Designs and produces a variety of graphic projects including printed publications, advertisements (digital and print); video, slideshows, three-dimensional exhibits, and illustrative materials, using graphic design software.

This is the journey level of the series. Under general supervision, designs and prepares original artwork for a variety of communication purposes. Positions are responsible for developing and designing a variety of visual communication materials in conjunction with a client. Positions work independently and provide recommendations and advice to clients on practical applications of graphic design, selection of paper stock, type-style, ink colors, photography, and in determining the most appropriate methods and techniques of designing and producing illustrative materials and publications targeted toward a specific audience.

Conceptualizes, designs and produces graphic projects such as publications or reports, pamphlets, banners, brochures, posters, signs, booklets, bulletins, educational information and online materials, logos, advertisements, maps, Internet materials, drawings, displays, videos, slideshows, and other materials;

Manipulates digital images, photographs, audio, video and illustrations using a variety of computer software techniques;

Illustrates images, text, graphics and animation using a variety of methods including freehand and digital pads and stylus pens;

Selects colors, images and typeface; determines placement of images and text on print or webpage;

Explains to staff the effective use of graphic designs and production costs; offers ideas, suggestions and information on techniques and content as it pertains to getting communications reproduced; provides guidance on mailing list preparation;

Designs informational materials, taking into account intended use, audience, cost estimates and distribution and the project's and department's goals and objectives;

Produces and packages complex, computer-generated multi-page art for black and white, and color reproduction, using graphic design software such as the Adobe Creative Suite for page layout, illustration, and photo manipulation;

Accomplishes typographic compositions, conversions and manipulations of photographs and illustrations, using a variety of reprographic techniques, computer software, and materials;

Prepares preliminary and finished drawings from original materials and/or processes reproductions from books, slides, sketches, and maps; incorporates images from internal photo libraries or online photo resource vendors;

Prepares technical and/or other working drawings from verbal instructions, consultation with clients, samples and specimens, using other reference materials as necessary;

Operates flatbed scanners and a variety of office printers including standard color printers and larger-format plotters;

Provides detailed written, online or other instructions to printer vendors for a variety of reproduction elements, including paper stock, ink, folding, scoring, embossing, mailing lists; distribution and variable printing, and engraving and binding techniques;

Ensures compliance with design standards, logo usage and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements;

Selects most appropriate techniques and materials available within the project budget;

Prepares and coordinates a variety of printer-ready artwork for digital distribution and reproduction by local copiers or offset press, xerography, photographic means, and serigraphy; occasionally prepares materials for alternative print methods as specified by the vendor; may work with customer to ensure they provide correctly formatted data to submit to the printer;

Checks drafts and routes final proof (digital or print) for approval before sending to printer;

Serves as a liaison with translation teams to translate copy into other languages;

Collaborates with photographers or videographers on photo shoots; operates digital cameras, manipulates and color balances photos;

Assists with video planning activities including research, script development, storyboard illustration, titles, audio editing; provides control room and camera operation assistance;

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge of: color theory, design principles and composition, methods and techniques of graphic design; effective application of materials and media; graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite familiarity with marketing principles.

Ability to: design and produce a variety of visual communication materials; design and produce electronic presentations; lay out and produce printed materials.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification.  It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Two years of college-level training in graphic arts, illustration, or closely allied field AND one year of experience  

OR

Equivalent education/experience.