Description
Produces graphic art work, drawings, and other visual displays for military publications, such as training manuals, newspapers, reports, and promotional materials. Produces art work for military signs, charts, posters, and TV and motion picture productions. Produces computer-generated graphics. Draws graphs and charts to represent budgets, numbers of troops, supply levels, and office organization. Develops ideas and design posters and signs. Helps instructors design art work for training courses. May draw cartoons for filmstrips and animation for films. May work with TV and film producers to design backdrops and props for film sets.

Transferable Work Content Skills
Operating computers to lay out designs and colors (high level)
Working as a member of a design team (high level)
Producing designs of ideas or letters (high level)
Creating fashion and style designs (high level)
Sketching original designs for materials and products (high level)

Education
High school, plus on-the-job training

The military provides the training necessary to qualify for this occupation. Helpful school subjects include art, drafting, and geometry.

Related Education Programs:
- 12 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in preparing graphic designs and illustrations. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Career Area (Interests)
01 Artistic

Earnings
In the U.S., the middle 50% of all workers in this occupation earn between $20,800 and $31,200

In 1997, most enlisted personnel started as recruits at Grade E-1 ($10,811/year basic pay); however, those with special skills or above average education started as high as Grade E-4 ($13,363/year basic pay). In addition to basic pay, military personnel receive free room and board, medical and dental care, a military clothing allowance, military supermarket and department store shopping privileges, 30 days of paid vacation a year, and travel opportunities.

National Employment and Outlook
Stable

The services have about 1,300 graphic designers and illustrators. On average, they need about 55 new designers and illustrators each year. After job training, graphic designers prepare tables, signs, and graphics under close supervision. With experience, they help formulate and produce more complex designs. In time, they may supervise others and lead large projects. Eventually, they may manage graphics departments.

Services offering this occupation:
- Army
- Air Force
- Marine Corps
- Navy

Civilian Counterparts
Civilian graphic designers and illustrators work for government agencies, advertising agencies, print shops, and engineering firms. They also work for many large organizations that have their own graphics departments. Their duties are similar to military graphic designers and illustrators. They may be known as commercial artists or graphic arts technicians.