A designer is someone who plans the shape or structure of an object before it’s even made, by sketching plans or drawings. In practical application, any person who designs tangible or intangible goods, materials, processes, systems, laws, structures, games, images, services, or interactive systems can also be called a designer. While some designers are just artists with a talent for creating beautiful images, some are computer-programming engineers who design software systems. There are many kinds of designers, including business professionals, educators, artists, Graphic Designers, Librarians, typists, and computer programmers. All of these types of designers need different kinds of licenses to make their creations accessible.
Businesses are sometimes the most difficult to license because they require special knowledge in the field of business. For this reason, many entrepreneurs have started businesses from the ground up by hiring a designer to help them with the business plan, problem-solving, branding, marketing, and creation of the company vision. A successful designer will not only have the technical expertise to create a unique visual aesthetic, but will also understand business law, marketing psychology, finance, and human psychology. The successful designer will be able to provide a solution to the complex problems facing a company, and will have a thorough understanding of how to successfully and productively utilize his or her talent and skills.
Urban designers have a more concentrated understanding of technology and its impact on people’s day-to-day lives. Urban design thinking requires solid planning, an analytical mind, and a creative eye. The city is very dynamic and present, and it requires careful consideration and attention to detail to produce a sustainable, healthy place to live. Some designers use computer-aided design (CAD) software to construct complex building models and visualization of city blocks. They may then work with architects, engineers, interior designers, and architects to complete the design.
Graphic design is typically a web-based art form. Graphic design combines both traditional and modern methods of creating images, such as illustrations, photographs, computer illustrations, and video. These methods can then be used by artists to communicate the intended message to a wide audience using a variety of media. Often, graphic designers work with advertising agencies, public relations departments, government agencies, and designers from other disciplines to promote and distribute the company’s products and services.
Fashion designers generally focus on conceptualizing new ideas for dress and clothing. Fashion designers also experiment with color and fabrics, with designing menswear, womenswear, and accessories, and with conceptualizing and predicting market trends. Fashion designers are also involved in the creative process of choosing and developing promotional campaigns, creating advertising campaigns, and drafting design concepts. Unlike graphic design, fashion design is a process that continuously evolves, and designers may be involved in every step of the design process. Fashion designers who obtain degrees in fashion design may choose to be involved in both areas, depending on their interests and abilities. Many designers have been trained in the areas of fashion marketing, fashion management, and manufacturing, but more designers are concentrating specifically in the area of fashion design.
An applied arts degree will prepare graduates for a number of careers including fashion designer, industrial designer, business analyst, marketing specialist, and engineering professional. In the field of applied sciences, graduates may choose to specialize in a particular field of expertise or to pursue a broad spectrum of skills. Graduates may also choose to go on to pursue graduate degrees in business, accounting, nursing, and other technical areas, providing them with the broad range of knowledge required to succeed in the designer/business analyst/marketing world.