There are few creative roles that demand keeping up with new technologies in quite the same way as a digital designer, and over the past few years, new technologies and demands in this space have skyrocketed. Not only did the pandemic change the way we work, but so too have recent booms in technology like AI revolutionised the creative industries as a whole.
For digital designers who create media for digital interfaces and screens using technology and a dose of imagination, specialised computer software is a huge part of the job – and therefore has to be kept up with. Over the course of this article, we’ll deep dive into some of the ways the work of digital designers is shifting, and how we can keep up.
The rise of virtual/remote graphic designers
As businesses strive to differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace, branding and online presence is simply becoming more important. However, many small businesses are facing increasingly tighter budgets that make hiring full-time graphic designers even more challenging.
This is where virtual graphic designers prove invaluable; giving companies access to a leaner form of branding expertise without having to hire for a full role. These designers provide cost-effective and flexible design services tailored to the needs of small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. Often, this can materialise as a couple days a week or working collaboratively with an ongoing client on an adhoc basis. For freelancers, this can mean a little flexibility about the type of work you take on (smaller retainer clients rather than bigger contracts), could actually lead to more work in the long term.
The AI revolution: the demand for image generation
It’s impossible to have not had a conversation or read a blog about the rise of AI yet, but it’s a conversation that only has growing importance for the creative industries. One of the ways this is really taking hold at the moment is through prompt-based AI image generation platforms, such as Midjourney, that are becoming an invaluable tool for visualising ideas, concepts or even sometimes becoming the final image for campaigns.
Programs like these aid creative exploration but also help streamline the design process. Designers can quickly generate a diverse range of visual concepts based on different prompts, enabling them to iterate rapidly and efficiently. Crucially, getting “good at” Midjourney and similar platforms is its own skill; the level of detail and specificity in the prompt heavily influences the output generated. For designers, this means harnessing a new skill entirely in order to keep up with both colleagues, and the growing demand for advanced mock ups and visualisation.
Growing number of 3D printing and VR briefs
The demand for 3D designers has surged dramatically in recent years, driven by the boom of 3D printing technology and the growth of virtual reality (VR) applications. As industries ranging from healthcare to entertainment increasingly rely on 3D printing for prototyping, manufacturing, and custom solutions, skilled designers are needed to create intricate and functional models.
Simultaneously, the expansion of VR experiences—from gaming to training simulations—requires talented individuals who can design immersive environments and engaging interactive elements. This convergence of technology has not only elevated the role of 3D designers but has also opened up new career opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. For many designers, expanding their abilities in this space is a strong way in ensuring a good stack of work for the future.
How to stay ahead
As the world becomes increasingly digital, so too is the work of designers, demanding constant adaptation to stay ahead of the curve. To keep up, designers must continue to develop a diverse skill set, and get to grips with new tools taking hold of the market. Once that’s in the bag, it’s about communicating that to clients with some up-to-date online presence, to showcase the future-ready work you’re able to bring to the table.