CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
9G03
GRAPHIC ARTIST
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is skilled graphic art work at the full performance level. An employee in this class is expected to use personal computers as well as conventional methods to design and produce a wide variety of graphic art material, including three (3)-dimensional art work for display purposes. Employees are responsible for carrying art projects from concept through to completion.
Work is performed under the supervision of a technical or administrative superior.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
- Plans, researches and develops concepts; designs and lays out a variety of pamphlets, posters, directories, brochures and other graphic material, using personal computers with desktop publishing and graphic design software packages, as well as conventional screen layout methods; arranges drawings, designs, photographs and text in a format to be printed; selects typeface and determines the proper size and placement; orders type from typesetter; prepares specifications for copy indicating point sizes, widths, letter and word spacing, headlines and column depth; determines appropriate colors to be used; selects the quality of paper
required and determines the size of paper to be used.
- Pastes-up mechanical, placing the copy and illustration or photograph in position; specifies color using overlays; registers overlays to insure correct alignment of color with the illustration; specifies dimensions and fold lines on the mechanical.
- Prepares specification for printer indicating such requirements as color, size, type of paper and other features; reviews brownlines to insure that specifications have been met; reviews press proofs to insure that colors used produce the best visual effect; maintains production schedules to determine that printed materials
are delivered as ordered.
- Prepares charts, graphs, signs and maps to designated scale; assembles and prepares statistical charts; may design and display panels; may install exhibits and displays; may photograph a variety of subjects for promotional purposes.
- Designs and creates three (3)-dimensional art for use in displays; arranges art, materials, and cases for display purposes; handles rare and fragile exhibition material in a delicate manner.
- Requisitions materials and supplies.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- the processes, methods and techniques used in producing graphic art.
- typography.
- the equipment used in producing graphic art.
- personal computers and graphic design software.
- the printing processes used in graphic art work.
- printing paper characteristics.
- the fundamentals of design, color, harmony and composition.
- costs of production of graphic art projects.
SKILL IN:
- the care and use of graphic art materials and equipment.
ABILITY TO:
- use personal computers and related programs to design and produce graphic art work.
- prepare designs, illustrations, layouts and displays.
- perform research for graphic art projects.
- display creative imagination.
- prepare camera-ready mechanicals for printing production.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 6/1995.)
- EDUCATION
Two years of training in an art program including courses in lettering, layout, and computer aided graphic design from an accredited art school or other institution.
- EXPERIENCE
Two years of experience in graphic art work, using personal computers as well as traditional methods to design and produce posters, brochures, pamphlets and other graphic materials.
NOTE: Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited art school with major course work in graphic design may be substituted for the above training and experience requirements.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
PAY RANGE: 16
Class Established: 8/1954
Latest Spec. Revision: 5/1995
CSC - 5/1995 ; Advisory Board - 6/1995
TBT/sb/mt
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 9G03