52111

Graphic arts technicians

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Art, culture, recreation & sport

5 › 52 › 521 › 5211

Definition

Graphic arts technicians assist in conceptualizing a project, interpreting design specifications or sketches, preparing the page make-up, lay-out and lettering, and preparing production materials for press, electronic or multimedia publishing. They are employed by publishing, communications, advertising, marketing, printing and multimedia establishments, and by television and film production companies. They may also be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Review the graphic designer's instructions
Produce or assist in developing and producing design concepts
Capture elements such as titles, text, drawings, illustrations, graphics, lettering and colour harmonization, using a computer
Produce computerized images and drawings
Digitize images using peripherals and transform them using retouching systems, graphic palettes or specialized software
Perform the layout, page make-up and placement using the conceptual mock-ups provided
Produce proofs and camera-ready materials and prepare film and any other prepress materials
Paint or ink individual cells of 2-D or 3-D animated drawings according to animator's specifications using an electronic palette
Lay out, draw or paint letters, figures, logos and designs for windows, advertisements, billboards, vehicles, books and publications using specialized software or painting equipment
Work in an interdisciplinary environment.

Example job titles

•animated cartoon technician
•animation painter
•computer graphics technician
•graphics technician
•multimedia graphic design technician

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Graphic arts technicians are designated under NOC code 52111. This occupation is classified under TEER Category 2, making skilled workers in this field eligible for major Canadian immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) managed through the Express Entry system, as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Graphic arts technicians are commonly employed by publishing firms, commercial printing companies, advertising agencies, and in-house printing and multimedia departments across Canada.

According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), professionals in this unit group assist in conceptualizing projects and perform technical duties to prepare layouts, compose text, and produce graphic designs and camera-ready materials. Their responsibilities include operating specialized pre-press graphic arts software, producing proofs, and preparing files for print or digital reproduction. To qualify under this NOC code, candidates typically require a college diploma in graphic arts technology, commercial art, graphic communications, or a related field, or equivalent training and experience.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal or immigration advice. For official and binding guidelines, always consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.