Digital design is an exciting and rapidly growing field, and there are many different ways to learn the skills you need for a career in this industry. Whether you’re currently working as a Digital Designer and want to update your skills or just starting out, there are options available to suit your needs and learning style.
One of the great things about digital design is that it’s a very hands-on field, which means that you can learn by doing, rather than just theory. However, there is still some important theoretical knowledge that you need to have to be a successful Digital Designer. This article will cover some of the different ways you can learn digital design, from traditional four-year university programs to shorter certificate courses and bootcamps. We’ll also touch on the fundamental skills you need for a career in digital design.
What is Digital Design?
Digital design is an interdisciplinary field that combines aspects of graphic design, user experience (UX) design, and web development. A career in digital design can involve working on anything from website and app design to creating digital advertising campaigns or designing user interfaces for new technologies.
What Does a Career in Digital Design Entail?
A career in digital design can be both creative and technical. As a Digital Designer, you’ll need to have strong visual communication skills and be able to understand the fundamentals of user experience. You’ll also need to be proficient in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Sketch.
If you’re interested in a career in digital design, the first step is to develop a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Once you have that foundation, you can start looking into different ways to learn more about digital design and refine your skills. Here are some of the best ways to learn digital design:
1. Take a Digital Design Certificate Course
One way to learn crucial skills is to take a digital design certificate course from a reputable provider like Noble Desktop. These courses are typically shorter than traditional four-year degree programs, and they focus specifically on digital design skills. Many certificate courses are offered online, making them convenient for busy adults who want to learn new skills while working full-time.
2. Get a Degree in Digital Design
If you’re interested in working in a specific area of digital design such as app development or web design, you can choose a degree program that focuses on those skills. Another option is to pursue a four-year degree in digital design from an accredited university. This option will give you a well-rounded education covering all aspects of digital design, from graphic design and web development to user experience (UX) design.
3. Attend a Design Bootcamp
If you’re looking for a more immersive and hands-on learning experience, you might consider attending a design bootcamp. These programs are typically shorter than traditional four-year degree programs, and they offer intensive training in digital design skills. Many bootcamps are offered online, making them convenient for busy adults who want to learn new skills while working full-time.
4. Learn Digital Design Independently
Another option for busy adults is to learn digital design online. There are many online courses available that can teach you the skills you need for a career in digital design. These courses are typically more affordable than traditional four-year degree programs, and they offer flexibility and convenience for busy adults.
The Difference Between Four-Year Degrees and Certificate Programs
While a four-year degree is not required to pursue a career in digital design, it can be helpful in terms of giving you a broad understanding of the field. A four-year program will cover topics such as graphic design history, color theory, typography, and layout principles. You’ll also likely take web design, digital marketing, and user experience design courses. It’s important to note the financial and time commitment required to obtain a traditional degree.
If you’re looking for a more focused program that will teach you the specific skills you need for a career in digital design, then a certificate program or bootcamp might be a better option. These programs are typically shorter (six months to one year) and less expensive than a four-year degree, but they will give you the practical skills you need to start working in the industry.
Fundamental Skills for Digital Designers
No matter which route you choose to take, there are some fundamental skills that all Digital Designers need. These skills include:
Graphic Design: Graphic design is the process of creating visual content such as images, illustrations, and typography, for digital products.
Web Development: Web development is the process of building and maintaining websites. Web developers use a variety of programming languages to create web applications and sites.
User experience (UX) design: User experience (UX) design is the process of designing user interfaces for digital products such as websites and apps. UX designers focus on creating intuitive, user-friendly designs that provide a great user experience.
Digital Marketing: Digital marketing is the process of promoting and selling products or services using digital technologies such as the internet, social media, and email.
If you’re interested in a career in digital design, these are some of the best ways to learn the skills you need. Choose the option that best fits your needs and interests, and get started on your journey to a successful career in digital design.
Signing up for a live online graphic design bootcamp is an excellent way to learn the fundamental skills needed to make a career change into the design field. These classes are versatile and allow students to learn virtually from the comfort of their own homes. This flexible option is great for those who currently work full-time or have prior commitments. Bootcamp classes are immersive and designed for those who want well-rounded training in the subject.
Starting a new career in digital design doesn’t have to be hard with all of the class options from Noble Desktop. Try searching for live online graphic design bootcamps in your area to see what options are available for you!