GUIDE TO DIGITAL DESIGN CAREERS
What Is Digital Design?
Digital design is any variety of design that uses computers and computer software to create and edit building plans, images, or blueprints. These digital designs are stored electronically and identical copies can be made or sent around the world in seconds. Clearly, there are immense advantages in using modern digital design over traditional and labor-intensive pen and ink drawings.
Digital design can be used in almost all areas of design such as interior design, industrial design, graphic design, textile design, model design, architecture, Web design, and to some extent fashion design. Floral design is about the only exception that does not use digital design or CAD (computer assisted design).
What Digital Design Programs Are Available?
There are a number of different software applications, and most are specific to particular applications such as graphic design, architecture, Web site design, industrial design, or modeling. Some design programs are stand alone courses designed to train you in being proficient in a piece of branded software. Many of these programs offer a certificate or diploma, and other programs confer an associate's degree. The curriculum of these types of program is much broader and may incorporate practical sessions as well as course work.
What Subjects Do I Need to Study In School?
A familiarity with computers is essential although a computing qualification is rarely needed as a prerequisite to digital design courses. Studying art or a design at school will help.
A certificate program on using a certain brand of software should take you through all the functionalities, while a Web site design program might cover several different software packages as well as layout, presentation, and programming.
What Type of Entry Level Jobs Are Available?
Certain careers require many years of vocational training, apprenticeship, and licensure e.g. architecture. Digital design programs will not qualify you for these types of role, but if you already hold a professional qualification, these courses can really help to polish your skill set. Young industries such as Web design are not so demanding on qualifications and it may be possible to work for a Web design agency.
Where Can I Get More Information on Digital Design?
There is a broad range of different digital design programs to choose from, but not all of them will suit your requirements, so take some time to browse through various offerings to get a better feel of what is involved with different programs and subject areas. |
