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Design Career Specialties
Design covers a variety of specialities, but what all designers share is an interest in combining aesthetic appeal with usefulness and functionality.
- 3D Design – 3D Design involves the creation of three-dimensional models on a computer that can be used in the physical production of objects.
- Advertising – Advertising designers create the visual aspects of an advertising campaign, including graphics, packages, and signage.
- Apparel/Fashion Design – Apparel or fashion designers follow and anticipate trends and design garments and accessories in response to those trends.
- Architecture – Architects design buildings with considerations of construction, materials, budget, aesthetics, and space.
- Computer Aided Design – Computer-aided designers, or CAD designers, use computer modeling programs to create a variety of two- or three-dimensional designs that are used in the construction of buildings, products, apparel, and other objects.
- Computer Art and Design – Computer art and design covers a vast spectrum of tasks, such as graphic design to 3D design to animation, and generally includes any design work performed on a computer.
- Desktop Publishing – Desktop publishing involves the creation of documents on a personal computer; software programs make it possible for people to print their own newsletters, brochures, and other pieces.
- Environmental Design – Environmental designers use the principals of environmental science to create environmentally-friendly buildings, landscapes, and even urban areas.
- Exhibit Design – Exhibit designers create the 3D exhibits displayed in museums, theater productions, retail stores, trade shows, etc., that help to communicate educational or marketing ideas to the general public.
- Floral Design – Floral designers create arrangements of flowers, foliage, and other accessories.
- Footwear Design – Footwear designers follow and anticipate trends and design shoes to meet the needs of the fashion industry.
- Furniture Design – Furniture designers develop the plans and specifications that are used in the building of new furniture.
- Game Design – Game designers develop computer or video games, and their work may include tasks such as programming, art, or packaging.
- Graphic Design – Graphic designers create the visual aspects of documents and other media and may include newsletters, flyers, brochures, logos, book covers, labels, and layout.
- Illustration – Illustrators create images either by hand or through computer software to help communicate an idea or message.
- Industrial and Commercial Design – Industrial designers create concepts and designs for everyday consumer and capital items.
- Interior Design – Interior designers work with elements such as color, lighting, and texture to create visually appealing places.
- Landscape Design – Landscape designers use knowledge of plants, art, and the environment to create outdoor spaces that are both visually pleasing and environmentally friendly.
- Toy Design – Toy designers use knowledge of the interests of children and collectors to design toys that are likely to be big sellers -- fun to use and easy to learn.
- Transportation Design – Transportation designers design new vehicles and ways of improving existing vehicles. These may include automobiles, trains, buses, or airplanes. Designers take into consideration elements of safety, efficiency, and performance.
- Website Design – Web designers create websites and may do everything from programming to layout to graphics.