Description:
Under general direction, the Graphic Designer performs skilled professional work in designing and producing promotional, informational, and public relations materials including publications, exhibits, signage, web pages, and specialty items;makes recommendations in the production of appropriate materials for use in a variety of departmental and City programs.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an advanced journey level position. The Graphic Designer works independently making critical product/event decisions, and is responsible for the conceptual development and production of complex graphic design work, advertising, and event management.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
General direction is provided by a department head, senior level manager, or similar classification. Responsibilities may include the functional supervision of the Graphics Assistant and clerical staff. Depending upon assignment, incumbents may oversee the work of consultants and vendors. The Graphics Designer does not supervise.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plans, designs, and produces camera-ready art for brochures, forms, signs, web art, sketches, graphs, charts, posters, diagrams, logos, final drawings, exhibits, and photographic illustrations; creates and produces finished hand drawn artwork for publication, promotional and display use.
- Serves as department consultant on design aspects for communication of programs, products and services; provides advice on content and information to be presented in order to convey the desired impact and message to a specifically targeted audience; manages and prioritizes projects, and coordinates request from Mayor and City Council Offices, and departments as assigned.
- Confers and coordinates with staff, contractors and vendors to produce appropriate materials within budget and timeline constraints for use in a variety of City programs and events;Prepares specifications for vendors and freelance bids on design, printing and related production processes; reviews and selects vendors who meet specific project criteria.
- Plans layouts and writes printing specifications, including size and face of type, paper stock, and relationships of inks and colors; estimate the cost of planned production and recommend design, color, and graphics in accordance with expense limitations; plans, designs and produces freestanding displays and display cases to represent departmental programs; designs and constructs exhibits; makes recommendations on supplies, materials and techniques for graphic design and display/exhibit needs;maintains a variety of department art and photo libraries.
- Photographs pertinent sites and/or subject matter for documentation, reproduction and exhibits; writes, edits, reviews, and proofs copy for printed materials and exhibits.
- Oversees print budgets, print procurement and expenditures; develops cost estimates and technical reports for projects;ensures all designs are cost effective; oversees supplies for in-house production.
- Performs other or related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Procedures, equipment, and supplies necessary for the preparation of illustrative materials for publications, displays, and other printed materials.
- Commercial and other printing processes, including format, layout, paper stocks, type faces and sizes, binding systems, and multi-color reproduction.
- Techniques of interpreting demographically and statistical data by charts and graphs.
- Methods and principles of photography and photographic processes.
- Principles and practices of marketing and promotion.
- Methods and principles of art design and exhibit design and production, commercial and other printing processes.
- Principles and methods of project management.
- Cost estimates for printing, photography and freelance design work.
Skill in:
- Current computer applications, including word processing, desktop publishing and graphic software and related applications.
Ability to:
- Use desktop publishing and draw program software to design and produce illustrative and graphic; create web pages and use web-development software.
- Interpret, understand, and accomplish complicated oral or written instructions; create drawings, tracings, charts, maps, and other illustrative materials.
- Develop and organize concepts of design and presentation.
- Understand and carry out complicated oral or written instructions.
- Assess and select qualified vendors.
- Coordinate multiple projects with departments and vendors while meeting critical deadlines.
- Write and edit copy for graphic materials and exhibits.
- Develop cost estimates for labor and materials.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Work occasional overtime as necessary, handle time sensitive projects, and establish priorities.
- Communicate effectively in both oral and written form.