Graphic designers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials in order to meet their needs.
• Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication.
• Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients’ objectives.
• Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software.
• Estimate cost of materials and time to complete graphic design.
• Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides or hire an illustrator or photographer to produce images that meet clients’ communications needs.
• Establish guidelines for illustrators or photographers.
• Co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials, such as Web sites, CD-ROMs, interactive terminals, etc.
• Co-ordinate sub-contracting.
• Work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Supervise other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians.

 Illustrators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs.
• Develop and produce realistic or representational sketches and final illustrations, by hand or using computer-assisted design (CAD) software, for printed materials such as books, magazines, packaging, greeting cards, stationery, etc.
• Assist in developing storyboards for electronic productions such as multimedia, interactive and digital products, television advertising and productions, etc.
• Produce 2-D and 3-D animated drawings or computer illustrations.
• May adapt existing illustrations.

Illustrators may specialize in a particular field such as illustrations for children, advertising, editorials, humour, or medical, scientific or technical illustration, or multimedia design.