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Designer
Designers prepare handmade or computer generated drafts. The majority utilize computer-aided design (CAD) technology. Designers require updated telecommunications and computer technology.
In most cases, designers specialize. Many have multiple specialties. Commercial and industrial designers design consumer products. Fashion designers design clothes, such as shirts, hats, and pants. Floral designers prepare bouquets with artificial or real flowers. Graphic designers utilize software to prepare layouts for web sites and print publications. Interior designers decorate and organize rooms within offices, businesses, and homes. Merchandise displayers, visual merchandisers, or window dressers, determine what to display in store windows. Set and exhibit designers prepare sets seen in motion pictures, TV shows, and theaters.
Designers conduct their work in their customers’ homes or businesses, or at the office of the company employing them. They usually plan their days to accommodate their customers’ requests. It is not uncommon for designers to work long days or work during nights and the weekend to reach deadlines.
Certain designers are required to travel. Those who freelance must keep their clients happy and acquire more clients to maintain a constant income.
How do you prepare for this career?
Designers are usually required to obtain education after completing high school. Most earn bachelor’s degrees, but some acquire degrees that do not require as much time. Fashion and graphic designers usually study a major in the fine arts. Industrial and commercial designers often study engineering or architecture during college. Some designers, such as floral designers, acquire the necessary skills to do their jobs after being employed.
Commercial, industrial, graphic and interior designers usually obtain between 1-3 years of vocational training once they begin their careers. Fashion designers often learn their trade during internships. Certain designers enter the educational field, and some designers are self employed.
How much will I earn?
During 2008, designers’ salaries varied. Salaries for floral designers in the 50th percentile were between $17,690-27,330 annually in the same year. Floral designers in lower 10th percentile made $15,040 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $33,650 or more annually. Salaries for fashion designers in the 50th percentile were between $42,140-87,510 annually. Fashion designers in the lower 10th percentile made $30,000 or less while those in the upper 10th percentile made $117,120 or more annually.
How many jobs are there?
During 2008, nearly 603,000 designers were employed in the United States. Just over 30 percent of designers ran their own businesses. Those with their own businesses sometimes held second jobs.
What is the future outlook for this career?
Job growth for designers is projected to increase at about the same rate as growth in other industries through 2016. Growth for industrial and commercial designers will result from the need to develop new products. Home and business owners with discretionary income will hire more interior designers. With the rise in Internet usage and online businesses, more jobs will be created for graphic designers. Little growth for fashion designers jobs is projected since few designers retire and new jobs are rarely created. Minor job declines are projected for the floral design industry.
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