Most used Graphic design software

On 9/8/2015

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to becoming a graphic design pro. You could spend hours identifying and refining the skills that you think might be in demand. But with how quickly the design industry can change, it’s important to know exactly what skills employers are looking for.

Today’s your lucky day.

We used real-time analysis from Burning-Glass.com to comb through more than 8, 500 job postings to identify the exact graphic design skills employers are seeking.* You can rest assured that with this information you’re focusing on learning the right skills on your way to becoming a graphic designer.

What do employers want in a graphic design candidate?

Our analysis helped us determine the top 15 graphic design skills employers are looking for in prospective candidates. It’s important to remember that the skills needed to work as a graphic designer vary from position to position, and in the case of freelance designers, there may be some non-design skills that are essential to your success.

1.Self-evaluate

Take a look at the list above and reflect on how you stack up when it comes to the skills most in-demand. Is there anything with which you’re completely unfamiliar? If so, it might be a good idea to at least acquaint yourself with these skills.

2.Refine your abilities

Now that you know where you stand with regards to the most desirable skills, it’s time to hone your abilities. Some designers swear by the do-it-yourself approach and rely on tutorials while others prefer to earn a degree to develop their skills. No matter what route you take, it’s important to have a very strong grasp of a handful of these skills in order to make an impression in the graphic design industry.

3.Develop your portfolio

Graphic design is the ultimate ‘show-me’ field, so it’s important to build a portfolio that demonstrates your talents. Anybody can say they’re a Photoshop guru on a resume, but a strategic, well-constructed portfolio will show employers or clients exactly how well you know your stuff. Not sure where to start? These tips for creating a graphic design portfolio will get you on the right track.

Next steps

Now that you’ve got a clear picture of what graphic design skills employers are seeking, it’s time to groom yourself into the best candidate possible. Before you get too far ahead of yourself, learn a bit more about the ins and out of the career by checking out this article: What I Wish Someone Told Me BEFORE Becoming a Graphic Designer.