Digital design is a growing field, and there are many different classes an aspiring Designer can take to start a new career. For those who want to start a new career in design, it is crucial to choose the right classes. There are different types of classes available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
This article will help aspiring Digital Designers understand the different types of classes they can take to jump-start a new career and what to consider when making a decision. First, we'll cover some essential information on digital design to provide some additional context on this career path.
What is Digital Design?
Digital design is the process of creating digital artifacts such as websites, apps, and interfaces. A Digital Designer is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and building these digital products. They use a variety of software tools to create their designs and must have a strong understanding of how to use these tools effectively.
The field of digital design is expected to grow significantly in the next decade, with an anticipated 4% increase in job opportunities through 2030. There are many opportunities for those who have the necessary skills to work in this field.
What Does a Digital Designer Do?
Digital Designers are responsible for the entire life cycle of a digital product. This includes coming up with ideas, designing the product, building it, and testing it to make sure it works correctly. They also need to communicate well with other team members, as they often collaborate with developers, copywriters, and marketers to create a final product.
The Skills Needed to Be a Successful Digital Designer
To be successful as a Digital Designer, you need to have a range of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are specific technical skills that you need to do your job. Soft skills are personal qualities that help you work effectively with others.
Here are some of the key hard and soft skills needed for digital design:
Hard Skills
- Strong understanding of software tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of design principles
Soft Skills
- Creativity
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
Now that we've covered the basics of digital design skills let's look at the different types of classes an aspiring Digital Designer can take.
Digital Design Bootcamp Classes
Bootcamp classes are intensive courses that teach you the basics of a particular field. They are a great option for those who want to learn quickly and jump-start their new career. Bootcamps usually last for a few weeks or months, and they focus on teaching the essential skills needed to work as a Digital Designer.
Digital Design Certification Courses
Certification courses are longer than bootcamps but shorter than a four-year degree. They provide a professional credential at the end of the course and are designed to give you a deep understanding of the subject area. Certification courses usually last for several months and often require you to pass an exam at the end to receive certification.
Digital Design Certificate Classes
Digital design certificate classes are shorter than a four-year degree, and they focus on teaching specific skills related to digital design. Certificate classes usually last for several weeks or months and will provide students with a certificate of completion at the end of the course. Certificate classes are an excellent option for those looking to start a new career, as they are less expensive and faster to complete than a traditional degree.
Four-Year Degrees in Design
Four-year degrees are not required to become a Digital Designer, but they can be helpful if you want to learn a variety of topics in the design field. A four-year degree will give you a broad understanding of design principles and allow you to specialize in a particular area. This means you may take classes in addition to your digital design courses like general education courses and electives. Some of the most important factors to keep in mind when considering a traditional degree are the overall costs and time commitment.
When deciding what type of class to take, it is important to consider your goals and career aspirations. If you want to become a Digital Designer, bootcamp classes, certification courses, and certificate classes are great options.
What If I Already Have Digital Design Experience?
If you already have some digital design experience, you may want to consider taking a certification course or certificate class. These classes are suitable for people who have some knowledge in the field and want to learn more about a particular subject area. They are also an excellent option for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the digital design field.
You can also keep your skill set sharp by attending workshops and seminars. These events are a great way to learn new techniques and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in digital design.
Which Option is Best for Me?
Bootcamp classes and certificate classes are all great options for starting a new career in digital design. However, which option is best for you depends on your goals and career aspirations. You should ask yourself these questions when making your decision:
- What are my goals for my career?
- What is the best way to learn the skills I need?
- Do I want to specialize in a particular area?
- How long do I want to spend in school?
- What is the cost of each option?
After you answer these questions, you will be able to decide what type of class is best for you. While there is no set path for becoming a Digital Designer, the courses listed above are a great starting point.
If you are looking for a versatile way to learn digital design skills, consider a live online graphic design bootcamp from Noble Desktop. These classes provide the same immersive training as traditional courses but allow you to learn virtually from your home. If you are ready to get started, try searching for live online graphic design bootcamps in your area to get started.