Career Insights for Emerging Designers

Written By

Nuffer, Smith, Tucker

This insights post is a summary of the original blog post published by Holly Perttula of Nuffer, Smith, Tucker Public Relations. Click here to view the original, full-length blog post.   

The definition of a designer has changed and evolved drastically over the past few decades. With that, the expectations of having a career in design have also shifted. Leaning on some of the insights from the pros that have been part of this evolution should certainly be top-of-mind for entry-level designers. Keep reading to get some insight from Holly, a 25-year design pro.

Build a strong online portfolio

Even though you may only have school or freelance work, there is nothing more important than having an online portfolio. Include a diverse range of projects that showcase your skills. Highlight your best work and tailor your portfolio to the type of design job you are seeking. Whether you are looking to specialize in a niche area such as motion graphics, UX/UI design, or consumer packaged goods (CPG), proficiency in digital and video content creation is imperative to staying current in the industry. But without a solid understanding of print design, it is unlikely you will be considered for a CPG role. Show the breadth of your design capabilities and focus on your strengths to help tell your design story.

Master the tools

Being proficient in industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential. Consider learning other tools such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD for UI/UX design. If you are interested in adding photography to your list of skills, explore photo and image editing software such as Adobe Lightroom.

Stay current with design trends

The design field is ever evolving, so it is critical to stay up to date with industry trends, software developments, and design techniques. Join organizations and communities such as AIGA, CreativeMornings, or Friends of Figma. Follow design blogs and seek out creativity conferences to stay inspired. Conferences usually offer discounted tickets for students and many large events, such as Adobe MAX, offer free on-demand sessions.

Get four more insightful tips from Holly by going to the full blog post, Navigating the Creative Journey: 7 Career Insights for Emerging Designers. 

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