What is a digital designer? - How to become a digital designer

For creative, lifelong learners who are interested in technology and design, a career in digital design can be rewarding and lucrative. Let's take a look at the skills and steps required to land a job as a digital designer.

Digital designers combine technology and imagination to create media intended for viewing on a screen or digital interface. This can include web design, animation, interactive elements or 2D or 3D models. There are several areas of work that fall under the umbrella of digital design, including:

• Web Designer
• App designer
• User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) Designer
• Interaction designer
• Graphic designer
• Product designer
• Animation designer

Digital design can be seen as the next level of graphic design. This profession uses the same skills and understanding as print design to bring these visions to life with interactivity, three-dimensional modeling and animation. Whether you're creating banner ads, movies or other interactive elements for a website or app, you'll share your messages with an audience using modern methods that rely on data to measure your success.

Although this modern profession can overlap with many different industries, its appeal to professionals is easy to see. In most cases, digital designers can do engaging and interesting work from almost anywhere in the world.

Some digital designers have permanent positions with companies in a variety of industries, from computer systems to advertising to management consulting. Others prefer to explore freelance opportunities that offer more flexibility, but also come with the added responsibility of seeking out new clients and juggling multiple assignments. To pursue this career path, use your skills to build a portfolio that will impress your future clients and employers.

Skills of digital designers

Employers or clients looking for digital designers want professionals who have mastered and are prepared for a wide range of technical skills. To get a job as a digital designer, you must be able to demonstrate that you have mastered both customer relations and the tools most commonly used today.

Technical skills and common tools

Stand out as a professional digital designer by demonstrating mastery of specific technical skills and software programs used to create interactive designs. These technical skills require both training and application. You can present a portfolio of your work experience to potential clients and employers to demonstrate your skills in the following areas:

• Layout and navigation
• Color and typography
• Design principles
• Mobile-first design
• Design software
• HTML, CSS and/or JavaScript

Professional skills

A strong portfolio can show that you're able to complete tasks and create beautiful designs, but employers and clients also require other skills that aspiring professionals can include on their resume. These professional skills are harder to measure, but can make all the difference when it comes to getting more work:

• Communication: Digital designers often work with larger teams. Learning to ask direct questions, actively listen and present your designs to others can contribute to a better working environment.
• Customer care: The most effective digital designers listen carefully to their clients' wishes and requirements, give professional advice and take constructive criticism - all in an effort to make the client happy with the finished product.
• Flexibility and creativity: Digital design is innovative by nature. You will constantly be learning new tools, software systems and technologies. Think of yourself as a lifelong learner and plan to discover new ways of working whenever possible.

Training as a digital designer

On your way to a job as a digital designer, you can benefit from programs that help you to further your education. These include individual courses, but also degree programs and certifications.

Study programs

To gain a foothold in a creative field, you often need a strong portfolio of work to prove your success, and you can gain that experience with the right degree program. While a college degree isn't always required to become a digital designer, a bachelor's degree in a design-related field can open you up to new employment opportunities.

Many post-secondary degrees include training in the necessary technical skills and tools and provide the opportunity to work with others under deadline pressure. Also, a college degree shows prospective employers that you can do your job, even if it's difficult.

Employers may prefer a bachelor's degree in graphic design, web design or digital design.

If you pursue a degree in digital design, you can take specialized courses on topics that interest you, such as information technology management, data science, mobile app design, 3D digital design and user interface animation.

Some degrees also offer the opportunity to specialize in an area of expertise that you want to pursue professionally. Some examples of these degrees are:

• Bachelor of Arts in Spieldesign
• Bachelor in Interaktionsdesign
• Bachelor of Science in Design: Digitale Animation
• Bachelor in UX/UI-Design
• Bachelor of Arts in Digitale Erlebnisse

Certification programs

Many digital designers keep up with the latest technologies and stay competitive in the job market by earning additional certifications or credentials. Earning these certificates can also help you stay current with evolving tools and technologies.  

There are certifications or certificates for topics such as:

• Graphic design
• Construction technology
• Digital production
• 3D printing
• Computer-aided design

Freelance opportunities vs. full-time employment

Digital designers have a wide variety of work opportunities open to them, including UI design, photography, videography, animation and much more. Every project is different, even if your role focuses on a specific element of design. The best part is that with the right skills and experience, these professionals typically earn more than traditional graphic designers.

The question for many is whether it's better to get a job as a digital designer with a specific company or firm, or to go freelance. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of freelancing:

Advantages

• Flexibility in the selection of projects and clients
• The ability to determine the value of your time
• Creation of your own schedule

Disadvantages

• Need to constantly look for new work
• Benefits and social services financed by the employer
• Tax implications, depending on your home country

Digital designers - like many other creative professionals - often gain experience in permanent positions before going freelance. Only with a growing professional network and an impressive portfolio of work can you attract clients that pay well and offer interesting work for a rewarding freelance career.