Graphic Artist Jobs in Atlanta: Where the Creative Work Is and How to Get It

Atlanta’s creative scene has exploded over the past decade. With film and TV production, tech startups, corporate headquarters, and a strong advertising community, graphic artist jobs in Atlanta span far beyond traditional design studios.

If you’re a graphic artist living in Atlanta, moving here, or exploring opportunities in the city, this guide walks through where the jobs are, what skills local employers expect, and how to actually land work.

What “Graphic Artist” Usually Means in Atlanta

Job titles vary, but in Atlanta “graphic artist” often overlaps with:

• Graphic Designer
• Digital Designer
• Production Artist
• Visual Designer
• Brand Designer
• Marketing Designer
• Motion Graphics Artist

Most roles focus on creating visual assets for:

• Branding and marketing (logos, social media graphics, campaigns)
• Web and app interfaces (icons, layouts, visuals)
• Print media (brochures, signage, packaging)
• Motion graphics and video (titles, lower thirds, animated ads)
• Entertainment and media (film, TV, music, events)

In Atlanta, the title often depends on the industry—agencies and in-house corporate teams might say “graphic designer,” while production, entertainment, and print shops may still prefer “graphic artist” or “production artist.”

Where Graphic Artist Jobs Are in Atlanta

1. Marketing, Branding, and Advertising Agencies

Atlanta has a large cluster of agencies handling regional, national, and global brands. Graphic artists in these environments typically:

• Create campaign visuals, social assets, and pitch decks
• Work in fast-paced, deadline-driven teams
• Juggle multiple clients at once

Common hiring patterns:

• Entry- to mid-level graphic designers for production-heavy work
• Senior designers or art directors for concept and strategy
• Freelance or contract artists for overflow projects

Agencies are concentrated in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, and the Westside, with many hybrid or remote-first setups.

2. Corporate In‑House Design Teams

Many major companies maintain in-house creative teams in Atlanta, especially around:

• Downtown and Midtown (corporate offices, media companies)
• Perimeter Center, Sandy Springs, and Buckhead (finance, tech, healthcare, professional services)
• Alpharetta and Cumberland/Galleria (tech, telecom, enterprise services)

In-house graphic artists often:

• Develop brand-compliant assets (internal communications, sales decks, event materials)
• Support ongoing campaigns, product launches, and HR initiatives
• Enjoy more predictable hours than agency life

Job titles here might be Graphic Designer, Creative Specialist, Visual Communications Designer, Marketing Designer, or Presentation Designer.

3. Film, TV, and Entertainment Production

Atlanta’s film and TV boom has opened doors for visual creatives. Graphic artists in this space may:

• Design props and set graphics (posters, fake brands, signage)
• Create title cards and on-screen graphics
• Support production with pitch decks, mood boards, and marketing art

Opportunities are often freelance or project-based, and work may be located around:

• Fayette County / Trilith Studios area
• South Atlanta (production facilities)
• Midtown / Downtown (post-production and offices)

These roles may not always be labeled “graphic artist,” so search for motion graphics designer, production designer (graphics), or digital artist when scanning job boards.

4. Tech Startups and Product Companies

Startups, SaaS companies, and tech firms in places like Midtown’s Tech Square, Buckhead, and Alpharetta hire graphic artists to:

• Create marketing assets for web, social, and email
• Collaborate with UI/UX teams on product visuals
• Design infographics, eBooks, and content marketing materials

These teams tend to expect comfort with digital tools, web formats, and analytics‑oriented design.

5. Print Shops, Signage, and Packaging

Production-focused roles (“graphic artist,” “prepress artist,” or “production designer”) are common at:

• Commercial print shops
• Sign and large-format companies
• Packaging and labeling firms

Typical tasks:

• Preparing client files for print
• Adjusting layouts, colors, and bleeds
• Working closely with press operators and account reps

These jobs require strong technical knowledge of print specs, color management, and file setup.

6. Nonprofits, Arts Organizations, and Education

Atlanta’s nonprofits and cultural institutions often need graphic support, including:

• Museums, galleries, and theaters (e.g., around Midtown Arts District)
• Community organizations and advocacy groups
• Universities and colleges

These roles may be:

• Full-time in-house designers
• Part-time staff roles
• Contract or project-based work

They often appeal to artists who want mission-driven work and are comfortable handling multiple types of design tasks.

Common Graphic Artist Job Titles You’ll See in Atlanta

Here’s a simple guide to how Atlanta employers typically use these titles:

When searching for graphic artist jobs in Atlanta, expand your search with these related titles for more results.

