International Academy of Design and Technology

Career information

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Designers

Career choices in fashion, web, graphic design, and photography are many and varied. Examples include advertising, editorial & corporate design, commercial illustration, multimedia, magazine & book illustration, typography, design studios, corporate marketing, the internet, e-Commerce, commercial photographer, catalog photographer, fashion photographer, among others,

Fashion Designers, for example, have a passion to create. Combining practical knowledge with artistic ability, they ". . . turn abstract ideas into formal designs for the merchandise we buy, the clothes we wear, the publications we read, the web pages we view, and the living and office space we inhabit. Designers usually specialize in one area such as clothing and textiles; publications, logos, signage, or movie or TV credits; world wide web; interiors of homes or office buildings; merchandise displays; or movie, television, and theater sets."

* Creativity is crucial in all design occupations; most designers need a bachelor’s degree, and candidates with a master's degree hold an advantage.
* Three out of 10 designers are self-employed—almost 5 times the proportion for all professional and related occupations.
* Keen competition is expected for most jobs, despite projected faster-than-average employment growth, because many talented individuals are attracted to careers as designers.

Possible careers include: commercial and industrial designer; fashion designer; graphic designer; interior designer; web designer; merchandise displayer; set and exhibit designer, among many possibilities.

Self-employed designers need good marketing and business skills. They may be required to train and manage others and to work well with a wide variety of people.

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Photography

Half of today's photographers are self-employed. The most successful photographers produce images that capture a scene, setting, or event, or they use their camera to tell a story.

Although technical expertise, creativity, and what is called a "good eye" are essential to success as a photographer, those whose careers are long and successful also have good business and marketing skills.

For example, commercial photography, a highly competitive field, requires not only a high degree of technical expertise but also creativity and consistency. These photographers must be able to follow instructions and work closely with others. They may also be required to own and use expertly a wide variety of expensive equipment, ranging from traditional cameras to newer digital cameras. And, they have to be able to "sell" themselves. Jobs may require advanced darkroom techniques in both black and white and color as well as expertise with appropriate photo-manipulation software.

Some photographers may work in the field, perhaps in foreign countries, and may rely on digital and computer technology to capture, store, and transmit pictures take on location. There is usually intense competition for such jobs.

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Web Design

Web design occupations are among the fastest growing occupations in the computer industry. Those with a degree or certificate will find it easier to obtain employment, especially if they can show relevant computer experience to a prospective employer. These jobs are so new that there has not been a great deal of statistical analysis of the job market. More advanced positions will also require a solid understanding of business and commerce as well as computer science / network engineering. A significant proportion of web developers are self-employed and must also know how to market their businesses. This is a rapidly evolving field.

Careers available include: Web Graphics Designer, Web Multimedia Designer, Web Design Specialist, Web Developer, Web Development Specialist, E-Commerce Developer, E-Commerce Specialist, Client/Server & Web Development, Client/Server Developer.

Source: US Department of Labor