Marketable Design Skills: Graphic and Video Design

The reliance on digital communication in personal and professional spheres has transformed the landscape of our job market and economy. Employers across industries are turning to graphic and video designers to grow their digital presence in order to grow as a business in a world dependent on the internet and its social channels to compare and utilize products and/or services they need. Without having the knowledge and design skills to create and manage digital content such as websites and social media pages, it could be difficult for a business/organization to find their audience and future customers. 

Graphic Design vs. Video Design: Differences & Similarities

The essential difference between graphic designers and video designers is the content in which they produce. Marketable design skills specific to each profession can be distinguished by the software knowledge needed in order to create graphic or video content. Those interested in graphic design need proficiency in software found in Adobe Creative Cloud such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign and those interested in video design need proficiency in Adobe software like Premiere Pro and After Effects.

In regard to creative expression and visual communication, graphic and video designers have a great deal of similarities. Both professions need to have a “keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of color theory and typography, and the ability to use software tools to create stunning visual content,” as noted in a recent LinkedIn article. Since Adobe software is at the core of the skill sets for those in the graphic and video design professions, the similarities between these professions are also found in software knowledge and language as well. Those who know how to use all of Adobe Creative Cloud to create both graphic and video content have the chance to open a plethora of doors of opportunity as they blend the differences into one big skillset.

Career Possibilities in Graphic & Video Design

Here are some career outlook fast facts in regard to both professions: (data pulled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

• Careers for Graphic Designers are increasing by 3% from 2022-2032, as fast at the national average.
• Careers for Video Designer/Editors are increasing by 7% from 2022-2032, faster than average.
• In 2022, there were 270,900 available Graphic Design jobs and 87,500 available Video Design Jobs
• Median pay for Graphic Designers in 2022: $27.88 an hour
• Median pay for Video Designers/Editors in 2022: $30.01 an hour

Fostering Marketable Design Skills

Essentials Skills in Graphic Design

Proficiency in Adobe software Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign set the foundation for fostering essential skills in graphic design. Some of the most important tasks related to the responsibilities of a graphic designing professional are as follows:

1. Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and websites.
2. Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts based on knowledge of the principles of design.
3. Use digital software to draw charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork.
4. Generate and prepare digital images and files for print.
5. Review final layouts and suggest improvements as needed.

Essentials Skills in Video Design

Proficiency in Adobe software Premiere Pro and After Effects set the foundation for fostering essential skills in video design and editing. Some of the most important tasks related to the responsibilities of a video designing and editing professional are as follows:

1. Select and combine the most effective video clips to form a logical and smoothly running story.
2. Manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to make parts into a continuous whole.
3. Use software to edit and add music, dialogue, sound effects, and to correct errors.
4. Trim clips to specific lengths and reassemble clips in sequences that present stories with maximum effect.
5. Review assembled projects to determine if corrections are needed.

Using Certificate Programs to Foster Marketable Design Skills

DWC Certificate programs are designed to teach and help improve skills in a real-world setting. Our experiential learning style ensures guidance by an expert instructor in a hands-on format and the challenges faced in class mimic the challenges found on the job and will provide the solutions needed to land the job and improve productivity. Each certificate program comes with a real-world project to foster real-world tasks and responsibilities as well as one-on-one job search and resume writing assistance with a career coach.

By taking one (or both) of the certificate programs geared towards graphic and video design, marketbale design skills can be fostered and improved upon.

Advanced Graphic Design Certificate Program

The Advanced Graphic Design certificate program focuses on high demand graphic design skills and software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. In addition to graphic design courses, the certificate program includes design fundamentals and soft skills classes to teach the language of graphics and to highlight the difference that elevates today’s modern designs.

Upon successful completion, students will be able to understand the principles of design, speak clearly on the concepts of design with other designers, edit images using Adobe Photoshop techniques, create logos and branding materials with Adobe Illustrator, design complex layouts using Adobe InDesign, and integrate Adobe programs using Adobe CC libraries.