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What does a Designer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A designer is a professional within the field of design, concerned with creating products or services that are both functional and appealing to customers. Designers use their creativity and technical skills to develop new ideas and bring them to life.

Designer job duties include:

  • Meeting with clients to discuss their design needs
  • Researching new and innovative design ideas
  • Sketching out rough design concepts
  • Creating detailed computer-aided designs (CAD)
  • Working with a team of other designers to create the final product
  • Overseeing the production process of the design
  • Quality control of the finished product
  • Marketing and promoting the design to potential customers
  • Keeping up with current trends in the design industry

Designer Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for designers, although a bachelor's degree in design or a related field is often helpful. Certification is not required, but designers who are certified have completed a rigorous course of study and have demonstrated their proficiency in the field. Experience is also helpful, as designers learn best by doing.

Designer Skills

  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Artistic ability
  • Aesthetic sensibility
  • Technical skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Visualization
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Patience
  • Attention to detail
  • Organizational skills

Related: Top Designer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Designer

There is no one specific path to becoming a designer. However, there are some common steps that many designers take in order to develop their skills and become successful in the field.

First, it is important to develop a strong foundation in the basics of design. This means understanding principles such as composition, color theory, and typography. These concepts form the basis for all good design, so it is essential to have a strong grasp of them before moving on to more complex projects.

Next, designers should focus on developing their own unique style. This can be done by studying the work of other designers that you admire and trying to incorporate some of their techniques into your own work. It is also important to experiment with different mediums and styles in order to find what works best for you.

Once you have developed a strong foundation in design basics and found your own unique style, it is time to start building a portfolio of your work. This portfolio will be essential when applying for jobs or internships as it will give potential employers an idea of your skills and abilities. Make sure to include a variety of projects in your portfolio that showcase both your strengths and your versatility as a designer.

Finally, always be willing to continue learning and growing as a designer. The field of design is constantly changing, so it is important to keep up with new trends and technologies. Attend workshops, conferences, and other events related to design; read design blogs and magazines; and experiment with new software or techniques. By continuously expanding your knowledge base, you will become a more well-rounded designer who is better equipped to handle any challenge that comes your way.

Related: Designer Resume Example

Related: Designer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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