Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

David Kitchner · Accepted Answer

“Internships are very important. It can’t be stressed enough. Learning without having a purpose can be tough and they give a direction while building relationships within the field. Even doing a non-traditional internship that doesn’t give any credit or pay can be good because a person will see the process from start to finish.
“Also, going on Craigslist.com to get work, even if it’s just a $50 job is good. Doing low pay and low-risk work like that can almost be an internship within itself. Deadlines will be created and it’ll be important for a person to get the work done.
“Otherwise, it can be tough to do all the nitty-gritty steps required to complete a project. The more a person works, especially in the beginning, the better chance of success and developing a career they have.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

David Kitchner · Accepted Answer

“The biggest mistake people have is taking another job and pursuing their career as a Graphic Artist as a side project. They should do whatever they can to break into the post-production world or even get on set in the film industry. Even if the job is in production, it’s still keeping them in the same genre of what they want to do. They’ll learn by seeing how the assets are created or implemented.
“Also, it never hurts to learn other aspects of the film industry. Working as a PA on set, a person will learn ten times as much as slinging coffee. It also adds an extra motivation. Watching the best can be inspirational.
“Finally, as a piece of side note advice, don’t worry about failing. Fail a lot. It is the best teacher and it mitigates fear. Nobody has a perfect track record and if someone is failing, it also proves that they are taking steps in the right direction instead of just pursuing their passion when it fits into their ‘other’ life.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

David Kitchner · Accepted Answer

“Do people consider a Graphic Artist a filmmaker?
“Many people don’t consider a Graphic Artist as a filmmaker. They assume that they’re just a cog in the wheel. Some Graphic Artists even think this about themselves. They get hung up on the latest gear or the newest plug-in. The result is that a collaborative opportunity is missed.
“Each part of the overall aesthetic needs to serve the story. That includes any text fonts, graphics or custom cuts. Each Graphic Artist needs to remember that they are serving the story. Then if a client doesn’t realize it, the Graphic Artist can take it upon themselves to incorporate the vibe of the story into their choices and show that to the client. This will form a stronger bond and give repeat work.
“It’s still important to do what the client wants but pushing the conversation over aesthetics further and sharing alternatives that may not have been originally considered will only elevate the Graphic Artist in the client’s eyes.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

David Kitchner · Accepted Answer

“Why is it important to have multiple interests?
“Steve Jobs once walked into a class about fonts and learned about the different ways of typing. It’s what inspired him to have different fonts on the Apple computers. It’s important for a person to get out of their element because they might discover something new. Also, it gives their brain a moment to rest from just focusing on one subject all the time.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

David Kitchner · Accepted Answer

“Perseverance.”

Question 6

What does a Graphic Artist do?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Graphic Artists can work in any number of fields, and their jobs may vary based on the industry in which they’re interested. In film, Graphic Artists are hired to create visual effects and cinematic transitions. For this reason, they may be referred to as Motion Graphic Artists.

Question 7

Is a Graphic Artist the same as a Graphic Designer?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Graphic Artist and Graphic Designer are titles that might be used interchangeably; however, they constitute two distinct jobs. A Graphic Artist conceptualizes computer imagery, and with approval of those conceptualizations, generates the needed images and transitions for a film or other form of entertainment. A Graphic Designer tends to work with imagery and text for the specific purpose of selling an idea or marketing it.

Question 8

Is Graphic Artist a good career?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Given that even the most modest films can require visual effects, the demand for proficient Graphic Artists is high. That being said, many Graphic Artists can work long and tedious hours to complete a single shot or frame of footage, often on a high-pressure timetable. For this reason, Graphic Artists must be prepared for a career with periods of dormancy as they wait for a job that will then alternate with periods of intense workloads and quick turnarounds.

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