Design Industry: In-Demand Design Jobs 2023

In today's society, having a career in design is more demanding than ever. Good visual design has become essential to success, with so many businesses and products competing for attention.

As a result, at the recent job market the demand for designers continues to grow yearly. And according to recent estimates, the design field is expected to experience significant job growth over the next decade. So if you're interested in pursuing a career in design, now is your time to act.

Most In-Demand Design Jobs 2023: Design Job Titles

If you're thinking about choosing a career path in design, you may wonder which jobs are in high demand. To help you make an informed decision, we've put together a list of the most demanded design jobs for 2023.

Graphic Designer

A graphic designer is responsible for creating visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. In addition, they develop the layout and production designs for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

Graphic designers are in demand in multiple industries, from advertising and marketing to web design and publishing.

Companies are expected to increasingly require graphic designers to create designs for digital media platforms, such as websites and mobile apps. In addition, demand may increase for interactive design, merging technology with graphic design.

As more companies enter the market and advertising budgets become smaller, businesses will need graphic designers who can do more with less to maintain their competitive edge. Consequently, the tasks of a graphic designer are crucial and ever-evolving.

User Interface (UI) Designer

User interface designers are in high demand as we increasingly rely on technology. Their job is to design the screens and menus we use to interact with computers, websites, and mobile apps. They need to consider the user's needs when creating these interfaces and ensure that the design is practical and visually appealing.

UI designers usually have a background in graphic design or human-computer interaction. As our lives move more and more online, the importance of user interface design will only continue to grow. So if you're good with computers and have an eye for design, a career in user interface design might be perfect for you.

Most UI designers will find work in the tech industry, as that is where most user interface design is needed. However, with the increasing popularity of mobile apps, UI designers are also in demand in other industries, such as retail and gaming.

Black tablet, black pen and white keyboard on yellow background. — Photo by Georgie Cobbs / Unsplash

In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of user interface designers will grow 21 percent by 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. UI designers can work at companies or be self-employed.

Web Designer

A web designer is responsible for creating a website's look and feel, including choosing the layout, color scheme, usability and overall aesthetic. They also decide which images, videos, and text they will include on each page. In addition to design, the user experience when creating a website must be considered.

A web designer will probably work in collaboration with a front-end web developer to put their ideas in place technically. They need to ensure that the site is easy to navigate and that all the content is quick to find.

The demand for graphic design and web design services has grown rapidly in recent years as more and more businesses realize the importance of having an online presence. Thanks to this growth, talented web designers have plenty of opportunities to find work in various industries.

Mobile App Designer

Mobile app designers are responsible for the look and feel of a mobile app and its overall user experience. In other words, they are responsible for ensuring that users have a positive and seamless experience when using an app. This includes everything from fonts and templates, to the initial wireframing and prototyping as well as the final design and user testing.

In addition, mobile app designers usually work closely with mobile app developers to create a compelling and user-friendly product. The demand for mobile app designers has exploded in recent years as businesses of all sizes increasingly recognize the importance of having a solid online presence.

According to Dice, the number of job postings for mobile app designers will grow by 30 percent over the coming years. With the continued growth of the mobile industry, this trend is likely to continue. As such, now is an exciting time to consider a career in mobile app design since you will be able to really make a difference.

Product Designer

Product design jobs are one of the most demanded design jobs and are responsible for the development and design of new products. They work closely with engineers and other team members to create products that are both functional and appealing to consumers. In many cases, product designers are involved in every stage of the product development process, from the initial concept to the final production.

The field of product design is growing rapidly as businesses increasingly recognize the importance of design in developing successful new products.

With the right skills and training, product designers have many opportunities to find rewarding and challenging positions in various industries.

Industrial Designer

Industrial designers develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. They combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day. Most industrial designers work in specialized design services or manufacturing industries. Some work in advertising, public relations, and publishing.

During the first phase of product development, industrial designers confer with engineers and other professionals to determine the specifications for a product. They also research the needs of the people who will use the product and the existing products on the market.

In the second phase, they generate ideas for the product using sketches, computer-aided design (CAD), and modeling techniques. Then, they present their ideas to clients or managers for approval.

Man with silver watch and black frame using tools for sketching a product. — Photo by Kumpan Electric / Unsplash

Once a design is selected, industrial designers develop prototypes of the product and test them to ensure that they function correctly. The final step is to prepare blueprints or instructions that explain how to manufacture the product.

Digital Art Director

A digital art director is responsible for a digital project's overall look and feel, such as a website, app, or game. They work closely with the creative team to create visual concepts and bring them to life. In addition to overseeing the creative process, they must also be aware of the latest trends in digital design and user experience.

They may also be involved in user testing and research to ensure that the final product meets the target audience's needs. Digital art directors (or even digital designers) typically work in-house at an agency or studio but are increasingly freelancing as the industry grows.

The demand for digital art directors is expected to rise in the coming years as businesses increasingly move online.

