Discover what it means to be a designer in IT and explore various design career paths. Learn essential tips on how to enter the design profession and succeed in this exciting field.
Have you ever wondered what it means to be a designer in IT? It might seem like a young profession with little to tell except the need for flexibility. While this is partly true, there is more to it. Regardless of how young the profession may be, ‘designers’ have existed in nature for a long time. A designer is like a little spider who makes beautiful and complex webs daily, turning empty spaces into something beautiful and functional.
In this article, Anastasiya Shapavalava, UI/UX designer at SOFTSWISS, will tell you what it means to be a designer in tech, how to enter this profession, and many other exciting details.
A World of Opportunities in Design in the Tech Industry
Design is a broad and exciting field with many career opportunities, especially in information technology companies. If you want to work in the tech industry, several design specialisations are highly popular and in demand. Let’s explore the most sought-after areas in IT and the skills you need for each.
Graphic Design
Graphic design involves creating visual concepts, developing logos, advertising materials, packaging, and typography. Professionals in this field are often employed by advertising agencies, publishing houses, and marketing companies or as freelancers. Key skills for graphic designers include proficiency in the Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), creative thinking, and a strong sense of style and composition.
Web Design, UI/UX Design, and Product Design
UI/UX design, web design, and product design are closely related fields that focus on creating user-friendly digital experiences. Web designers create websites, while UI/UX designers and product designers develop service and application interfaces, ensuring visual appeal and usability. These designers work in tech companies, web studios, or freelancers. Essential skills include expertise in Figma, a solid understanding of composition, usability and responsive design, user research, prototyping, and testing.
Motion Design
It involves animations for films, video games, advertisements, and websites. Motion designers often work in animation studios, game companies, advertising agencies, and information technology companies. Key skills for motion designers include expertise in Adobe After Effects, 3D animation (such as Maya and Blender), storytelling, and drawing.
Illustration
Illustration focuses on creating visuals for books, magazines, advertisements, and websites. Illustrators may work for publishing houses and advertising agencies or as freelancers. Essential skills include drawing, proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, conceptual thinking, and developing a unique artistic style.
Each of these specialisations requires unique skills and knowledge, but they all share the goal of creating beautiful, functional, and memorable designs. Regardless of the chosen path, a career in design offers endless opportunities for creativity and professional growth.
“According to research, the most popular design fields in the tech sector include product design, UI/UX design, graphic design, and motion design. In the EU, the average salary for these roles ranges from EUR 40,000 to EUR 63,000 per year. In the CIS countries, the figures range from USD 10,000 to USD 30,000 annually,” says Anastasiya Shapovalova.
Finding Your Path in Design in IT
How to Become a Designer in IT and Tech industry: expert tips | SOFTSWISS CareersThe Importance of Education in Design Careers
The question of the required degree of education is often raised among aspiring designers. This is logical because design professions lack uniform standards and educational requirements. Potential employers or clients in the information technology industry will primarily examine your portfolio rather than your academic credentials. However, it is worth noting that for some fields (such as industrial design), certain companies (like Google or Apple) and countries may still require specialised higher education.
Let’s delve into some statistics on the educational backgrounds of designers worldwide. According to 2023 data, the education levels among designers in the European Union vary from intermediate to tertiary, reflecting broader trends in education and training. Eurostat data indicates a preference for higher education over other levels.
In 2023, statistics from the CIS countries showed a similar trend to the EU: most designers hold higher education degrees, and a significant portion of these designers possess bachelor’s degrees in relevant fields.
While each design discipline requires its specific level of training and education, statistics indicate that most designers opt for a bachelor’s degree. However, it is essential to remember that there are various courses and paths to navigate the design world.
Educational Resources for Design Skills:
- Uxcel is an unparalleled interactive platform for learning, improving, and practising your skills. It offers various educational modules, from typography basics and UI and UX designs to colour psychology and HTML. The training is delivered in an interactive, game-like format: you study the topic and then take an interactive test to consolidate your learning.
- Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning: These platforms offer numerous courses in various design areas. They also provide courses for developing both hard and soft skills.
- Alexander Hess Design Academy is an excellent choice for those who already know design basics and how to use design tools. It offers many courses and masterclasses to improve your skills and make you more efficient.
Top Tips to Start a Career in Design
When the stage of mastering the theoretical base comes to an end, the most interesting and, perhaps, the most challenging part begins: mastering the tools and applying your acquired knowledge in practice. Only through practice can you become a true professional in your field.
The process is similar to studying theory; you can learn the tools independently or use the services of online courses or mentors. If you choose courses, they will guide you through a structured program. However, if you decide to practise on your own, here are some tips (which are also valuable for those who have completed courses; practice is always beneficial):
How to Become a Designer in IT and Tech industry: expert tips | SOFTSWISS Careers recommends, “Start by copying the works of designers you admire, replicating them exactly. This exercise helps you improve using tools, reinforces your theoretical knowledge, familiarises you with successful and unsuccessful decisions, and hones your observational skills. Remember, this practice work is solely for your learning and should not be included in your portfolio, as it constitutes plagiarism. Challenge yourself by creating fictitious projects or using services that generate technical specifications. Having a curator or a mentor to review your work and provide feedback is immensely beneficial.”Creating a Portfolio
A portfolio is a ‘face’ to potential employers, your business card, and a demonstration of your professionalism. It may sound daunting, but it is a crucial aspect of a design career. In the design world, your portfolio is what people first notice, and it is in your best interest to make it as relevant and professional as possible.
Even without experience in commercial projects, a well-designed portfolio showcasing your academic or personal work can impress potential employers or clients.
Networking and Self-Promotion
Join online design communities on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and LinkedIn. Publish your work, share your creative process, receive feedback, and develop personal branding. Engage with experienced designers, seek mentors, and attend events, workshops, and conferences to make valuable connections. Starting a blog or social media account dedicated to design can boost your visibility. Frequently talk about your role as a designer; potential clients or employers may be among your acquaintances.
Finding Your First Job
Securing your first job is an exciting milestone for any novice specialist. Before you search for vacancies, prepare a resume and, preferably, fill out a profile on LinkedIn. A well-crafted resume increases your chances of landing that crucial first offer.
There are several ways to gain your first commercial experience:
- Internships: Look for internships at large tech companies, information technology companies, or startups. This is an excellent start for a junior professional. Even if you lack work experience, demonstrate your passion and willingness to learn. Often, these internships are unpaid but offer valuable experience and connections.
- Freelancing: Seek small freelance projects on Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr platforms.
- Contacting Companies and Job Searching: Explore job sites and job boards on LinkedIn. Publish a post announcing that you are actively seeking a job. Feel free to apply for jobs or write to companies directly, submitting your resume and portfolio even if you have limited experience. Many companies seek young talents with good potential.
Starting a career in design requires significant time and effort, but the right approach enhances your chances of becoming a successful specialist and securing your first job offer. Even after you receive an offer, continue to develop your skills, follow trends, and learn from successful designers. Regular practice and seeking feedback from more experienced designers will help you grow.