Some fine artists work in arts administration in city, State, or Federal arts programs. Sometimes fine artists work in a totally unrelated field in order to support their careers as artists. Graphic artists, whether freelancers or employed by a firm, use a variety of print, electronic, and film media to create art that meets a client's needs. Graphic artists are increasingly using computers, instead of the traditional tools such as pens, pencils, scissors, and color strips, to produce their work. Computers enable them to lay out and test various designs, formats, and colors before printing a final design.
Graphic artists perform different jobs depending on their area of expertise.
Graphic designers, who design on a two-dimensional level, may create packaging and promotional displays for a new product, the visual design of an annual report and other corporate literature, or a distinctive logo for a product or business. They also help with the layout and design of magazines, newspapers, journals, and other publications, and create graphics for television. Illustrators paint or draw pictures for books, magazines, and other publications, films, and paper products, including greeting cards, calenders, wrapping paper, and stationery. Many do a variety of illustrations, while others specialize in a particular style. Medical and scientific illustrators combine artistic skills with knowledge of the biological sciences.