NOC 52120Graphic designers and illustrators

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

NOC 52120 is the Canadian National Occupational Classification code for Graphic designers and illustrators. It is classified TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory, which meets the skill requirement for Express Entry. An officer decides whether you can claim this code by comparing the duties written in your reference letter against the official main duties below — not by your job title.

Express Entry eligible: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Art, culture, recreation & sport

5 › 52 › 521 › 5212

Definition

Graphic designers conceptualize and produce graphic art and visual materials to effectively communicate information for publications, advertising, films, packaging, posters, signs and interactive media such as Web sites and CDs. They are employed by advertising and graphic design firms, by establishments with advertising or communications departments and by multimedia production companies, or they may be self-employed. Graphic designers who are also supervisors, project managers or consultants are included in this unit group. Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations to represent information through images. They are almost solely self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Graphic designers
Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials in order to meet their needs
Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication
Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives
Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software
Estimate cost of materials and time to complete graphic design
Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides or hire an illustrator or photographer to produce images that meet clients' communications needs
Establish guidelines for illustrators or photographers
Coordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials, such as Web sites, CDs and interactive terminals
Coordinate sub-contracting
Work in a multidisciplinary environment
Supervise other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians.
Illustrators
Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs
Develop and produce realistic or representational sketches and final illustrations, by hand or using computer-assisted design (CAD) software, for printed materials such as books, magazines, packaging, greeting cards and stationery
Assist in developing storyboards for electronic productions such as multimedia, interactive and digital products and television advertising and productions
Produce 2-D and 3-D animated drawings or computer illustrations
May adapt existing illustrations.
Illustrators may specialize in a particular field such as illustrations for children, advertising, editorials, humour, or medical, scientific or technical illustration, or multimedia design.

Example job titles

•3D animation artist
•advertising designer
•animator - animated films
•bank note designer
•cartoonist
•commercial artist
•graphic artist
•graphic designer

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Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, graphic designers and illustrators are classified under code 52120. This occupation falls within TEER Category 2, which means qualified professionals are eligible for Canada's primary economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) managed under the Express Entry system. Typical duties in this role involve conceptualizing and creating graphic art, visual materials, and illustrations for advertising, publications, websites, packaging, and digital media.

To meet the employment requirements for NOC 52120 in Canada, candidates usually require a university degree in visual arts with a specialization in graphic design, or a college diploma in graphic design. In addition, demonstrating creative ability and artistic talent through a comprehensive portfolio of work is essential. Aside from Express Entry, skilled graphic designers may also find pathways through various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that target in-demand creative and technical occupations across different Canadian provinces.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Frequently asked questions

Is NOC 52120 eligible for Express Entry?

Yes — Graphic designers and illustrators is TEER 2, and TEER 0–3 occupations meet the skill-level requirement for Express Entry programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class. Full eligibility also depends on your work experience, language results and other program criteria.

What education or training does NOC 52120 usually require?

Graphic designers and illustrators is classified as TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory. Always confirm the exact employment requirements on the official NOC profile before relying on them.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.