When you think about it, being a graphic artist is a lot like being a chef. Aside from the fact that there is more than a little bit of artistry involved for each, similarities are evident. First, each one has their own hardware. A chef has pots and pans, knives, spoons, oven, grill, etc.
Designers have a keyboard, monitor, mouse or trackball, drawing tablet, scanner.
Maybe not very similar, but it takes a bit of time to understand how each works together. Second, chefs usually settle on some sort of specialty. Some are expert at baking and desserts, others at French or Italian cuisine, and some are master grillers. The same is true of graphic artists. There are illustrators, animators, 3D modelers and video specialists.