What is Graphics in Film and TV? 

• Can be any visual element involving text, pattern, illustration, or decorative design that appears on screen or as part of the set.

• Can include newspapers, magazine, books, signage, packaging, documents, screen graphics, logos, branding, wallpaper, floor designs, murals, graffiti, vehicle vinyls, horse dressing, flags and shields etc. The list is long!

• Graphics are always designed and made with the story in mind, and often help to move the story forward. They are also there to help create the look of the world that the production is set in.

Where Does Graphics Sit in the Art Department?

• 25 years ago Graphics was barely recognised in film and TV, however today it exists as a sub-team within the broader Art Department, working with the Art, Set Decoration and Props Departments, and working closely with each.

Getting Started in Graphics

• If cold-calling as a junior, your first point of contact will be the Lead Graphic Designer or Graphics Art Director on the production.

• Graphics isn't always among the earliest departments crewed, so patience is key!

• Many people start as Art Department or Set Dec Assistants and move across. If you're in this position and you find you're interested in graphics, let the Graphic Designer on your production know — they might have small tasks you can help with.

• However, there's no single defined path — each Graphic Designer has a unique story. 

• Avoid over-specialising or stylising your portfolio early on - ensure it showcases a range of skills, styles and periods.

Film/TV Graphics vs. Commercial Graphics

• There are design skill overlaps, but the workflow and context are very different. Film / TV graphics is its own niche area of graphic design. 

• Film and TV graphics is not designing promotional material for the production, or designing the credits!

• Graphics in film and TV are used to help dress the sets and create atmosphere on set. Eg fictional posters, hand-written letters, drawings, wallpapers, carpet designs.

• Key difference compared to commercial graphics is the higher turnaround. It's therefore important for a film/TV graphic designer to know when to stop working on a piece!

Tools & Programs for Graphics

• Standard software: Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator.

• As freelancers, most crew members will need to pay for their subscription themselves, but should charge a 'box rental' or 'specialist box rental' to production as part of their deal. Some productions also supply the software, or pay software costs separately. 

• Laptop + Adobe Suite is considered the basic setup for juniors arriving on a new job. A monitor is also recommended. 

• A Wacom tablet is widely used for digital drawing, as it allows for more natural ergonomics compared to using a mouse.

Knowledge and Skills

• A broad knowledge of art history, architecture and design is highly useful, References can come from anywhere and projects vary from sci-fi interfaces to medieval tapestries.

• Skills such as calligraphy, 3D modeling or sign-writing are not required but knowledge of these and other crafts or skills will always be beneficial.
  

Working Conditions

• Graphics is a desk-based role — mostly computer work, with occasional visits to set to install graphics or oversee their installation, plus sometimes junior graphic team members will be required to pick up and deliver to and from specialist printers.

Rates for Graphics

• Negotiable, like the rest of the Art Department, but based on a ratecard that is set by the Graphics Union and Bectu.

• Broadly, there is rate parity with similar Art Department roles: Lead Graphic Designer = Art Director; Graphic Designer = Assistant Art Director.

Graphics Union

• The Graphics Union is a collective of working graphic designers in film/TV, providing a jobs board, discussion forum, networking and social events and general support for the graphics community. 

AI in Graphics

• As of September 2025, some AI programs can be useful for Graphics crew, however crew must be aware of production company rules about AI use. On balance, Thomas advised in the session that AI is seen as neither a major threat nor a total solution to film and TV graphics.

Copyright & Portfolios

• Legally: all work done by graphics crew on a production belongs to the production company.

• Most production companies allow appropriate use of your graphics work in professional portfolios. Some will require approval to be granted from the studio for inclusion of artwork in a portfolio. 

• More detailed advice in this Filmbase article.

Job Listings & Applications

• Many graphics jobs are posted via the Graphics Union.

• Best way to reach out to Graphics HODs is probably email, as they will be desk-based.