Every day, Donna Farrugia, executive director of the Creative Group, and her team work with creative professionals and the companies hiring them. They know what employers are looking for and, as a result, often advise
designers on how to make themselves more marketable. The questions she hears most are about skills. “A lot of designers ask me if they need digital expertise to get a job in today’s market, or how to transfer their print skills to the web,” Farrugia says. “Since more employers are requesting hybrid candidates—those with creative and technical skills—it’s important for these individuals to round out their skill sets.”
So what does that mean? How can designers take the initiative to expand into new areas and master the latest tools and technologies? Farrugia encourages them to take advantage of online training programs or tutorials, read books and blogs devoted to web design and technology, and volunteer for projects to put their newfound skills to work.
If you’re interested in hearing more, Farrugia will be presenting a live tutorial, “How to Make More Money as a Designer in 2013,” on Thursday, October 18, at 2 p.m. EDT. She’ll answer your questions about your career, explain the latest data from employers, and reveal the Creative Group’s new 2013 salary guide, which lets you know what you can expect to be paid in the coming year. Register today!