Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers are creative problem solvers. You are in charge of creating stylish, eye-catching, and memorable logos, packagings, posters, magazine pages; or even an entire brand's identity!

A graphic designer’s duties involve developing logos, illustrations and designs, creating designs according to design briefs and presenting said designs and design ideas to clients and directors. Graphic designers may also work in a team with copywriters and creative directors to develop a final design and to ensure the final design is visually appealing and achieves its intended purpose

To successfully fulfill their duties, graphic designers possess technical skills such as a firm grasp on design principles, ideation, branding, typography, designing for print, UI/UX, and design technologies. Designers also possess abstract skills such as creativity, communication, forming strategies, problem solving, and time management.

Graphic designers are usually employed in three environments. As an in-house graphic designer, an agency graphic designer, or a freelance graphic designer

• In-House designers work for a single company, in a team of designers or solo, and creating design solutions specific for the company, such as copyrighted products, magazines and brochures, or the company itself's brandings and logos
• Agency designers work for design agencies who accept design jobs from a vast assortment of companies and entities. Designers may be assigned jobs according to their specialties and skillsets.
• Freelance designers are self-employed. They essentially run their own business, and are solely responsible for marketing, client relations, and finding work. They are also responsible for accounting tasks. In exchange for the extra responsibilities, freelance designers enjoy vastly more freedom in how they tackle their work.

A graphic designer’s day begins by considering their daily schedule. If a designer is employed in a company or an agency, they may need to report daily and report their schedule. Designers may then need to meet with clients to work out a design brief or revisions to ensure complete understanding. Afterwards, the designer develops concepts and drafts. Then, the designer may spend the rest of the workday creating the design.

Avg. Salary $53,832 Avg. Wage $29.09 in Alberta. Currently High demand, avg outlook

Marketing Specialist

Marketing specialists, or simply marketers, are in charge of ensuring maximum profit of products or services through effective utilization and execution of marketing techniques

Marketers may conduct market research to solidify their strategies for marketing a product or service towards a target market. After conducting research, or after receiving a brief, they are then tasked with developing ideas for marketing campaigns. These campaigns may span multimedia platforms, such as physical advertisements, presentations, or online marketing such as social media or search engine optimization.

Marketers possess thorough understanding of marketing techniques, both traditional and digital, and must keep up with societal trends to connect with an intended market effectively. Marketers also conduct market research, and as such must be proficient in data analysis and tools. Marketers may also need to be familiar with creative and design tools and software to carry out advertising campaigns.

Marketers are primarily employed by a company, and work in a team. These companies can be Advertising firms, Public Relations firms, Consulting firms, Marketing Agencies, and individual companies who have need of marketing efforts, such as businesses aiming to raise awareness of their products or services.

A marketer’s day starts by considering the tasks at hand. They may need to communicate with clients regarding job details, or with their team on tackling a marketing campaign. They may then start to conduct market research or to analyze relevant data for their marketing strategies. Afterwards, they may then start designing marketing materials.

Avg. Salary $62411 Avg. Wage 32.01 in Canada.

Creative Director

Creative Directors are the creative heads of their firm, department, or agency. The goal of a creative director is to supervise a team’s creative process, from the conception and client ideas to the final look and feel of the product. This is not an entry-level job as it is multidisciplinary, but rather a position that one can get into around 8-10 years later down the line. Foundationally, many creative directors start their careers as graphic designers and work their way up to this role.

The day-to-day of a creative director involves managing deadlines, lead the creative process according to the vision of the client, and having business meetings with the stakeholders of that project.

To be a creative director, one must have a background in art and design in order to inform their creative decisions, as well as communication and business skills in order to attract and maintain clients and manage their staff. They must also be up to date with news and design trends in order to keep their work relevant.

Creative Directors are the heads of any creative team, so their place of employment can vary. They can lead the team at, for example, a film studio, publication firm (such as newspapers or magazines), or advertising agencies.

Salary ranges from $95,000 - $150,000 CAD