Creative design involves using computer-generated imagery and digital animation to visualise a product. It aims to produce unique and memorable designs that stand out so that customers may easily identify a brand or product. Creative design had become increasingly important in the modern world, where each day numerous products are launched into the market. In this article, we discuss what creative design is, who creative designers are, what they do and the skills required to become one.Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.
What is creative design?
Creative design is a process that uses digital and physical image-making tools to create renders and representations used for marketing purposes. Creative design as a field relies heavily on the work of visual designers but is not entirely limited to it. Companies require creative design for ideation, development, marketing and rollout related to products and services.
What is a creative designer?
A creative designer is a professional who uses their skills to advertise a company, its services or its products. There are a number of different positions in the creative industry, like graphic designer, architectural designer, multimedia artist, photographer and industrial designer. Creative designers shape the visual aspect of books, magazines, websites, exhibitions and product packaging.The title creative designer is a broad designation that includes creative professions across multiple industries like publishing, broadcasting and advertising. Creative designers may specialise in artwork for websites or publications. Some creative designers may work in product packaging or in the sets for video and film productions. Creative designers play a vital role in helping a company build a brand identity.
What does a creative designer do?
A creative designer works in the marketing or advertising field to create various materials to promote a company and its products. They usually do this by first designing the artwork using paper sketches and digital illustration software programs. After creating the concept, they may proceed to create a rough layout, based on which they create prototypes. If the prototype passes approval, then they can move on to create the final product. Creative designers can either work for an organisation or can be self-employed. Here are some of the responsibilities of a creative designer:
Create design concepts
Creative designers are responsible for coming up with the general idea or concept for a project. They may create a rough layout that can include the primary sketches or digital illustrations. For initialising the rough layout, they may collaborate with managers, other artists, designers or engineers. Together, they evaluate the feasibility of an idea and finalise the crucial elements needed for the actual production of a design. They may also identify issues that can come up and suggest solutions during this process.Related: What Are The Gestalt Principles Of Design? (With Examples)
Work on prototype development
Once the design is approved, the next stage is production. In this stage, a prototype is created so that everyone can get a good idea about the final product and suggest changes. The creative designer may consult other teams to ensure that the project is created adhering to expectations and specifications.
Coordinate with different departments or vendors
After a prototype has been finalised, the final production can take place. For this, the creative designer may have to take the help of outside resources. If a creative designer is working on a brochure, then they may need to contact a printer to produce the final products. Likewise, a digital model may require the assistance of technicians or software engineering teams. The creative designer may be responsible for coordinating the work of all these professionals to create the final product.
Creative designer skills
Creative designers may possess a number of skills to advance in this field. If you are interested in becoming a creative designer, consider developing these skills:
Communication skills
Creative designers may work individually or as part of a team. A company often requires creative designers to work alongside other teams to realise the concept effectively and follow the objectives and guidelines of the organisation. Creative designers may need good communication skills to liaise with other members, understand their ideas and contribute their own inputs to the project. They may also have to collaborate with vendors, marketing departments or engineering departments for the successful completion of a project.Related:How To Improve Communication Skills
Creativity
Creativity and innovation are some of the most important skills for a creative designer. The market is very competitive and to stay ahead of the competition, creative designers may consistently come up with innovative ideas. They stay up to date on upcoming trends and may have to customise their work for each client.
Attention to detail
Creative designers work to follow certain specifications given to them by clients. They pay close attention to the particulars of each project. This is crucial for ensuring consistency throughout projects.
Problem-solving skills
A creative designer may require excellent problem-solving skills. They quickly identify issues and suggest solutions to problems. The requirements of each client may differ, and a creative designer identifies and addresses them.
Software proficiency
Creative designers may be proficient in various software programs necessary for their work. Software programs in Adobe Creative Cloud, such as Photoshop, are important in their line of work. Since there are different types of creative designers, they typically are proficient in using their respective tools. They may also possess a good understanding of how advertising campaigns work.
Popular creative design careers
Here is a list of popular creative design career fields:
1. Industrial design
Industrial design is the practice of designing products or services for mass use. An industrial designer’s role is to bring together artistic inputs with engineering or manufacturing efforts to create products that are functional and attractive. Industrial design aims at improving the quality of life of people through well-executed designs. Industrial designers determine the look and feel of a product before the manufacturing process.
2. Architectural design
Architectural design focuses on creating well-designed living spaces with the help of certain software programs. Architecture designers conduct analysis, determine the resources available and start designing a project. They are concerned with the aesthetic aspects, the technical aspects and the basic rules of construction. They tend to focus on the visual and functional aspects of a construction project.Related:How to Become an Architect (Career Steps and FAQs)
3. Fashion and apparel design
Fashion and apparel design is another creative arena where a candidate’s skills and innovation is put to test. It involves designing clothing, accessories, jewellery and other apparel for customers. Fashion and apparel design is an industry which can be heavily influenced by culture and trends. Designers use their creative and technical knowledge of raw materials to create products that are attractive and comfortable.Related:How to Become a Fashion Designer: A Complete Guide
4. Photography
Photography is the art of capturing light using a camera. It is another creative design career where the professional may require creative as well as technical skills. A photographer uses their camera and their skills to create a powerful visual image. Photographers are employed in diverse fields like marketing, advertising and print media. They may try to add an interesting visual interest to mundane, everyday things.Related:What Are Photography Skills and How Can You Improve Them?
5. Product design
Product design is the process of creating products that solve a customer’s problems or address customer needs. Product designers try to bridge the gap between business goals and user needs. This discipline aims to optimise user experience by arriving at helpful solutions to problems that consumers face. It also helps the business grow by addressing specific needs and delivering the desired products to customers within reasonable timelines.Related:What Is a Product Designer? (Duties and Skills)
6. Interior design
Interior design is the craft of enhancing the appearance of a building to make it aesthetically pleasing. An interior designer is a professional who uses conceptual development, space planning and research to create spaces which are attractive and functional. They draw up plans, research spaces and materials to be used, coordinate with architects and vendors and manage projects to enhance the environment that people occupy.
7. Film and video design
Film and video design is an innovative field concerned with the creation of films and videos. There are a number of job roles in this field, like videographer, production designer, cinematographer, art director and filmmaker. These professionals are responsible for creating and managing the visual and experiential aspects of a film or video.
8. Graphic design
Graphic design is the craft of using visual images to convey messages. Graphic designers may use different methods to convey messages like typography, imagery, colour, text and form. A graphic designer’s work may exist all around us in a number of forms intended to convey specific ideas and objectives of organisations to consumers.