Do you have a talent for design? Five careers that will put your design skills to good use!

It doesn’t take a career counselor to tell you that you are always going to succeed best at a job that combines what you are good at with what you enjoy the most. In fact, we all have certain personality traits, likes, and hobbies that naturally lend themselves to great job opportunities. For example, if you’re very good at math, then perhaps you might enjoy a career as an accountant. Whatever your special trait is you should always strive to make that trait a key part of your career plans. Remember, if you can find a job that combines what you are good at with what you really enjoy doing then you will almost certainly increase your chances of long term career success.

With that in mind today’s Hot List will feature career fields specifically suited to those with a particular talent for design. For those who have both the creativity and disciplined technical abilities a good designer requires, there are many rewarding career opportunities available that are particularly suited to your talents and personality.

So, if you’re someone who gets satisfaction from bringing elegant solutions to complex problems, restoring order to chaos, or coaxing beauty from the banal, then perhaps one of these jobs is the perfect match for you.

THE HOT LIST!

1. Web Designer (Median annual wage: $63,711)
   A Web Designer designs web sites, web pages and other web-related content (email marketing, web advertising, etc) and produces screen mock-ups and/or other documentation to convey design ideas. They will also be responsible for standards based front-end coding such as CSS, HTML, AJAX, JQuery and JavaScript. Ultimately they will have to produce client-ready deliverables and be able to persuasively present their designs to the client. This job requires a high level of design creativity, but also the ability to modify and integrate based on feedback.
2. Landscape Architect  (Median annual wage: $64,180)
   Landscape Architects plan and design attractive and useful outdoor spaces. They aim to produce pleasant places to live, work and relax that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.  Landscape Architects use several different technologies in their work. For example, through the use of CADD software, Landscape Architects prepare models of their proposed work. Many Landscape Architects also use GIS software, which allows them to present data visually as maps, reports, and charts. Overall, Landscape Architects must be able to balance different demands and requirements to come up with the best aesthetic solution.
3. Visual Merchandiser  (Median annual wage: $41,517)
   This position combines detail oriented skills and creativity. Visual merchandisers use their design skills to help promote the image, products, and/or services of a retail business. They create eye-catching product displays and store layouts to attract customers and encourage them to buy a particular product. To become a visual merchandiser, you would usually have a background in design or work your way up through the retail industry. Success in this field requires strong design and marketing skills,  as well as the ability to track stock and coordinate promotions.
4. Graphic Designer (Median annual wage: $44,150)
   Graphic designers use both art and technology to communicate ideas through images and the layout of websites and printed pages. Their projects often include the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and/or corporate reports. They  manipulate text, images, backgrounds and empty space in order to best artistically communicate the intended message of their clients. This job requires strong visual and artistic skills in order to pull many diverse elements together into one logical and aesthetically pleasing overall presentation.
5. Architect (Median annual wage: $73,090)
   Architects design, plan, and supervise the construction of buildings. They are responsible for the safety, usefulness, and aesthetics of the buildings they design. They must design structures that satisfy their clients’ needs while conforming to the laws and regulations of the areas in which the structures will be built. Architects need the ability to understand and utilize very technical elements while at the same time maintaining the integrity of their creative and artistic vision.

Additionally, for more design resource check out our Architect, Interior Design and Graphic Design Occupational Guides!