It’s no secret that the world is going digital. Every day, it seems like we’re inundated with new technological advances, from smartphones to smart cars. It’s also no secret that in order to keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape, we need people who are skilled in digital design. This leaves many people asking: is a career in digital design a good idea?
The answer could be yes, provided you have the right skills and training. Digital design is a rapidly growing field, and there are plenty of opportunities for talented professionals. But it takes more than just talent to be successful in this field; you also need passion, creativity, and determination. If you have those qualities, then a career in digital design may be right for you.
What Does a Career in Digital Design Entail?
Simply put, it’s the process of creating digital products and services. This can include anything from websites to mobile apps to software programs. In order to create these products, you need to have a strong understanding of both the creative and technical aspects of digital design. This means having skills in graphic design, user experience (UX), web development, and more.
Even with this knowledge, many people are hesitant to pursue a career in digital design because they think it’s too challenging. The truth is, with the right training and resources, it’s not as hard as you may think. In fact, there are many online courses and tutorials that can teach you everything you need to know.
Career Outlook for Digital Designers
The digital design field is rapidly growing, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for graphic designers is positive, with an expected growth rate of 4 percent through 2030. This means that there will be plenty of opportunities for talented professionals in the years to come.
Expected Salary for Digital Designers
The average salary for a Digital Designer varies depending on experience, skills, and location. According to Indeed, the median salary for a Digital Designer is $94,844 per year. For a senior Digital Designer, the median salary is expected to be over $100,000 annually.
Salary can also fluctuate depending on location and the type of employment secured. For example, freelance designers may earn a higher hourly rate than those who are traditionally employed by a company.
What Skills Are Needed to be a Digital Designer?
In order to be successful in digital design, you need to have both creative and technical skills. On the technical side, you should have experience with graphic design, user experience (UX), and web development. You should also be familiar with a variety of software programs, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
A comprehensive list of hard design skills includes:
- Graphic design
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- InDesign
- After Effects
- Interaction design
- Web development
- HTML/HTML5
- CSS/CSS3
- JavaScript
- Mobile app development
On the creative side, you should be able to come up with innovative ideas and translate them into digital products. You should also be able to communicate your ideas effectively to other team members. Some soft skills that are beneficial in this field include:
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Creativity
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Passion for technology and design
On the soft skills side, you need to have strong problem-solving skills. This is because a large part of your job will be troubleshooting issues that arise during the design process. You should also be able to communicate with clients and team members effectively.
Do Digital Designers Need a College Degree?
While a college degree is not required to pursue a career in digital design, some employers may require it. There are many online courses and bootcamps that can teach you the necessary skills without the need for a college degree. However, it's crucial to research all of the different options to determine which route is best for you.
What is a Certificate Course?
A certificate course is a specialized training program that teaches you the skills needed to pursue a specific career. These programs are typically shorter and less expensive than traditional college degrees.
What is a Bootcamp?
A bootcamp is an intensive training program that teaches you the skills needed for a specific career in a short amount of time. These programs are typically very hands-on and may require a full-time commitment.
Choosing the Right Training Program
There are many different types of training programs available, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision. The best way to find the right program is to ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my goals?
- What are the requirements of my desired career?
- What type of training program do I need?
- How much can I afford to spend?
- How much time am I willing to commit?
Once you have answered these questions, you can start researching different training programs that will help you reach your goals.
Pros and Cons of a Career in Digital Design
Now that you know a bit more about digital design, let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of pursuing this career path.
Pros:
- There is a high demand for skilled professionals in this field.
- You can work from anywhere in the world.
- It is a highly creative field.
- You can earn a stable salary.
- There are many opportunities for career growth.
Cons:
- The job market is saturated with unqualified candidates.
- Many employers require experience.
- The hours can be long and irregular.
- The work may be stressful at times.
If you want to pursue a career in digital design, it may be worth your time to research and explore different options. Whether that means taking an online course or attending a BootCamp, there are many ways for talented individuals interested in this field to get the skills they need without needing a college degree.
It can be challenging to determine whether a digital design is the right career path for you. However, if you have a passion for creativity and technology and are willing to put in the work, a career in digital design can be very rewarding.
If you are ready to start your career in digital design, live online graphic design bootcamps provide immersive training. You can try searching for live online graphic design bootcamps in your area to see what is available for you.