Do you enjoy working with computers and finding creative solutions to problems? If so, a career in digital design may be the perfect fit for you! Digital Designers use their computer graphics and creativity skills to design websites, user interfaces, mobile apps, and more.
This creative field is growing rapidly, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 4% growth in job openings for Digital Designers between 2020 and 2030. As more and more companies move their businesses online, the demand for Digital Designers will only continue to increase.
If you are unsure whether a career in digital design is right for you, keep reading to learn more about the job duties, qualifications, and salary expected in this type of role.
What Does a Digital Designer Do?
A Digital Designer is responsible for the overall look and feel of a website or application. This includes everything from layout and color scheme to typography and iconography. In many cases, these designers also create the user experience (UX) and interactivity for a website or app. Essentially, they are responsible for ensuring that users have a positive experience while using the product.
This field is quite broad, which means that Digital Designers often specialize in a specific area. For example, some designers focus solely on web design, while others may specialize in UX/UI design or motion graphics.
What Are the Qualifications Needed to Be a Digital Designer?
While some employers may require a college degree, many digital design positions only require a strong portfolio of work and experience. In fact, it's extremely common for Digital Designers to start their careers as interns or junior designers.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in digital design, it's important to have a strong foundation in both graphic design and computer programming. You should also be familiar with the latest web design trends and software tools.
What Are the Job Responsibilities of a Digital Designer?
As discussed previously, Digital Designers are responsible for the overall look and feel of a website or application. However, the daily functions and responsibilities of this job can vary depending on the employer and the size of the project.
In general, digital designers are responsible for creating wireframes, prototypes, visual designs, and user flows. They may also be responsible for conducting user research and testing to ensure that the final product is user-friendly. Additional tasks may also include:
- Collaborating with team members to come up with creative solutions
- Updating existing designs with new trends and technologies
- Meeting deadlines and budgets
- Troubleshooting design issues
What Is the Salary Expectation for a Digital Designer?
According to Indeed, the average national salary for digital designers is $94,844 per year. However, salaries can range to well over $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and other factors. One of the main factors that can affect salary is the designer's type of employment, whether that be traditional or freelancing.
Traditional Employment
In traditional employment, designers are usually employed by a company and work onsite. This type of arrangement typically offers benefits such as paid vacation days, 401k plans, and health insurance. Digital Designers who work in traditional employment may also have the opportunity to advance their careers by taking on new challenges or moving up the corporate ladder.
Freelancing
Freelancing is becoming an increasingly popular option for Digital Designers. This type of work allows designers to have more control over their workload, hours, and rates. However, it also comes with some risks, such as inconsistent income and no benefits.
Which Type of Employment Is Right for Me?
The right type of employment for you depends on your personal preferences and situation. If you value stability and benefits, then traditional employment may be the better option. However, freelancing may be a better fit if you prefer more freedom and flexibility. Ultimately, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.
What Is the Employment Outlook for Digital Designers?
As mentioned previously, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 37,000 new job openings for Digital Designers each year through 2030. This rapid growth is due to the increasing demand for designers as more businesses move their operations online.
Freelance designers may have an even easier time finding work as businesses increasingly turn to outsourcing for their projects. There are a number of online platforms, such as Upwork and Fiverr, that connect businesses with freelancers from around the world.
Do I Need a College Degree to Become a Digital Designer?
While some employers may require a traditional college degree, it is not always necessary to become a Digital Designer. There are a number of diploma and certificate programs that can provide you with the skills needed for this career. Alternatively, if you have a strong background in graphic design and computer programming, you may be able to teach yourself the necessary skills.
Regardless of your training curriculum, it's crucial for designers to build a solid portfolio. This portfolio will be a key factor in landing jobs and clients, so be sure to showcase your best work.
Is a Digital Design Career Right for Me?
If you have a passion for design and programming, then a career in digital design may be right for you. With the rapid growth in this field, there are many opportunities for designers to find work that suits their needs and preferences. Whether you choose to freelance or work in traditional employment, you can expect to enjoy a challenging and rewarding career.
Those considering a career in digital design should look into live online graphic design bootcamp courses from providers like Noble Desktop. These classes are immersive and designed to provide comprehensive training to those looking to make a career change into design. Bootcamp courses are intense, meaning they provide all of the knowledge needed to start a new career. The curriculum provides the same training as traditional classes but eliminates the need to travel to a physical location.
If you are ready to sign up for design classes, try searching for graphic design bootcamps in your area to get started.