Graphic Communications Industry

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What is Graphic Communications?

The processes and industries that create, develop, produce, and disseminate products utilizing or incorporating words or pictorial images to convey information, ideas, and feelings. Graphic Communications products facilitate learning, enjoyment, motivation, and commerce. Graphic Communications includes the family of market segments embracing the technologies of printing, publishing, packaging, electronic imaging, and their allied industries; they are often referred to as the graphic arts, print, or imaging industries.

Technology-based Systems—The field of Graphic Communications (GC) encompasses all phases of the graphic communications processes from origination of the idea (design, layout, and typography) through reproduction, finishing and distribution of two- or three-dimensional products or electronic transmissions. It comprises the evolving technologies of computer-age prepress, image generation, data repurposing, designing and posting internet web pages, interactive multimedia, digital photography, electronic digital imaging, and desktop publishing. It includes all of the printing methods (offset lithography, flexography, letterpress, gravure, screen printing, engraving, foil stamping, inkjet, thermography, heat-transfer printing, pad printing, embossing, direct digital, electrostatic, laser printing, and other electronic imaging or specialty image reproduction methods). Post-press operations (folding, cutting, fastening, personalizing, etc.) and product distribution complete the cycle.

Diverse Career Opportunities—Graphic Communications is the United States’ third largest manufacturing industry. It requires millions of people in a variety of challenging technical, creative, or professional occupations. Besides specific GC knowledge, prospective employees may need or develop additional expertise or understanding in one or more of the following: art, design, layout, color, computers, distribution/fulfillment, electronics, engineering, language, management/business, mathematics, mechanics, manufacturing, operations, people/personnel, photography, sales/marketing, or science.

Products That Impact Our Lives—Graphic Communications companies create and produce a spectrum of products which are part of daily life. Examples include books, magazines, catalogs, newspapers, web pages,multimedia, electronic media, illustrations, photographs, brochures, pamphlets, inserts, directories, direct mail, stationery, greeting cards, invitations, maps, coupons, tickets, forms, checks, currency, stamps, tags, labels, bumper stickers, decals, nameplates, signs, billboards, posters, displays, banners, textile products (clothing, sheets, bedspreads, etc.), packages (tubes, boxes, cartons, sacks and bags, cans, bottles, lids and caps, wrappers, pouches, etc.), wallcoverings, linoleum, carpets and rugs, china, cups, plates, napkins, fine art prints, promotional products (pens, pencils, key tags, portfolios, pocket items, desk items, calendars, drinkware, rulers, wearables, balloons, mouse pads, etc.), and other items where printing is incorporated into the manufacture of furniture, electronic circuit boards, clock faces, computer keys, cabinet tops, appliances, vehicles, and others.

Graphic Communications Jobs and Skills Requirements

Graphic Communications touches virtually every part of our lives and employs people with wide ranging skills. More...

People with skills and interests in art and design are needed for design, illustration, photographic, imaging, and More...

People with skills and interests in technology and science can find challenging careers as quality control specialists, digital imaging specialists, and More...

Those interested in language and communication may work in the graphic communications field as copywriters, editors, marketing and sales executives, and More...

Business- and management oriented people work in graphic communications jobs such as estimator, plant manager, customer service representative, account executive, and More...

Although graduates from the University of Houston’s Graphic Communications Technology program have found home in each of these four categories, the program is specifically designed to prepare people for business and management jobs.

For more information, read Advisement.pdf and visit http://www.gain.net