Environmental Graphic Designer Responsibilities

Environmental designing is a field which embraces various disciplines of designing such as architectural, industrial, landscape, graphic, interior design, etc. All are related to the visual aspects of communicating information and identity, way-finding and designing a structure. Environmental graphic designer responsibilities cater to huge variety of products which include packaging, websites, magazines and books, displays, exhibitions, computer games and advertising. Work of these designers include architectural graphics, mapping, dynamic environment, exhibit design, signage, wayfinding systems, themed environment, retail and store design, civic design, pictographdesign, etc.

Graphic designers are keen in bringing many types of communication alive. This job post demands creative flair along with a discriminating business sense. Their task is to produce design that conveys their client's message through visual impact.

What are the Tasks, Roles and Responsibilities of an Environmental Graphic Designer?

Graphic designers have to perform a variety of tasks other than creating designs. Those who work for a nagency may have to take briefs from their manager in order to directly deal with the clients. They also have to coordinate with other team members such as photographers, copywriters and sales staff involved in the project. These are certain responsibilities of an environmental graphic designer:

• Plan for the assigned project and execute as per the specifications of the clients.
• Follow design guidelines and standards for quality purpose.
• Design two and three dimensional graphics from blue prints, manual files and digital files.
• Coordinate with the design team to accomplish the task in the given time frame.
• Develop maps, signs, logos and other artworks by using various software in addition to CAD.
• Use various modified equipment to create designs, maps and signs.
• Create layouts which are designed electronically. Merge logo, graphical and associated artwork by importing word processing files.
• Review schematics, renderings and blueprints in order to determine the best signage for placement.
• Proofread sign text and review layout to ensure effectiveness, accuracy of compliance and final design with established signage standards, design and logo.
• Prepare mockups and photo visualization of proposed signage for content placement.
• Design, route plastic, and cut metal, wood and environmental graphics.
• Implement graphics and signange to a variety of interior as well as exterior locations in order to enhance the visual information or wayfinding.
• Confer with the graphic designing team, other staff and clients regarding project policies, graphic standards and policies.
• Preview designs and recommend improvement in consistency and quality issue.
• Coming with innovative ideas, concepts and suggestions that fit the client's requirement.
• Estimating a cost quotation and time required for the completion of the project.

Required Skills and Knowledge

An environmental graphic designer should have specific skills and knowledge that is required to become proficient in their work.

• They need to possess knowledge of digital output, graphic design, signage printing, computer generated and sign-making.
• Knowledge of signage requirements and procedures, environmental graphic design, assembly, materials and installation techniques.
• Knowledge of application of tools and equipment in proper and safe manner.
• They should be proficient in using sign-making equipment and making computer-assisted design.
• Ability to create hand drawings, blueprints and digital files, along with developing and presenting creative ideas that will fulfill the requirement of the client as well as will help in achieving business goals.
• They should be capable enough to work in frequent interruptions.
• Ability to deal with customers by using their written and verbal communication, proofreading and editing skills.
• A graphic designer should have certain qualities: originality, strong visual sense and communications skills, creative flair, ability to present their ideas, good team spirit, flexibility, etc.

Required Education Qualification

An aspiring environmental graphic designer needs to have a bachelor's degree in visual arts, graphic arts, graphic design and related areas such as marketing, advertising, English, public relations and psychology. A candidate with an undergraduate degree in the same field with associate's post graduate courses are required to fulfill the technical aspects of the job. To get employed at a senior post, they need to have one year experience in Environmental Graphic Design, Architectural signage, Industrial Design, Graphic Design or associate's degree in Graphic Arts, Graphic Design or Visual Arts.

The effective graphic design programs include computerized design, website design, printing techniques, animation and multimedia. Graphic designers need to keep themselves up to date on graphic design software and new technology on their own or by the formal courses available in the various university programs.

Job Outlook

Environmental graphic designers who are proficient in website design and animation can get better opportunities in new media - internet advertising, mobile phone applications and social networking sites. They can get employed by large corporations where they have to work in standard office working hours. Self employed graphic designers or those who work on contract basis have to often work for irregular hours in order to complete the task in the given time frame. This often involves work in the office, computer or studio. Basically, being creative is one of the prime environmental graphic designer responsibilities.