GRAPHIC ARTIST

Code: 54601 Unknown Unknown

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Education

<b>REQUIRED FOR ALL LEVELS</b>

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree in Graphic Designs or Multimedia Design.

Experience

Level 1

One (1) year of experience in work involving graphic arts.

Level 2

Two (2) years of experience in work involving graphic arts.

Level 3

Three (3) years of experience in work involving graphic arts which will have included one (1) year in a supervisory capacity.

Occupational Group: Art Occupations

Occupational Family: Graphic Arts

Level Title Code Title Reference Number Effective: 08/20/05 1 101 40,12 1 121 (S) 35,12 2 102 35,12 2 122 (S) 40,12 3 103 N4,12 3 123 (S) NE,12

This job specification is for state and local government use.

Note

Unique and distinguishing tasks are shown only for illustrative purposes and do not solely determine the level of a position within the job category. Unique tasks pertain only to the job level identified; distinguishing tasks are performed with greater frequency or are of greater importance to the overall job level.

Level 1

A position at this level is typically an entry level worker who performs the less complex tasks involved in graphic art projects.

Level 2

A position at this level is typically an experienced worker who performs the more complex tasks involved in graphic art projects.

Level 3

A position at this level typically plans, organizes, and assigns work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.

<b>TASKS COMMON TO ALL LEVELS</b>

The above Job Category Summary and following examples of work are for illustrative purposes only. Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties which may be performed.

Composes mechanicals.

Designs layouts of graphic or printed materials.

Designs layout for brochures, newsletters, forms, reports, leaflets, or booklets.

Organizes graphic arts projects from conception to completion.

Utilizes a variety of typesetting, page layout, graphic, and scanning software operating on multiple computer platforms in the preparation and layout of forms, publications, brochures and other display materials.

Works from copy or digital media to plan and prepare camera-ready copy or electronic files for the traditional or digital publications of forms, charts, diagrams, publications, brochures, etc.

Consults with clients to determine an agreed-upon end product and makes recommendations for proper jobs specifications and design/layout enhancements.

Imports or scans text and graphics for manipulation and placement to create the desired effects.

Develops a product that is compatible with the chosen method/type of publishing/printing process.

Determines style, techniques, and medium for graphic arts projects.

Evaluates graphic design for style, arrangement, color, technique, and effect.

Determines measurements for typesetting.

Develops formats for printed material.

May work with programming/technician staff to resolve, develop and implement procedures to maintain file integrity.

Researches new and updated software and fonts.

Proofreads material for accuracy.

Maintains high-tech equipment, troubleshoots software/hardware problems.

Determines format, size, and arrangement of forms.

Draws graphic material or lettering for title, backgrounds, or other layouts.

Plans layout for color mechanicals.

Selects paper stock.

Designs charts and graphs.

Selects ink.

Edits written material.

Applies appropriate safety procedures.

Determines leading for forms.

Checks working condition of art studio equipment.

Corrects flaws in prints or negatives.

Designs exhibits and displays.

Reviews printer's proofs.

Reviews blue line proofs.

Approves printer's proofs.

Designs forms for printer capability.

Checks photographic equipment and accessories for working condition.

Sketches the human face and figure for reproduction in posters and other formats.

Designs office forms such as invoices and production sheets.

Checks typesetting equipment for working condition.

Develops ideas for exhibits, displays, promotions, or slide presentations.

Estimates necessary quantity of time, costs, materials, or personnel for accomplishment of assignments or goals.

Approves blue line proofs.

Determines techniques for photography.

Selects materials for exhibits or displays.

Monitors use of art studio equipment.

Makes (produces) camera ready copy.

Manipulates (uses) drafting equipment such as T square, triangle, compass, or leroy sets.

Glues (pastes up) material or copy for printed products.

Selects typeface for printed matter.

Manipulates (uses) proportion wheel for enlargements.

Waxes (pastes up) material or copy for printed products.

Checks working condition of graphic arts equipment.

Cleans tools and work areas.

Operates graphic reproduction camera.

Makes overlays for multicolor processing.

Selects tint or shade from color matching chart such as Pantone Color Matching System (PMS).

Types copy.

Applies press type or other transfer lettering materials.

Sets type.

Operates computerized typesetting equipment.

Operates desk top publishing equipment.

Collects photos and cuts for graphics projects.

Repairs minor malfunctions of graphic arts equipment.

Operates film processing equipment.

Consults with outside agencies or individuals about information necessary for job assignments.

Provides technical advice to staff, peers, or management.

Consults with users on available graphic services.

Applies computer programs to graphics design development.

Informs individuals of procedures necessary for completion of forms or applications.

Consults with vendors or contractors.

Informs the responsible person or organization of difficulties, accomplishments, plans, or goals.

Interviews individuals for needed information.

Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

<b>KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES</b>

<b>COMMON TO ALL LEVELS</b>

Knowledge of layout techniques.

Knowledge of graphic arts techniques and media.

Knowledge of principles of graphic arts design.

Knowledge of layout specifications for printing.

