Are you interested in a career that allows you to be creative and use your technical skills to design user-friendly digital experiences? If so, a career in digital design may be the perfect fit for you!
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment of Digital Designers is projected to grow 4% from 2020 to 2030, following the average for all occupations. The demand for Digital Designers continues to grow due to the increasing popularity of mobile devices and e-commerce. As more businesses seek to create an online presence, they will need Digital Designers to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites.
This article will provide an overview of what digital design is, what a career in digital design entails, the skills you need to succeed in this field, and how to choose the right program for you. Starting a career in digital design doesn't have to be overwhelming—with the right preparation, you can launch a successful and fulfilling career in this exciting field!
What is Digital Design?
Digital design is the process of creating user interfaces, websites, applications, and other digital experiences. Designers use various tools, including typography, color, and layout, to create visually appealing and user-friendly designs. In addition to their creative skills, Digital Designers must also have strong technical skills and be able to use various software programs.
The field is constantly evolving, which means designers must be able to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. They must also be able to work collaboratively with other designers, developers, and clients.
What Does a Career in Digital Design Entail?
A career in digital design offers a creative and challenging work environment. As a Designer, you will use your skills to create visually appealing and user-friendly designs for websites, applications, and other digital experiences. You will also have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, from small businesses to large corporations.
In addition to your creative skills, you will need strong technical skills to succeed in this field. You should be proficient in various software programs found in Adobe Creative Cloud and have a working knowledge of web development technologies. As the field of digital design continues to evolve, it is important to be able to keep up with the latest trends and technologies.
Why Learn Software in the Adobe Creative Suite?
The Adobe Creative Suite is a collection of software programs used by Digital Designers. These programs allow you to create visually appealing designs, including websites, applications, and other digital experiences. The Adobe Creative Suite includes programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and XD.
While you are not required to use the Adobe Creative Suite to become a Digital Designer, it is helpful to learn these programs. With the Adobe Creative Suite, you will have the ability to create high-quality designs that meet your clients' needs. In addition, many employers prefer candidates who are familiar with the Adobe Creative Suite.
What Are the Hard and Soft Skills Needed for a Career in Digital Design?
In order to be successful in this field, you will need both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical skills that can be learned through training or education. These skills are specific to digital design and include proficiency in software programs and web development technologies.
Soft skills are interpersonal skills that are not always learned in a classroom. These skills help you interact with others, including clients and co-workers, and include communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
It is important to have both hard and soft skills if you want to pursue a career in digital design. With hard skills, you will be able to create high-quality designs that meet your clients' needs. With soft skills, you will be able to work collaboratively with others and communicate effectively with clients and co-workers.
How to Start a Career in Digital Design
If you are ready to start your new career in digital design, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, you should consider taking some courses or attending a Bootcamp to learn the necessary skills. You can also freelance or work as an intern to gain experience.
In addition, it is important to network with other designers and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Finally, you should create a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills to potential employers.
A career in digital design offers a creative and challenging work environment. With the right skills and experience, you can launch a successful and fulfilling career in this exciting field!
Four-Year Degree vs. Certificate Courses
There are a few different educational paths you can take to become a Digital Designer. You can pursue a four-year degree in design, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Web Design and Development.
You can also choose to take certificate courses or attend a Bootcamp. These programs typically last for a few months and will give you the skills you need to start your career in digital design.
While some believe a four-year degree is the only way to break into this field, it is not a requirement. With the right courses and training, you can start your career in digital design without the cost and time commitment of a traditional degree.
Full-Time Employment vs. Freelancing
When you are first starting out in your career, you may be wondering if you should pursue full-time employment or freelancing opportunities. There are benefits to both options.
Full-time employment offers stability and a regular paycheck. You will also have access to employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement savings plans. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work with a team of designers and learn from more experienced designers.
Freelancing offers the flexibility to set your own hours and work from anywhere. You also have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients and learn new design techniques. However, freelancing can be more unpredictable, and you may not always have work available.
It is important to consider both options when starting your career in digital design. You can always transition to full-time employment if you decide that is the best option for you. If you are unsure which path is right for you, start by freelancing and see how it goes.
If you are ready to jump-start your new career in digital design, consider signing up for a digital design certificate course from a provider like Noble Desktop. These classes offer immersive training with all the fundamental skills needed to transition into this lucrative field.