Graphics Artists produce all the props for films that contain graphic items, e.g. money, newspapers, magazines, handwritten or typed letters, musical scores, books, maps, shop signage, menus, credit cards, passports, etc. The audience should be unaware that the letters, menus, bills, books, printed sheet music, shop signage, cash or credit cards read or used by characters are not genuine articles, but clever reproductions. They are manufactured props, carefully made to reflect the period and setting in which the story unfolds. Ensuring that these printed props appear as realistic as possible is a highly specialised job within the Art Department.

Graphics Artists are usually requested by the Set Decorator, who has worked with them previously, or who knows their work by reputation. The job is highly creative but work is sporadic, and most Graphics Artists work on a wide range of television, commercials and films. They work on a freelance basis.

What is the job?
The demand for specialist action props varies enormously from film to film, and Graphics Artists may spend six weeks working on four duplicate copies of one major "hero" prop (e.g. an ancient book of alchemic signs, that requires them to work closely with a paper specialist, book binder and leather manufacturer, and involves a high degree of hand-finish), or for shorter periods on numerous dressing props that can be made quickly and used on a number of sets.

Graphics Artists may work closely with the Production Designer, Props Master, Standby Props, and the Art Director(s). If they are responsible for making an important action or "hero" prop, which will be on screen for a large part of the film, they often meet with the Director during pre-production to discuss exact requirements. They liaise with a number of specialist suppliers to commission the items, in duplicate, so that they are available on the first day of principal photography. Occasionally, if the actor or actress is required to interact closely with the prop (e.g. in a period film, the Director may want a shot of the character writing a manuscript), Graphics Artists work with the actor on set, showing them how to write with a quill onto the prop manuscript. Items are often designed using freehand drawing and calligraphy skills, and laid out on a computer using a software package such as Photoshop or Illustrator.

On smaller films, Graphics Artists undertake detailed research, while on big budget films this is carried out by Specialist Researchers. On larger fantasy or sci-fi films, two Graphics Artists may be employed, working closely with Visual and Special Effects departments to produce special animated or fantastical items such as animated photographs, flying envelopes, etc. Graphic Artists must establish and maintain contacts with specialist suppliers of materials such as papers and inks and with reprographic (specialist printing) companies, printers, book binders, etc.

Typical career routes
Graphics Artists usually start their careers at junior levels in the Art Department, working on a number of films. They may assist the Set Decorator, or work as general Art Department Assistants, learning how Art Departments work, and practising their drawing and graphics skills wherever possible.

Essential knowledge and skills
Graphics Artists must have a good understanding of graphics techniques, including fonts and calligraphy. They also need excellent knowledge of computer image manipulation and drawing software, e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.
Key Skills include:

Training and qualifications
Graphics Artists are likely to be graduates of Graphics, Art, Architecture, Theatre, Interior or 3D Design courses. Some individuals may also undertake higher level courses in Film and/or Theatre Production Design. After training, it is equally important to acquire on the job experience of how Art Departments work. 

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.

Websites
- British Film Designers Guild

- For pictorial archive and clip art source books www.thedoverbookshop.com has the largest collection of permission, royalty and copyright free images and illustration references in the world.

- American Cinematographer has regular features on film design and digital production techniques.

Publications
- Ken Adam: The Art of Production Design (Faber and Faber) by Christopher Frayling

- Production Design and Art Direction (Focal Press) by Peter Ettedgui

- By Design: Interviews with Film Production Designers (Greenwood Press) by Vincent LoBrutto

- Film Architecture: From Metropolis to Blade Runner (Prestel Publishing Ltd). Edited by D. Neumann 2001

- Filming the Future (Aurum Press Ltd) by Piers Bizony

- The Invisible Art: The Legends of Movie Matt Painting (Chronicle Books) by M. Cotta Vaz and C. Barron

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Graphic Artist

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