It’s no secret that the future of design is digital. For aspiring designers, technical skills are just as critical as creative abilities. If you want to take advantage of the opportunities out there (and there are many), you need to master the techniques and the tools.
For this post, we surveyed multiple online platforms to see what career opportunities are currently available in digital design fields. We also delved into four of Herzing’s most popular design programs: what tools they use, what skills they teach, and how they prepare students for success in the digital age.
Hear from instructors, see examples of student work, and get tips on choosing the program that’s right for you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is Digital Design?
- Career Opportunities in Digital Design Fields
- Herzing College’s Design Programs: Training for the Future
- 2D Animation
- Computer Graphic Design
- Interior Design
- Sustainable Architecture
- Choosing the Right Program for Your Career Goals
WHAT IS DIGITAL DESIGN?
Traditional digital design involves the creation of visual content specifically for digital platforms. That includes websites, mobile apps, digital presentations—basically, anything you’d consume on a screen.
Digital design is closely associated with fields like web design, graphic design, and animation. But digital tools are also transforming other creative industries that have a visual language component, including architecture and interior design.
For instance, digital tools allow interior and architectural designers to create virtual representations of spaces, experiment with different layouts and materials, and take clients on immersive walkthroughs. Software can even analyze how a building will perform in terms of energy consumption, enabling designers to make decisions that promote sustainability and minimize environmental impact.
The bottom line: Because of their reliance on digital innovation, fields like animation, graphic design, interior design, and architectural design can all be included in a discussion of digital design.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN DIGITAL DESIGN FIELDS
The entertainment and digital marketing industries need people with skills in animation and graphic design. A growing interest in sustainability is driving demand for designers who can produce eco-friendly structures. And there are plenty of opportunities for interior designers who specialize in either residential or commercial properties.
We surveyed dozens of digital design postings on sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to see what employers are hiring for these days. Here’s a sample of roles companies are seeking:
Animators create the movement and behaviour of characters, objects, and environments in film and television productions. Both 2D and 3D animators use specialized software to bring static designs to life, ensuring they align with the story and style of the project.
Layout artists design the visual structure and composition of scenes for animated productions. They position characters, props, and backgrounds to ensure proper framing, perspective, and continuity within the narrative.
Character riggers develop the skeletal framework and controls that allow animated characters to move naturally. They create the rigging systems used by animators to manipulate characters, ensuring flexibility and realism.
Modellers create three-dimensional representations of characters, objects, or environments using digital sculpting and modelling tools. Their work serves as the foundation for texturing, animation, and rendering in projects like movies and games.
Compositors combine various elements, such as live-action footage, computer-generated images (CGI), and special effects into seamless final scenes. They ensure all layers work together cohesively, adjusting lighting, colours, and details to enhance the visual experience.
Web designers focus on the layout, appearance, and usability of websites. They use coding and design tools to ensure websites are visually appealing, responsive, and user-friendly.
Graphic designers produce visual content for print and digital media, including logos, brochures, advertisements, and social media graphics. They combine text, images, and layout to convey messages effectively and esthetically.
Motion graphics designers create animated visual content, such as title sequences, explainer videos, and advertisements. They use software to design dynamic graphics that add motion and storytelling elements to visual media.
UX designers focus on enhancing the usability and functionality of digital products like websites, apps, or software. They research user behaviour, design intuitive interfaces, and test prototypes to optimize the user experience.
HERZING COLLEGE’S DESIGN PROGRAMS: TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE
All of Herzing’s design programs are built around employer needs and include hands-on training in industry-standard software. The emphasis is on practical skills and project-based learning—you jump right into using digital tools and building a solid portfolio.
Want more specifics? Here’s what you learn in some popular digital design programs:
2D Animation
2D animation was traditionally done by hand, but computers are now very much involved. Herzing’s 2D animation program was specifically designed to teach puppet animation using Toon Boom Harmony, the top choice of leading studios.
“You can do lots of different jobs with Harmony, so knowing this software really increases your chances of getting into the industry,” says instructor Gabriel Choquette.
The focus on Toon Boom was a major reason Junesoo Lee enrolled in Herzing’s program. “I already had drawing and design skills, but I needed to learn how to use Toon Boom. So I thought Herzing was a good choice for me.”
Indeed it was: Junesoo was hired as a junior animator at Sphere Animation right after graduation!
Example of the work Junesoo did at Herzing with Toon Boom Harmony
Computer Graphic Design
Brochures, posters, websites, social media, mobile apps, UX design, motion graphics…graphic designers do it all. That’s why Herzing’s graphic design certificate program provides training in design principles and essential tools like Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver.
“We work with a variety of Adobe Creative Cloud software, as well as some open-source software, so the students are constantly being challenged creatively,” says instructor Miguel Suarez.
As students will tell you, our graphic design courses cover a wide range of essential skills—both technical and soft. “I learned a lot about Photoshop, Illustrator, basic web design, and animation,” says graduate Raymond Nestor. “The most important things I learned were how to create ideas on my own, how to blend colours, and how to communicate with clients.”
Raymond went on to create digital assets for The Sandbox, a 3D metaverse that allows users to create and monetize virtual worlds and experiences.
Example of an asset Raymond did for Sandbox
Interior Design
Creating beautiful and functional interiors requires strong software skills, so Herzing’s interior design program gives students lots of hands-on practice drafting designs with AutoCAD and creating 3D models with SketchUp.
Students also learn about:
- Space planning
- Colour theory
- Lighting
- Building codes
- Choosing textiles, furniture, accessories
“To be successful as an interior designer, you need to know the software inside and out,” according to Herzing graduate Sergkei Theocaris, who got hired at Primo International after doing his internship there. “You need to know many tools, and be able to combine and integrate them—this is key.”
A rendering Sergkei made for a Primo furniture catalogue
Sustainable Architecture
Sustainable architecture emphasizes energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources. The goal is to minimize the environmental impact throughout a building’s lifecycle, from construction to demolition.
Herzing’s sustainable architecture program trains students to become architectural drafters with a solid understanding of eco-friendly principles.
“Students practise with many different software packages, including AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Twinmotion, Photoshop, and InDesign,” says instructor Moncef Noual. “We teach skills in residential design, interior design, institutional design, and wood construction and renovation. Building codes are also covered.”
Eco-friendly shopping mall in Sao Paulo, Brazil
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROGRAM FOR YOUR CAREER GOALS
Think about your interests, skills, and values. Which program meets your needs best?
2D animation emphasizes storytelling through motion, character design, and scene development. It’s suited for roles in entertainment, gaming, and media production.
Computer graphic design centres on visual communication through typography, colour, and layout. It is versatile, with applications in branding, advertising, and digital content.
Interior design focuses on designing functional, esthetically pleasing indoor spaces, balancing form, usability, and client needs. It applies to residential, commercial, industrial, and public spaces.
Sustainable architecture is about designing buildings and structures with an emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and ecological impact. Graduates can pursue roles in architectural firms and construction companies.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DIGITAL DESIGN PROGRAMS AT HERZING
Herzing’s design programs are delivered online, take no more than two years to complete, and include an internship for real-world experience. Many of our grads get hired directly from their internships.
Click below to get full details on each program and chat live with an admissions advisor. We’re here to help!
