What Do Graphics Programmers Do

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Graphics Programmers

Graphic organizers take the lead in the creation of all manner of visual concepts that are then translated into digital assets. Specifically, they are tasked with creating specialized programs that can render complex 2D and 3D graphics. From digital banners to animations and everything in between, they make a company or group’s ideas a graphical reality. They also need advanced education in graphics programming, be it for video games, corporate designs, or anything in between.

Salary

$133000

Personality

Interest Match

Gaming

What they do
What is the job like
Where they work
How to become one
Should you become one

If a picture’s worth a thousand words, how much is it worth when it’s rendered in a game and played by millions around the world?

CGI and video games are among the most imaginative and eye-catching media today. The synergy between games and their audiences is greater than ever before, spurring even greater interest in becoming a creator and graphics programmer in the industry.

A great graphic design or video game can capture the imagination of people around the world.

As a graphic programmer, you have the potential and ability to not only get your own art seen around the world but boost the public profile of companies and causes you really care about.

What they do

Discuss Design Ideas with Clients

A commonly overlooked aspect of graphics programming is the importance of effectively communicating with clients. As a graphic programmer, you’re tasked with making your client’s ideas a reality, which first means being clear as to what those ideas really are and fleshing them out properly.

Learn to Use the Right Programming Software

Just as filmmakers need cameras and painters need paint supplies, graphic programmers need to learn how to use programming software. Once you’ve mastered the basics and seek to really expand your skills and excel in the industry, you’ll want to explore one of any number of graphic programmer software programs.

Different jobs will request proficiency in different programs, so you’ll want to think about which are in demand and what your “dream graphics programming job” requires.

SQL, JAVA, JavaScript, Microsoft C#, Linux, Oracle, C++, and Python are all among the most important coding languages for graphics programmers to learn and master.

Apply Mathematical and Artistic Skills

One of the most important things to remember about a career in graphics programming is that it is quite heavy on both the art and mathematical side. You typically need a good grasp of algebra and calculus, and many university courses require mathematical experience in those fields before you can move on to the type of computer programming courses that are a necessary prerequisite for graphics programming. Far too often, people think that mathematics and creativity are mutually exclusive. In fact, they can often form a strong symbiotic relationship, and such is the case here. Graphics programmers take their strong foundational algebra and calculus skills, root them in video game design, and create the characters and worlds in which countless millions play and imagine themselves within.

Work on New Consoles

One of the big things that sets video games apart from other creative mediums is the fact that, every few years, the mediums on which the games come out change. The peak shelf life of a console is typically just a few years, which means graphics designers don’t just have to have good coding skills today, but they must be able to adapt to the game consoles of tomorrow.

For those interested in working on the cutting edge of the graphical design world, this can seem like a dream. You get to play with the latest graphics engines and put them into practice with your programming skills to create new games for generation after generation of consoles.

Polishing Designs and Proofreading

In some cases, graphic design and graphics programming jobs can overlap. When they do, you’ll need to take your programming and rendering skills and apply them to the graphic design needs of your client.

Sometimes a client will have a general idea for a logo or image, or someone on their team may have already put together a mockup of what they want. It’s the job of a graphic programmer to take those basic artistic blueprints and polish and improve them.

This isn’t simply imposing your artistic vision. On the contrary – properly polishing an idea involves communicating with the client to make sure that you’re presenting their ideas in the best and most professional manner possible. That also means proofreading any copywritten elements for their website or other elements of their business.

What is the job like

Pros

Job security and flexibility

Given COVID and socioeconomic changes, the opportunity to work from home and freelance adds job security.

Freedom to be your own boss

If you freelance, you have the freedom to be your own boss.

Opportunity to work in the video game industry

The video game industry is one of the defining mediums of our time.

It is a creative career

A creative career can help you feel less like a cog in a corporate wheel and more like an individual.

Cons

Designing for big companies can be intense

The pressure of designing things for big-time companies can be intense.

Freelancing can be tough

If you freelance, getting steady work, at the beginning especially, can be tough.

Where they work

Freelance

Video Game Companies

The majority of the people who work in the field of graphics programming work either on a freelance basis for start-ups at the beginning or for larger companies. In the latter case, these tend to be video game companies. The conditions of a video game studio can and do vary greatly from one to the next. Some have a far more structured, corporate environment, while others are more laid back. In addition, if you go the indie game route, you always have the potential to be your own boss.

How to become one

Step 1: Get the Proper Training and Education

Programming requires good mathematical and computer skills. If you are in high school or college, you’ll want to speak to a career counselor to see which mathematics classes branch onto the type of programming and (if available) video game design courses offered at the college of your choice.

Step 2: Breaking in with Internships

Finding an internship can always be tricky, which is why you’ll want to make use of online resources to help. An internship will allow you to both build up a body of work and get a sense of what the industry is like, and what kind of technology and trends are in vogue. In addition, interning can allow you to build connections within the industry.

Step 3: Build a Portfolio

A portfolio is essential in any creative field, and graphics programming is no different. Building your programming skills and, in turn, your portfolio will allow you to show potential employers what you can do. Between school programs and internship projects, you should be able to build up a body of work that demonstrates your technical expertise, industry savvy, and most important of all, your unique artistic voice.

Graphic design is a booming industry, and there are plenty of applicants for jobs out there, so while building your portfolio, ask yourself the question employers will inevitably ask – what can you do that others can’t for them? What makes your work and your artistic voice stand out?

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

You can read more about these career personality types here.

It’s fair to say that the video game industry is booming like never before, so if designing a game is your dream and you want a solid job in the industry, graphics programming is a great way to go.

If you’re in that unique intersection between those two worlds and possess technical digital knowledge along with artistic talent, graphic design may be for you.

Adaptability and versatility are key personality traits for graphic programmers. While introverts may flourish in the solitary creative aspect of the job, to advance in the industry, solid communication skills are necessary.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.