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The field of design is very broad and includes several specializations. The following are some of the more popular areas in this field:
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Interior Design
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Industrial Design
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Floral design
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Fashion Design
Formal education and training is needed in most design professions, but not all. In fields like floral designing and visual merchandising, aesthetic ability is more important than formal preparation. For advancement, individuals could pursue degree programs in horticulture, floriculture, floral design, or ornamental horticulture that are offered by community colleges and universities. These may take between two or four years to complete, but will depend on the type of degree they are earning.
On the other hand, 22 states require interior designers to be licensed. To achieve this, they have to attain a total of 6 years of education and experience in interior design. After this they have to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination. The field of industrial design attracts candidates who have a master's degree. Most aspiring designers choose to enroll in a bachelor's degree program in Fine Arts. This is offered at 4-year colleges and universities, and includes coursework in art history, principles of design, art, and designing and sketching.
Students will have the opportunity to take courses in individual design disciplines like architecture, sculpture, garment construction, textiles, computerized design, mechanical and architectural drawing, and basic engineering. Two year programs are also available, but graduates may only find positions as assistants to designers. A Master of Fine Arts degree is pursued by students who would like to be eligible for advanced positions.
Online Education
Online learning combines the convenience and ease of technology with the educational experience. To ensure that a program offers a high quality education, you should choose an online degree program from an accredited institution. Some important accrediting agencies are:
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The National Association of Schools of Art and Design
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The Foundation for Interior Design Education Research
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The American Institute of Floral Designers
Defining Characteristics
Designers must be able to adapt to new ideas and styles quickly. Flexibility is an important quality in this field as designs must reflect the latest trends and tastes. They must also be able to work independently and under pressure. Other desirable qualities include:
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Problem solving skills
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Time and resource management skills
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Effective communications skills (verbal, written, and visual)
Employment Outlook
The job outlook for designers will depend on the field in which they work. Job opportunities for floral designers will decline by about 9%, and fashion designers will experience little or no change in their employment growth rate. Other professions such as graphic and industrial design have projected increases in the employment growth rate that is as fast as the average.
Professional Advancement And Work Environment
All designer have to spend the initial few years receiving on-the-job training. After this, they could advance to higher positions including that of a chief designer and the design department head. Some designers go on to become instructors in their fields and are employed by design schools and colleges. Designers who have sufficient experience and skills could choose to setup their own businesses. Designers have to work long hours frequently in order to meet the deadlines. Most designers work full time, but some also choose to be employed part time. Their work may require frequent travelling to meet with clients.