Skills Atlanta Employers Expect from Graphic Artists

Most Atlanta design roles expect a combination of core design skills, technical tools, and professional habits.

Core Design Skills

Employers commonly look for:

• Strong layout and composition
• Confident typography choices
• Understanding of color theory and accessibility
• Ability to work within brand guidelines
• Clear sense of visual hierarchy and readability

A portfolio that highlights real-world problems and results (not just pretty visuals) resonates well with hiring managers in the city.

Software and Technical Tools

Most job postings in Atlanta mention:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:
  • Photoshop (image editing, web graphics)
  • Illustrator (logos, vector art, icons)
  • InDesign (print layouts, brochures, proposals)
• Figma or Sketch: increasingly common for digital and product-leaning roles
• After Effects or similar: for motion graphics and video-related jobs

In print-focused roles, knowledge of:

• Prepress standards (bleeds, crop marks, CMYK vs. RGB)
• PDF and packaging workflows
• Basic knowledge of large-format and specialty printing

is often a big plus.

Soft Skills and Work Habits

Across industries in Atlanta, hiring teams often prioritize:

• Communication: explaining design decisions to non-designers
• Collaboration: working with marketing, developers, writers, and sales
• Time management: juggling multiple projects and deadlines
• Adaptability: switching between clients, styles, and formats

Hybrid and remote roles also expect self-direction and reliable responsiveness during work hours.

Where to Look for Graphic Artist Jobs in Atlanta

Online Job Boards and Local Filters

Most people begin with general job boards. To make them Atlanta-specific:

• Use search terms like “Graphic Artist Atlanta,” “Graphic Designer Atlanta,” “Motion Graphics Atlanta,” “Production Artist Atlanta”
• Filter by location = Atlanta, GA (include nearby cities like Decatur, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Marietta if you’re flexible)
• Check for “Hybrid” or “Remote – Atlanta-based” positions, which are increasingly common

Useful categories to browse:

• Marketing / Communications
• Creative / Design
• Media / Entertainment
• Technology / Product

Local Creative and Networking Organizations

Certain Atlanta-based organizations can connect you to creative work and job leads:

• Atlanta Film Office / City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment
  City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Offers production contacts and updates about entertainment-related activity in the city.

• Fulton County Arts & Culture
  Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Shares arts-related opportunities, calls for artists, and public projects that sometimes involve design work.

• Georgia Department of Labor Career Center – Atlanta
  223 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Can help with job search support, résumé guidance, and access to employer listings, including creative roles.

These organizations don’t exclusively serve graphic artists, but they can be gateways to creative employers and public-facing projects.

Local Meetups, Events, and Co‑Working Spaces

Graphic artists in Atlanta often find work through in-person connections. Useful hubs include:

• Co-working spaces in areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, and Buckhead
  These often host networking events, workshops, and startup pitch nights where design work is in demand.
• Art walks and markets (e.g., along the Atlanta BeltLine, in Castleberry Hill, and around Poncey‑Highland)
  While more art-focused, these events put you in the same circles as small business owners, event organizers, and entrepreneurs who need design help.

Look for:

• Design meetups
• Portfolio review nights
• Talks on branding, UX, or creative careers

These gatherings often lead to freelance gigs, referrals, or full-time job leads.

Graphic Artist Salaries and Work Arrangements in Atlanta

While pay varies by experience, industry, and company size, some general patterns in the Atlanta area:

• Entry-level graphic artists typically start lower in corporate or agency settings but can grow quickly with strong portfolios.
• Mid-level designers often earn more in industries like tech, healthcare, and finance compared to smaller agencies or nonprofits.
• Senior and lead roles (brand designer, art director, senior visual designer) can command higher salaries, especially in larger organizations or specialized niches.

Work arrangements you’ll frequently see:

• Full-time: Standard benefits, structured teams, clearer growth paths.
• Contract / Temp-to-Hire: Common through creative staffing agencies in Atlanta.
• Freelance: Often remote or hybrid, especially for motion, social content, and branding projects.

