,000-65,000.

Graphic Designer

Job Function: Develops and designs used in a creative project once the art director communicates the concept. Designs, lays out and formats a variety of materials, including presentations, advertisements, catalogs, web
sites, direct mail, corporate logos and packaging. Coordinate with art director, managers and production depart-
ment to execute design. Job Skills and experience: Excellent Deign sense. Agency experience /art education a
plus. Proficiency in QuarkXpress, PhotoShop, Illustrator. 3+years experience. Salary range: 32,000-45,000.

Production Artist

Job Function: Responsible for execution of production projects. Assists design team in production. Job skills and experience. Proficiency in Quark Xpress, PhotoShop, Illustrator, PageMaker. Strong electronic production skills.
2+year s experience. Salary range: 28,000-38,000.