Digital design is a field that is growing in popularity. This is because businesses are realizing the importance of having a strong digital presence. The job outlook for these in-demand designers is anticipated to grow annually, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting around 37,000 new digital design job openings each year through 2030. This is great news for those looking to start a career in digital design; however, there are some things you should know before making the switch.
Many people are concerned that they may not have the necessary skills to work in digital design. The truth is digital design encompasses a variety of skills. This article will explore the skillsets needed to succeed in a digital design career and help break down the difficulty level of becoming a Digital Designer.
What Is Digital Design?
Digital design is the process of using technology to create and deliver a visual message. This can include websites, apps, logos, and other digital media. Digital Designers use a variety of software programs to create these visuals. They may also be responsible for coding and website development. The field is growing more diverse, so designers may be asked to work on a variety of projects, from print to web to mobile.
What Do Digital Designers Do?
Digital Designers are responsible for creating the look and feel of a website or app. This includes the layout, typography, images, and colors. They must also ensure that the design is responsive to different devices and screen sizes. In addition to designing for the web, Digital Designers may also create graphics for print or television commercials.
The daily tasks of a Digital Designer vary depending on their level of experience and the company they work for. However, some of the most common duties include:
- Gathering reference material
- Brainstorming design ideas
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Testing prototypes
- Revising designs based on feedback
- Coordinating with developers and other team members
What Training Do You Need to Become a Digital Designer?
Digital design is a constantly evolving field, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, some Digital Designers have a degree in graphic design, web development, or a related field. While this has always been the traditional route, there are now many certificate programs that can teach you the skills you need to be successful in digital design.
In fact, many employers prefer candidates with a digital design certificate over those with a four-year degree. This is because certificate programs are generally more affordable and can be completed in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, they often offer more hands-on training that is specific to the software programs used in digital design.
What Skills Do You Need to Work in Digital Design?
Digital Designers must have both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the technical abilities that are specific to digital design. This includes proficiency in graphic design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Other hard skills commonly used in digital design include animation, motion graphics, user experience (UX) design, and user interface (UI) design.
In addition to these technical skills, Digital Designers must also have soft skills. These are the interpersonal abilities that are needed to succeed in any job. However, they are especially important in fields like digital design, where collaboration is key. Some of the most important soft skills for Digital Designers include:
- Communication: Digital Designers must be able to communicate their ideas clearly to both team members and clients
- Time management: It's important to be able to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines
- Problem-solving: When something goes wrong with a design, Digital Designers must be able to troubleshoot and fix the issue
- Creativity: Digital design is all about thinking outside the box and coming up with new ideas
Career Paths for Digital Designers
There are many different career paths that Digital Designers can take. Some Digital Designers choose to specialize in a certain area, such as web design or app design. Others may become freelancers or start their own design studio. There are also many opportunities to work in-house for a company or agency.
The type of work that you do will largely depend on your interests and skillset. However, most Digital Designers will start out working on small projects before moving on to larger ones. As they gain experience, they will likely take on more responsibility and be given the opportunity to lead projects.
Is Digital Design the Right Career for You?
If you're interested in a career in digital design, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you decide if this is the right field for you.
- Do you understand basic design principles?
- Are you creative and innovative?
- Do you enjoy working with the latest technology?
- Are you a team player?
- Can you meet deadlines?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, then digital design may be the right career for you. However, it's important to remember that this is a rapidly-evolving field, so you must be willing to learn and keep up with new changes and trends.
Signing up for a live online graphic design bootcamp is an excellent way to gain the knowledge and skillset needed to be a well-rounded designer. These courses provide all of the same training as traditional options without the need to commute to a physical location to take classes. This means you can learn from the comfort of your own home without having to navigate through heavy traffic or rearrange your schedule to make it to classes on time.
Bootcamp courses are also considerably cheaper and faster to complete than traditional degrees, which makes them a great option for those who are looking to make a career change. Taking a bootcamp course ensures you will learn all of the software and technical skills needed to succeed in this type of creative role. If you are ready to get started and sign up for classes, try searching for live online graphic design bootcamps in your area to see what options are available.