Knowledge of principles and techniques of copy preparation, composition, and layout.

Knowledge of aesthetic design.

Knowledge of color registration techniques.

Knowledge of printing terminology.

Knowledge of graphic arts techniques such as pencil, pen, airbrush, watercolor, show card, tempera, ruling, zipatone, artype, and craft tint processes.

Knowledge of typography.

Knowledge of color process printing.

Knowledge of the types and characteristics of graphic arts equipment.

Knowledge of picas and points for printing.

Knowledge of principles of color theory.

Knowledge of page layout software.

Knowledge of basic printing and publishing terminology.

Knowledge of basic principles, capabilities and operation of computer systems.

Knowledge of lettering techniques and their application.

Knowledge of the following software programs (or types of programs) basic to modern graphic arts/desktop publishing; QuarkXpress; PageMaker; Acrobat; Photoshop; Freehand or Illustrator; FlightCheck or other "pre-flighting" software.

Knowledge of HTML and Web software such as Dreamweaver.

Knowledge of the proper use of various common file formats (PDF, JPEG, TIFF, GIF, WMF, Encapsulated Post Script) is also an important skill.

Knowledge of the elements which make effective exhibits or displays.

Knowledge of techniques for applying commercial lettering to layout design.

Knowledge of limitations and capabilities of printing equipment.

Knowledge of advantages, disadvantages, potentials, and limitations of art materials, media, and processes.

Knowledge of types and weights of paper stock.

Knowledge of multicolor processing techniques.

Knowledge of procedures for cleaning tools and work area.

Knowledge of advertising techniques.

Knowledge of proofreading symbols.

Knowledge of standard English grammar; for example, syntax, punctuation, verb agreement, or tense.

Knowledge of principles and techniques of forms design.

Knowledge of techniques for trimming and mounting artwork or photographs.

Knowledge of desktop publishing software graphic arts software or paint and drawing hardware/software tools.

Knowledge of commercial printing plant operations.

Knowledge of the types of printing ink.

Knowledge of bookbinding equipment for brochures, pamphlets, books, and other printed material

Knowledge of types of graphics software packages.

Knowledge of postal service specifications for placement of wording on envelopes, postcards, or other mailed, printed materials.

Knowledge of principles and techniques of photography.

Knowledge of principles and techniques of exhibit design.

Knowledge of procedures for printing photographs.

Knowledge of characteristics and uses of various types of film.

Knowledge of organizational lines of communication (formal and informal).

Knowledge of established safety procedures and guidelines.

Knowledge of bookbinding techniques.

Knowledge of techniques for film processing.

Knowledge of chemicals used in film processing.

Skill in using drafting instruments.

Skill in operating a computer with common business and graphics software.

Ability to use layout equipment and tools.

Ability to make precise measurements for graphic designs.

Ability to plan graphics arts projects.

Ability to operate graphic arts equipment.

Ability to produce finished artwork in varied media including pencil, ink, charcoal, oil, gouache, acrylic, watercolor, or tempera.

Ability to perceive color differences.

Ability to use a proportion wheel.

Ability to follow written orders, directions, or plans.

Ability to match tints or shades through color matching chart such as Pantone Color Matching System (PMS).

Ability to produce artwork from verbal description of requirements.

Ability to interpret job specifications.

Ability to select graphics that communicate conception or idea to target audience.

Ability to communicate orally.

Ability to prepare files for imaging.

Ability to identify software/hardware problems associated with the creation and production of text and graphics.

Ability to apply lettering techniques to art projects.

Ability to design charts or graphs from raw data.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using decimals, percentages, and fractions.

Ability to critically analyze effectiveness of an exhibit or display.

Ability to operate desk top publishing equipment.

Ability to establish goals and set priorities.

Ability to operate computerized typesetting systems.

Ability to compare written or printed material for accuracy.

Ability to determine leading for forms.

Ability to operate graphic reproduction camera.

Ability to design graphics using computer software.

Ability to review blue line proofs.

Ability to edit rough or final copy for form, accuracy, and clarity.

Ability to visualize spatial relationships.

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and evaluate relevant information from various types of source materials.

Ability to convey information in a written format.

Ability to collect data through questioning.

Ability to correct flaws in prints and negatives using air brushing, retouching, or dodging techniques.

Ability to compare numerical material for accuracy.

Ability to evaluate media equipment for quality, performance, replacement, or modification.

Ability to produce clear, sharp photographs.

Ability to apply laws, rules, or regulations to given situations.

Ability to operate manual typesetting equipment.

<b>CHARACTERISTIC</b>

Level 3

Knowledge of principles and techniques of supervision.

Ability to schedule and organize unit work activities and identify and resolve problems which arise.

<b>UNIQUE AND DISTINGUISHING</b>

Level 2

Knowledge of linoleum cutting techniques and equipment.

<b>MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS</b>

Applicants who do not possess an Associates degree may substitute a postsecondary certificate of completion of a business or vocational course of study in page layout and/or graphic design software with an emphasis on publishing applications.