Motion Graphics Designer

A motion graphics designer or animation designer is responsible for creating animated graphics and visual effects for television, movies, and the internet. They work with various software programs to create 2D and 3D images. In addition to their creative talent, they must also have a strong understanding of animation principles and graphic design theory.

Motion graphics designers typically work in studios or production companies, though many are now working remotely. As a result, the demand for in-house motion graphics designers will continue to grow in the coming years.

As more businesses turn to video to reach consumers, designers must create engaging visuals that tell a story. Additionally, the rise in virtual and augmented reality will create new opportunities for motion graphics designers to create immersive experiences.

Multimedia Artist or Animator

Multimedia artists and animators create images that appear to move. They use their artistic talent to develop the characters, backgrounds, and other images found in computer and video games, movies, and television productions. These artists also work with advertisers and website designers to create eye-catching and informative images.

Most multimedia artists and animators work in office settings, although some freelance professionals work from home.

Candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer graphics or a related field who are proficient in several types of software will have the best job prospects. Nevertheless, some skilled workers with experience in 2D animation software may be able to find positions in this occupation without a degree. Those with animation skills and a strong work portfolio will also have better job prospects.

Design Career 2023: Where You Get Paid the Most

There are a lot of different design careers that pay well but they all come with different payouts. So, where do you make the most money from a career in design? It turns out that the answer may vary depending on your experience level and what exactly you specialize in.

For instance, entry-level UX designers can expect an average salary about €51,800 per year. But if you move to a senior UI designer position, you could be looking at a much higher salary.

Different color palettes in front of a mac and tablet showing more color combinations. — Photo by Balázs Kétyi / Unsplash

The best way to maximize your earnings for these trends in design careers of the future is to specialize in a particular design area and gain as much experience as possible. With hard work and dedication, you could be making a very comfortable living from a career in design.

In addition to experience, location also determines how much you can expect to earn from a job in design. For instance, Berlin and Stockholm designers tend to make more than designers in other parts of Europe because these cities are home to many of the world's top design firms. So, if you want to maximize your earnings, consider relocating to one of these cities.

Finally, your choice of employer also affects your earnings potential. For instance, designers who work for large corporations tend to make more than those who work for small businesses. This is because big companies are usually willing to pay more for top talent. So, if you're looking to maximize your earnings, aim to get a job with a large, well-known company.

How to Become a Designer

There are several ways to learn high-paying design jobs. Universities and evening schools are common possibilities. However, each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For example, design courses typically offer a more hands-on approach, but they may not provide the same level of theory and may not be accredited.

On the other hand, a university offers a more comprehensive education but may take longer to complete, especially for a full-stack designer or someone interested in UX / UI design. An evening school is a good option for those who work during the day or have other commitments that make attending daytime classes difficult.

The downside is that evening classes can disrupt one's schedule and may not offer as much individual attention as universities. Ultimately, the best way to learn high-paying design careers depends on the individual's needs and preferences.

The Importance of a Good Portfolio

Anyone who's ever tried to get a job in the design field knows that a good portfolio is essential. After all, it's the best way to show potential employers what your design skills are and what you’re capable of. But what makes a good design portfolio? Here are a few tips.

Reflective of Your Current Skill Set

First and foremost, your portfolio should reflect your current skill set. For example, if you're a product designer, you should put together a product design portfolio with your best work. And if you're looking for the best graphic design jobs with a good graphic designer salary, your portfolio should be focused on graphic design.

Of course, it's also important to showcase a variety of work to demonstrate your range and versatility. But make sure that the bulk of your portfolio represents your current skill set. Some of the skills you might want to include are the following:

HTML
CSS
JavaScript

Up to Date

When starting a career in design, having an up-to-date portfolio is essential. Employers are looking for designers who keep up with the latest industry as well as social media trends and have a strong sense of style. So if your portfolio is outdated, it could cost you the job. Make sure to keep your portfolio current by regularly adding new work and removing old work no longer representative of your style.

Focus On Quantity and Quality

When it comes to portfolios, quantity is just as important as quality. Potential employers of qualification design jobs want to see that you have a large body of work to show them, as this demonstrates your experience and versatility.

They're also looking for evidence that you're constantly producing new work. So don't be afraid to include a mix of finished pieces and works in progress. Works in progress can be beneficial in demonstrating your design process and how you approach problem-solving.

Show Your Personality

Your portfolio is also your chance to show potential employers your personality. After all, they're not just looking for a talented designer; they're looking for someone who will be a good fit for their company. So don't be afraid to inject a bit of personality into your work.

This doesn't mean that your work should be all about you; instead, it should reflect your values and the kind of person you are. For example, if you're a designer passionate about social justice, you might want to include some work that addresses social or political issues. Or, if you're a fun-loving person, you might want to inject a bit of humor into your work.

Ultimately, your goal is to show potential employers that you're not just a talented designer but also someone who would gel with their company’s values and voice.

Final Thoughts

A career in design can be gratifying, both financially and creatively. But it's not without its challenges. To be successful, you need to have the proper skill set and be able to market yourself effectively.