While the field of digital design is growing each year, many people are still unsure of what Digital Designers do in their careers. This lucrative field offers a wide variety of job options for those with the right skillset and provides an excellent opportunity to use creativity in a practical way.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that jobs in digital design are expected to grow by 4% from 2020 to 2030, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. With the rise of digital media, it's no surprise that many people are making the switch to this creative field.
What do Digital Designers Do?
Broadly speaking, Digital Designers are responsible for the visual design of digital products and experiences. This can include everything from websites and apps to computer games and virtual reality simulations. In order to create these designs, Digital Designers use a variety of software programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Digital Designers must have a strong understanding of color, typography, and layout principles to create effective designs. They also need to be able to think outside the box and come up with original ideas that stand out from the competition.
Many Digital Designers also specialize in a particular area, such as user interface design or web development. In addition, they may also be responsible for tasks such as project management, client relations, and team coordination.
What Are Daily Tasks of a Digital Designer?
A typical day in the life of a Digital Designer may include the following tasks:
- Meet with clients to discuss project requirements
- Develop concepts and prototypes for new products
- Create visual design elements such as logos, illustrations, and layouts
- Test products to ensure they are user-friendly and visually appealing
- Update existing designs in response to feedback
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Digital Designer?
If you're interested in becoming a Digital Designer, there are several skills you'll need to succeed in this field. These include both hard and soft skills:
Hard Skills for Digital Designers
- Proficiency in design software programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- Strong understanding of color, typography, and layout principles
- Ability to think outside the box and come up with original ideas
Soft Skills for Digital Designers
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
In addition to these skills, Digital Designers must also have a portfolio that showcases their best work. This will give potential employers an idea of your skill level and style. If you're just starting out in the field, you may want to consider participating in design competitions or attending design workshops to build your portfolio.
Digital Design Freelancers vs. Traditional Employment
While some Digital Designers choose to work for a traditional company, others opt to freelance. Freelancing offers a number of advantages, such as the ability to set your own hours and work from home. However, it also has its challenges, such as finding reliable clients and managing your finances.
Advantages to Working as a Design Freelancer
- Flexible hours – you can set your own schedule
- Work from home – no need to commute
- Choose your own clients – you can hand-pick the projects you want to work on
- Set your own rates – you can charge what you're worth
Disadvantages of Working as a Design Freelancer
- Irregular income – your earnings may fluctuate from month to month
- No benefits – you won't receive health insurance or other benefits typically offered by employers
- Lack of job security – your projects could end at any time
How is Freelance Design Work Different?
When you work as a freelance Digital Designer, you'll need to wear many hats. In addition to being a talented designer, you'll also need to be a good salesperson, marketer, and project manager. You'll be responsible for finding your own clients, negotiating rates, and meeting deadlines.
The upside to all this is that you have the potential to earn more money than you would be working for a traditional company. However, the downside is that you also have more responsibility, and there is no safety net if things go wrong.
If you're considering becoming a freelance Digital Designer, it's essential to make sure you have the skills and personality traits needed to succeed in this type of work.
Is Digital Design The Right Career For You?
Those considering a career change to the design field may wonder if digital design is the right path. If you're creative, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and work well under pressure, the answer is likely yes. However, it's also important to consider whether you have the necessary hard skills, such as proficiency in design software programs.
If you're just starting out in the field, it may be a good idea to attend a design workshop or participate in a design competition. And don't forget to build your portfolio – this will be essential when it comes time to look for a job.
The field of digital design is constantly changing and evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. If you're willing to put in the time and effort, a career in digital design can be both rewarding and lucrative.
For those looking to start a career in digital design, a live online graphic design bootcamp course may be an excellent option. These classes provide immersive training in the field that is designed to prepare students looking to make a career switch. Live online bootcamps also offer remote learning, so there is no need to rearrange your schedule to commute through heavy traffic.
Reliable and trustworthy providers like Noble Desktop have several options for graphic design bootcamps to ensure there is a course that fits into every schedule. If you are ready to sign up for classes and jump-start your new career, try searching for live online graphic design bootcamps in your area to see what options are available.