If you’re comparing offers, consider:

• Commute and parking (traffic can be dense around Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter)
• Remote or hybrid flexibility
• Healthcare and retirement benefits
• Overtime expectations (especially for agency and production environments)

Building a Portfolio That Works in Atlanta

What Local Employers Want to See

Hiring managers in Atlanta typically prefer a focused, easy-to-navigate portfolio over a huge collection of unrelated projects. Aim to include:

• Branding projects (logos, usage examples, brand guidelines)
• Marketing materials (social posts, emails, landing pages, print)
• Digital work (web layouts, app screens, dashboards, prototypes)
• Motion graphics or video titles if you have them

For each project, briefly explain:

• The client or context (e.g., startup, nonprofit, campus organization)
• Your role (lead designer, collaborator, production artist)
• The goal (increase signups, promote an event, support a launch)
• What you actually did (concept, layout, art direction, animation, production)

Localized work—like campaigns for Atlanta businesses, events, or community organizations—can be very compelling to local employers.

Options for Students and Early-Career Artists

If you don’t have much client work yet, consider:

• Personal projects that solve real problems (e.g., redesigning menus for a mock Atlanta restaurant, event posters for a local festival)
• Volunteer work for community groups, school clubs, or small nonprofits
• Collaborations with local musicians, small shops, or startups needing logos and marketing assets

Atlanta has several colleges and universities with design-related programs. Their career centers often host portfolio reviews, career fairs, and employer visits that are open to students and sometimes recent grads.

Education, Training, and Upskilling in Atlanta

You don’t need a specific degree to work as a graphic artist here, but certain paths can help:

• Bachelor’s degrees in graphic design, visual communications, or related fields
  Often useful for building a strong foundation and initial portfolio.
• Associate degrees or certificates in design or digital media
  Can be a faster route into production or junior roles.
• Continuing education and workshops
  Short-format classes on topics like motion graphics, UI design, or branding can make your skill set more competitive.

Local options may include:

• University and community college extension programs in design or digital media
• Arts and design schools offering short courses, certificate programs, or bootcamps
• Community centers and arts organizations hosting design software workshops

In Atlanta’s job market, demonstrated skills and portfolio quality often matter more than the exact name of your degree.

Freelance and Contract Graphic Work in Atlanta

Many graphic artists in Atlanta blend freelance and full-time work or operate entirely as independents.

Common freelance opportunities:

• Logos and branding for new businesses (restaurants, salons, local shops)
• Social media and marketing materials for small businesses and influencers
• Event flyers, posters, and digital campaigns for local events and concerts
• Pitch decks and presentation design for startups and real estate projects
• Motion graphics and titles for local video producers and content creators

To find freelance work locally, you can:

• Share a simple online portfolio and actively send it to potential clients
• Network in co-working spaces and startup communities
• Hand out business cards or simple promo postcards at events and markets
• Join local online groups focused on creative services, small business, or entrepreneurship

Many freelancers combine Atlanta-based clients with remote national or international clients, using the city as a home base with a relatively strong cost-of-living-to-opportunity balance.

Practical Steps to Start or Grow Your Graphic Artist Career in Atlanta

If you’re trying to break into or move up in Atlanta’s design market, here’s a clear action plan:

1. Polish your portfolio

   • Focus on 8–15 strong pieces, clearly presented.
   • Include at least some work that feels relevant to Atlanta-based businesses or audiences, even if self-initiated.

2. Align your résumé with local job titles

   • Use key terms like Graphic Designer, Visual Designer, Production Artist, Motion Graphics Artist, Marketing Designer depending on your focus.
   • Highlight tools and responsibilities that match typical Atlanta job descriptions.

3. Target industries that fit your style

   • Love fast-paced variety? Focus on agencies and studios.
   • Prefer stability and depth? Look into in-house corporate roles.
   • Interested in storytelling? Explore entertainment, film, and media-related jobs.

4. Use Atlanta-specific filters when searching

   • Search by zip codes or neighborhoods you can commute to.
   • Include nearby hubs like Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta, and Smyrna in your radius if you’re open to it.

5. Show up where creative work happens

   • Attend local meetups, arts events, and talks.
   • Visit co-working spaces and ask about their public events calendar.

6. Leverage public resources

   • Contact the Georgia Department of Labor Career Center in Atlanta (223 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303) for résumé assistance and job search tools.
   • Check with local arts and cultural offices for any postings that might involve design.

7. Consider a hybrid strategy

   • Combine a stable part-time job or contract with freelance projects in Atlanta to build connections and your portfolio simultaneously.

Graphic artist jobs in Atlanta cover everything from traditional print production to motion graphics for film and digital branding for fast-growing startups. By understanding where the work is, what skills are in demand, and how to plug into the city’s creative network, you can build a sustainable, locally rooted design career that still leaves room to grow in any direction you choose.