It’s a fallacy that people are one or the other: creative or STEM-oriented. Many talented individuals have a knack for both and seek out careers that combine both gifts into one exciting career.
Not convinced? We’ve rounded up seven of the best jobs that blend technology and design and will keep you engaged and innovative all day long. Plus, these jobs tend to be high-paying in addition to fulfilling.
1. Web Design
Sometimes, the responsibilities of the web developer and web designer fall under the same role. But at its core, web design is really about the visual aspects of web pages, including the layout, usability, and overall appearance. You’ll need to be well-versed in programs like Photoshop, and scripting languages like HTML and CSS. If you’re responsible for developer-related tasks, knowledge of additional programming languages like PHP will prove essential as well.
Remember that web design isn’t limited to desktop or laptop computers. You’ll need to optimize sites for mobile, tablet, and other devices as well, ensuring that the pages are visually appealing from one device to the next.
2. Graphic Design
Graphic design is still a job that’s in high demand across a huge range of industries. Companies need these creative-minded professionals to design everything from logos to websites to advertisements. But graphic designers also need to be equipped with strong technical skills. You need to be highly proficient in using many programs that are part of Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, as well as typography and presentation software.
3. Game Design
Maybe you love playing video games, but did you know that you can turn this passion into a career? Game designers use technology skills, including coding, and creative thinking to devise plots, a narrative, characters, and the overall structure of the program. You should also have a strong sense of graphic design and art to ensure that your game is as aesthetically-pleasing as it is fun to play.
4. Animation
As an animator, you’ll create special effects for games, movies, TV shows, and even websites that require animated graphics. To land a job as an animator, you’ll need to have knowledge of art, computer graphics, and, of course, animation principles. You’ll also need to be proficient in areas like graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, storyboarding, and programming.
If you choose to specialize, focusing on, say, 3D animation, you’ll have even higher earning potential.
5. UX Design
You may not think very much about what goes into making your overall experience as a user a pleasant one when you interact with websites and apps, but it’s actually someone’s job to make it so: the user experience (UX) designer. This professional ensures that the product is not only visually appealing but also functional, accessible, and interactive.
There are many different skills that go into the UX designer’s role, including HTML and CSS, user research, usability testing, prototyping, Adobe Creative Suite, wireframing, and many more. You’ll also work closely with other members of the team, including the developers and marketers, to ensure you’re meeting the user’s needs.
6. Film Editing
While not precisely a design job per se, film editors are integral to contributing to the overall design finished videos. A sense of art and design is crucial, as is knowing how to use software like Final Cut Pro, CyberLink PowerDirector, and Adobe Premiere Pro. Of course, you’ll also need to understand the entire video creation process.
You’ll work closely with other film professionals, such as the producers and directors, to ensure that you’re carrying out their vision and creating a cohesive, refined, finished video.
7. Mobile Design
Given the reliance on mobile phones these days, it probably comes as no surprise that mobile design is a highly-demanded career. Also known as app designers, these professionals work with UX or user interface (UI) designers to design applications for mobile devices and tablets, ensuring that they are attractive, usable, and functional. You’ll also come up with concepts for apps, tapping into what the market wants.
As a mobile designer, you’ll need a deep understanding of different operating systems and platforms, graphic design, the quality assurance (QA) process, software trends, wireframing, Adobe Creative Suite, and data analysis. You might choose to specialize in iOS or Android design.
For creative thinkers, artists, and those who are highly proficient in technical skills, these careers can offer a rewarding path, not to mention a high salary. For the most part, it can be difficult to get your foot in the door, so if you’re interested in pursuing one of these careers, you should start by building proficiencies in the required programs. You should also build a portfolio of projects to show prospective employers or clients, even if they’re independent ones.
Once you break into the world of design-related tech jobs, you’ll likely find that these careers allow you to explore your passions and create something great, all while making your mark and earning a significant salary.
