by It is no secret that web design has become the main career shift for many graphic designers looking to make a name for themselves. However, there are numerous factors to consider before making the judgment of where to pursue job opportunities. What is the outlook for future designers?
Old School
Graphic designers that deal with advertisements, posters, book covers, and so on are too numerous. As the popularity of the digital media fails to decline any time soon, this market is over-saturated. There are many illustrators that will simply have to find another way to earn money off of their craft and art.
Digital World
Web design is currently the most popular profession for artists with an eye for practical solutions. Currently, there are a lot of freelancers and it is a relationship between the worker and the company that is the most beneficial at this time. Freelancers have flexible work hours and focus on one project at a time, while companies don’t have to pay additional expenses, like health insurance. They also only need to employ artists on designated projects when needed. It’s a win-win, so this trend is not likely to end any time soon.
3D
However, the emerging opportunities lie in 3D graphics. Computer games, app development, and VR and AR all offer new skills and new challenges to those ready to take on the future. The gaming market is evolving and good designers are in demand, so instead of hoping for the best while illustrating a cover for a book or modifying the site yet again because the client changed their mind for the umpteenth time, quick learners that are not afraid to get their hands dirty turn to this area. It is likely there will be more job opportunities as time progresses, for at least 5-10 years.
Average Designer
To those wondering what you need to be a designer and what to focus on, I’ve done a bit of reading and managed to come up with an approximate average designer. They are in their late20s/early 30s, they have at least a Bachelor’s degree and most of them learn things as they go, without formal training. I am often asked about the average salary for a designer by my acquaintances and it is a pretty difficult thing to address.
Outsourcing is much cheaper in some parts of the world, so the dissimilarity between the earnings is too large to come up with a fair number. All I know is that the average designer is constantly learning and improving, which is good since the market demands that now more than ever. It’s hard to guess what the next big thing is going to be.
