David Corson
January 31, 2023
Do you have a passion for design? Have you ever thought about turning your creative talents into a career? If so, there are plenty of opportunities available to pursue.
From graphic design to web development and beyond, the field of design has something for everyone. Each job comes with its own unique set of skills and responsibilities—allowing those who specialize in these areas to make their mark on the world around them.
So, let's take a look at some of the most popular careers in design that you may not have considered.
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers are responsible for creating visual concepts to communicate an idea or message to their audience. Whether it’s illustrating logos, designing websites, creating print materials, or developing digital content, graphic design skills help bring projects to life. Graphic designers need to be knowledgeable about design principles, typography, color theory, and digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.
On the other hand, UX (user experience) designers focus on the user’s overall experience when using a product or service. From conducting research and designing wireframes to creating user flows and testing prototypes, UX designers are responsible for ensuring that users have a great experience while interacting with the products they create.
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects are responsible for designing outdoor spaces, from parks to green roofs and courtyards. They need to be knowledgeable about the principles of design, land-use planning, soil science, horticulture, and sustainability. Landscape architects use their creative problem-solving skills to develop unique solutions that meet the needs of their clients.
As for education requirements, landscape architects typically need a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or a related field. Nowadays, you can finish an online landscape design course or even pursue a master’s degree in the subject. If you want to upgrade your knowledge, or you need a certification on the subject, but you don't have the time or the resources to attend a traditional school, this is an ideal option for you.
Industrial Designer
Industrial designers combine art and engineering to create the products you use every day, including toys, furniture, medical equipment, cars, and appliances. Industrial designers evaluate user needs and work closely with engineers to develop a product that meets these needs. They also test the designs for safety and usability before presenting them to their clients.
To become an industrial designer, you must have a bachelor's degree in industrial design or a related field, and expertise in computer-aided design (CAD). Soft skills like communication and problem-solving are also important.
Fashion Designer
If you have a flair for fashion and design, consider becoming a fashion designer. Fashion designers create clothing and accessories for a wide range of customers—from high-end boutiques to mass retailers. From sketching initial designs to selecting fabrics and colors, fashion designers need strong creative skills as well as knowledge of current trends in the industry.
To become a fashion designer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or a related field. You should also have a portfolio of your work to showcase to potential employers which can be done with the help of online tools such as Behance or Dribbble.
Interior Designer
Interior designers create functional and visually appealing indoor spaces for their clients—from residential homes to commercial offices and beyond. From understanding a client’s needs and preferences to selecting furniture, colors, and textures, interior designers need a comprehensive skill set to successfully execute their projects.
A degree in interior design or architecture is required for most positions. Additionally, many employers look for experience with AutoCAD (Computer Aided Design & Drafting) software as well as strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Environmental Graphic Designer
Finally, environmental graphic designers work to create a cohesive visual experience in physical spaces—from museums to retail stores and beyond. By creating signs, displays, and other visuals, they’re responsible for helping people understand the space they’re in, as well as providing direction and a sense of place.
Environmental graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in environmental design, graphic design, or a related field. They should also have strong artistic skills and knowledge of software such as Adobe Creative Suite.
As you can see, design is a field with many opportunities for creative expression and problem-solving. From fashion design to environmental graphic design, numerous career paths allow you to combine your love of art and science in meaningful ways.
No matter what type of designer you want to be, having the right education and skill set will help you stand out from the competition.
If you’re looking for an exciting new career path, consider exploring any one of these 6 options—you may just find yourself on the way toward achieving your dream job!
