Designers - CareerBuilder

Designers

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Designers combine practical knowledge with artistic ability to turn abstract ideas into formal designs for the merchandise we buy, the clothes we wear, the publications we read, and the living and office space we inhabit. In developing a new design or altering an existing one, designers must determine the needs of the client, the ultimate function for which the design is intended and its appeal to customers. Designers often begin by researching the desired characteristics, such as size, shape, weight, color, materials used, cost, ease of use, fit and safety.

Commercial and industrial designers develop countless manufactured products, including airplanes, cars, children's toys, computer equipment, furniture, home appliances, and medical, office and recreational equipment. They combine artistic talent with research to create the most functional and appealing design that will be competitive with others in the marketplace.

Fashion designers design clothing and accessories. Some high-fashion designers create original garments and follow trends for individual clients, specialty stores or high-end department stores. Most fashion designers, however, work for apparel manufacturers, creating fashion designs for the mass market.

Floral designers cut and arrange live, dried or artificial flowers and foliage. Floral designers may own their shops and do everything, from growing and purchasing flowers to keeping financial records.

Graphic designers use a variety of print, electronic and film media. Using computer software, they develop the layout and design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports and other publications. They also may produce promotional displays, marketing brochures or company logos. They may develop signs and signage systems — called environmental graphics. An increasing number develop material to appear on Web pages.

Interior designers plan the space and furnish the interiors of private homes, public buildings and business or institutional facilities, such as offices, restaurants, retail establishments, hospitals, hotels and theaters. Increasingly, designers use computers to plan layouts. They must design space to conform to federal, state and local laws.

Merchandise displayers and window dressers, or visual merchandisers, plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores or at trade exhibitions.

Set and exhibit designers create sets for movie, television and theater productions and design special exhibition displays.

Designers employed by manufacturing establishments, large corporations or design firms generally work regular hours. Designers who work on a contract, or job, basis frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients' schedules.

Training and qualifications

Creativity is crucial in all design occupations. People in this field must have a an eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion and an appreciation for beauty. Despite the advancement of computer-aided design, sketching ability remains an important advantage in most types of design, especially fashion design. A good portfolio — a collection of examples of a person's best work — often is the deciding factor in getting a job.

Designers must be creative, imaginative, persistent and able to communicate their ideas in writing, visually and orally. Because tastes in style and fashion can change quickly, designers need to be well read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure are important traits.

A bachelor's degree is required for most entry-level design positions, except for floral design and visual merchandising. Many industrial design candidates pursue a master's degree. Interior design is the only design field subject to government regulation and licensure.

Job outlook

Despite projected faster-than-average employment growth through 2010, designers in most fields — with the exception of floral design — are expected to face keen competition for available positions. Individuals with little or no formal education in design, as well as those who lack creativity and perseverance, will find it very difficult to establish and maintain a design career. Floral design should be the least competitive because of the relatively low pay and limited opportunities for advancement.

Increased demand for industrial designers will stem from the continued emphasis on product quality and safety; the demand for new products that are easy and comfortable to use; the development of high-technology products; and growing global competition. Demand for graphic designers should increase because of the rapidly increasing demand for Web-based graphics and the expansion of the video entertainment market. Rising demand for professional design of private homes, offices, retail establishments and institutions that care for the elderly should spur employment growth of interior designers. Demand for fashion designers should remain strong.

Earnings

Designers held about 492,000 jobs in 2000. About one-third were self-employed. Employment was distributed as follows:

Graphic designers 190,000
Floral designers 102,000
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers 76,000
Commercial and industrial designers 50,000
Interior designers 46,000
Fashion designers 16,000
Set and exhibit designers 12,000

Median annual earnings in 2000 were as follows:

Graphic designers $34,570
Floral designers 18,360
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers 20,930
Commercial and industrial designers 48,780
Interior designers 36,540
Fashion designers 48,530
Set and exhibit designers 31,440