Graphics for print and online magazines, advertising campaigns, and packaging materials are created a commercial artist. He or she meets with a client or boss to get a general idea of a project concept, then creates multiple drafts until the final product is approved. Commercial artists may work primarily with computer design programs or may draw hand. Large corporations, magazine publishing companies, graphic design consulting firms, and private freelance studios are all places where professionals work.
Commercial artists in large companies frequently collaborate with teams of other designers and advertising experts, whereas a self-employed artist is typically responsible for all aspects of a project. A project’s basic concept is usually given to an artist, who is then free to work out the details on their own. He or she assists the client in determining the best designs for the product or advertisement based on the type of product or advertisement as well as the target customer base.
Following the creation of a plan, the artist can begin creating hand-drawn or computer-aided drafts. Throughout the design process, it is common for a commercial artist to speak with clients to explain the project’s direction and solicit feedback. Clients can choose from several versions of a completed project created the artist.
A commercial artist must have strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills in addition to expert drawing abilities and computer proficiency. Client profiles, project deadlines, and payment schedules must all be meticulously recorded. If several projects are being worked on at the same time, the artist must be able to prioritize daily tasks and communicate with clients frequently to keep them informed of progress.
Although there are no set requirements for becoming a commercial artist, the majority of those who work in the field have a degree in art or advertising. A prospective commercial artist should build a comprehensive art portfolio that demonstrates his or her abilities and versatility. Freelance artists frequently start their careers providing free design services to demonstrate their abilities and build strong business relationships. An artist with experience and networking skills usually has a lot of contract and full-time job opportunities.
A successful commercial artist may be able to advance to a supervisory or art director position within a company. As a supervisor, the artist is usually more concerned with finding new clients and coordinating the details of a specific job, such as deadlines and fees. Artists with a good sense of business might be able to hire assistants and start their own design firms.