Digital Designers

High School

While in high school, take any art and design courses that are available. Computer science classes are also important, particularly those that teach page layout, digital design, Web design, animation, or the editing of art, video, and photographs. Other useful classes include English, speech, marketing, and social studies. Working on the school newspaper or yearbook can provide valuable design experience.

Postsecondary Education

A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Web design, or digital design is required for most positions in the field. About 300 colleges and art schools offer art and graphic design programs that are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Applicants to bachelor’s degree programs in the graphic arts may be asked to submit samples of their work to prove their artistic ability. Many schools and employers depend on samples, or portfolios, to evaluate the applicants’ design skills. Students also typically complete at least one internship as part of their training.

A period of on-the-job training is expected for all beginning designers. The length of time it takes to become fully qualified as a digital designer may run from one to three years, depending on prior education and experience, as well as innate talent.

Certification

A growing number of colleges and universities provide undergraduate and graduate certificates in digital design, user experience, motion graphics, and related fields. Examples include Otis College of Art and Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, Webster University, and Indiana University.

Professional associations and for-profit, online learning platforms (OLPs) offer shorter-term (i.e., a few days to two to three months) certificate programs. For example, AIGA, the professional association for design, offers a wide range of certificates via its Certificates for Creatives program. Certificates are available in project management, communication and presentation, collaboration and relationship management, career development, small business management, technology, and other areas. Visit https://www.aiga.org/professional-development/certificates-for-creatives for more information.

Other Education or Training

The Graphic Artists Guild provides teleclasses and webinars to help its members keep their skills up to date and grow their businesses. Recent offerings included How to Create and Deliver Your Best Portfolio, Color Management for the Graphics Arts Professional, and Skillful Communication with Clients. The User Experience Professionals Association offers webinars such as UX Doesn’t Happen on a Screen, It’s in the Mind; Psychology 101: Revisiting the Basics of Human Behavior to Optimize User Experience Design; and Using Automated Testing Tools to Empower Your UX Research. AIGA, the professional association for design; International Game Developers Association; Society of Publication Designers; and other organizations also provide professional development opportunities. Contact these organizations to learn more.