The document describes 4 creative media job roles: graphic designer, illustrator, games artist, and technical artist (games). It provides details about the aims, typical day, types of work/contracts, and education/experience needed for each role. Education requirements include degrees in art, design, and illustration. Work experience such as internships and volunteering can help gain employment.

2. 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

3. JOB ROLE 1 GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Graphic 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

4. JOB ROLE 2 ILLUSTRATOR
Illustrators 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.

5. JOB ROLE 3 GAMES ARTIST
Games 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
An 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

9. GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
Many 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

10. GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
Most 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

11. GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
You 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)

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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)

16. GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH WORK
EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERING Job1-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.

17. GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH WORK
EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERING
You 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

18. GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH WORK
EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERING
A 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

19. GAINING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH WORK
EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERING
You 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)