Artists and Related Workers, All Other

SOC 27-1019.00Job Zone —v.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the full practice context of artists and related workers operating in agency, in-house studio, and freelance environments across graphic design, multimedia production, and client-service creative roles calibrated to Job Zone 3 preparation.

Sources:O*NET v30.2 SkillsCrosswalk

Emerging

Entry / Apprentice

Graphics software tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator — operate under direct supervision to complete basic image editing tasks in a studio or agency setting.
Client design briefs — read and interpret with guidance to identify visual requirements before beginning a project assignment.
Creative director feedback — receive and apply to revisions of in-progress artwork under close mentorship in a production environment.
Desktop publishing layouts — assemble using templates and established style guides with oversight from a senior artist.
Project deadlines and scheduling requirements — track personal tasks using a shared calendar or project management tool under supervisor direction.
Preliminary design concepts — sketch or draft digitally for review by a creative team during the early ideation phase of a client project.
Document management software — organize and file project assets according to team naming conventions in a shared digital workspace.
Active listening skills — apply during team briefings and client intake meetings to accurately capture design requirements.
Video creation software — perform basic clip import and timeline assembly under guidance for simple promotional or social media content.
Fine arts principles such as color theory and composition — demonstrate foundational understanding when producing initial design drafts for internal review.

Developing

Mid-level / Established

Client layout presentations — prepare and deliver to internal stakeholders with moderate supervision, clearly explaining design rationale in an agency or in-house setting.
Design solutions — develop in collaboration with a creative director, incorporating brand guidelines and client feedback across routine project cycles.
Project budgets and timelines — manage personal workload independently, flagging scope concerns to account managers before deadlines are missed.
Graphics and photo imaging software — use proficiently to produce polished, print- and web-ready assets with reduced oversight on standard client deliverables.
Creative, copywriting, and production teams — confer with regularly to align visual concepts with campaign messaging and production specifications.
Web platform development tools — apply at a basic level to update content and visual elements on client or agency websites during routine site maintenance.
Written communications such as project briefs and status updates — compose clearly and concisely to keep cross-functional teams informed throughout a project.
Customer service interactions — handle with professionalism when gathering approvals or managing minor revision requests from clients directly.
Social perceptiveness — exercise when reading client reactions during presentation meetings to adjust tone, pacing, or design emphasis in real time.
Operating system and file management environments — navigate confidently to troubleshoot basic software issues and maintain an organized digital production workspace.

Proficient

Senior / Expert IC

Final design layouts — present autonomously to clients for approval, fielding technical and aesthetic questions with authority across print, digital, and multimedia formats.
Complex client requirements — analyze and translate into original design strategies by conferring independently with creative, art, and production department heads.
Multiple concurrent accounts and projects — manage end-to-end within budget and scheduling constraints, prioritizing competing demands without supervisory intervention.
Non-routine creative challenges — resolve by applying critical thinking and originality to develop innovative visual solutions that meet strategic marketing objectives.
Video creation and editing software — employ at an advanced level to produce high-quality motion graphics or branded video content for integrated marketing campaigns.
Cross-departmental collaboration — lead as the primary creative liaison between clients, sales teams, and production staff to ensure cohesive project execution.
Design quality standards — uphold across all deliverables by performing detailed self-review and applying expert judgment on typography, color, and layout decisions.
Emerging digital tools and web platform technologies — evaluate and adopt into the production workflow to improve output quality and delivery efficiency.
Client relationships — cultivate through proactive communication and responsive service, building trust that supports repeat business and expanded project scope.
Time management systems — implement personally to balance long-term creative projects with urgent revision cycles, consistently meeting contractual delivery dates.

Advanced

Lead / Principal / Executive

Creative direction for multi-project portfolios — set by establishing visual standards, brand voice, and design strategy at the organizational or studio level.
Emerging artists and mid-level designers — mentor by providing structured feedback, professional development guidance, and stretch assignments within agency or department workflows.
Cross-functional department heads in creative, copywriting, and production — lead collaborative alignment sessions that translate complex client goals into unified campaign strategies.
Agency or department-wide design processes — redesign and optimize by introducing new software platforms, workflow protocols, and quality review systems.
High-value client relationships and contract negotiations — manage at an executive level, representing the organization's creative capabilities to prospective and existing accounts.
Budget and resource allocation for multiple creative accounts — oversee strategically, balancing staffing levels, vendor contracts, and production costs against revenue targets.
Industry trends in fine arts, media, communications, and technology — monitor and synthesize to inform organizational creative strategy and maintain competitive positioning.
Organizational innovation culture — cultivate by championing experimental design methodologies, recognizing original thinking, and creating space for iterative creative risk-taking.
Studio-wide training curricula on tools such as desktop publishing, video, and graphics software — develop and deliver to raise the technical proficiency of the entire creative team.
Final approval authority on all client-facing creative output — exercise with confidence and accountability, ensuring every deliverable aligns with brand, legal, and strategic requirements.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic Index Jadhav & Danve, 2026 WEF Skills Taxonomy

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Emerging
Developing
Proficient
Advanced

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Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable Skills O*NET v30.2

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Related titles

Advertising Designer · Architectural Modeler · Art Appraiser · Art Consultant · Art Objects Repairer · Autographer · Calligrapher · Ceramic Artist · Ceramics Artist · China Painter · Colorer · Colorist

RAPIDS apprenticeships

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O*NET skills

Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingTime Management

Knowledge domains

English LanguageCommunications and MediaComputers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementSales and MarketingFine ArtsEducation and Training

Abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionNear VisionWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClarityOriginality

Work styles

DependabilityAttention to DetailInnovationAdaptabilityAchievement OrientationSelf-Confidence

Technology

Document management softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareWeb platform development softwareOperating system software

Tasks · seed anchors for statements

Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
Present final layouts to clients for approval.
Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and pres

CIP education codes

50.010150.010250.020150.040250.040950.041050.070250.079950.1101