Task 2: Employment in the media sector

There are many jobs you can get from working in the media, here are the main 4 that take interest to me 

Graphic designer

Graphic designers use lettering and images to communicate information and the ideas, this can be for many different purposes such as advertisements and product packaging.

The work includes is having to discuss the requirement of the project (the brief) with clients and colleagues, providing costs for the project, choosing the most suitable materials and style, producing rough sketches or computer visuals to show the client
using specialist computer software to prepare designs, producing a final layout with exact specifications for typefaces, letter size and colors, working to budgets and deadlines. You may also produce 3D designs for packaging, exhibitions and displays. 

The skills you need to work as a graphic designer are IT skills, drawing skills, an ability to find practical solutions to problems, knowledge of printing techniques and photography, the ability to manage your time, meet deadlines and work within a budget, an understanding of current trends and styles, excellent communication skills
and Good at spelling and grammar. 

Graphic designer can give you access to advice, opportunities for ongoing training, development and networking.

Art editor

Art editors make sure that magazines look good and are easy to read. They present words and images in a way that appeals to readers and has visual impact.

You’ll need to be creative and have a good understanding of your customers and readers. Great IT skills will help you to complete your work to high standards and in good time for tight deadlines.

As an art editor, your tasks would typically include:

laying out pages and making sure the most suitable graphics and photographs are used. Discussing ideas with colleagues such as journalists and editorial staff

hiring, and working with freelance designers, illustrators and photographers

producing cover designs.

setting an overall look and style for the publication and making sure that each issue follows this style.

redesigning the publication to keep up with trends. As well as working on printed magazines you may also be expected to oversee the design of apps, digital magazines and digital platforms so that magazines can be viewed on tablets and smartphones. In some jobs you might also manage photo shoots.

You would usually work normal office hours, Monday to Friday. Extra hours may be needed to meet important deadlines like the magazine going to press. Starting salaries can be around £18,000 a year. With experience earnings can be from around £25,000 to over £32,000. Senior art editors may earn £40,000 or more. 

If you wish to study towards a degree, relevant subjects include: 

• graphic design
• illustration
• fine art.

To do a degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths and English, plus three A levels.  Entry requirements may also include a foundation course in art and design or you could even be accepted on the strength of your portfolio.

Games Artist

Games Artists create the visual elements of a game, such as characters, scenery, objects, vehicles, surface textures and clothing.
 Some games try to look as realistic as possible while others aim for a more stylized look. It is the Artist's job to model and texture characters and objects to achieve the desired result. The look of a game is often a significant factor in its success, second only to its play ability.

You need to be able to draw from life, have knowledge of anatomy and architecture. Be able to convey facial expressions and emotions. Have a flair for color, composition, perspective, modelling and texturing techniques, lighting and mood.
Have skills in comic book art and/or story boarding, be able to work as part of a team and independently, be imaginative and creative. Pay close attention to detail and have strong powers of observation, have good communication skills, be able to work to a style guide
have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures.


Most Artists in the games industry possess a degree or HND in an art subject, such as fine art, graphic design or illustration.
you should have an art background and education. You should also have some knowledge of the technical side of the work and know how to use the appropriate software packages. Most game art involves 3D graphics, so you will need to understand the basic mathematical concepts involved.  

You could progress to be a team leader, a Senior Artist or a Lead Artist.Typical starting salaries for artists/animators and programmers may be around £18,000 to £25,000.



Technical Artist (Games)
The Technical Artist acts as a bridge between the Artists and Programmers working on a game. They ensure art assets can be easily integrated into a game without sacrificing either the overall artistic vision or exceeding the technical limits of the chosen platform.

The skill's an technical artist needs is to have extensive knowledge of art packages ranging from modelling to texturing and special effects. Be able to customize art packages so that they are as streamlined as possible for specific projects, be able to work well as part of a team. Have good communication and people management skills, in order to train and mentor others. Be able to work with minimum supervision
have excellent organisational skills, be able to think creatively to resolve technical challenges and limitations, have knowledge of console hardware architecture. Be highly skilled in the use of 3D graphics software, be able to anticipate the needs of the artists so as to streamline their productivity. ave knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures. 
You will generally need at least a degree in a relevant visual art or technical subject, to be a Technical Artist. However, experience working on wide range of projects, both in terms of art tools and game hardware, is the most important requirement for the role. An technical game artist typically gets paid around £25,000-£32,000