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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Design Journalists.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Design Journalists.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 4%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Develop advertising campaigns for a wide range of clients, working with an advertising agency's creative director and art director to determine the best way to present advertising information.
Present drafts and ideas to clients.
Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium.
Design journalism is an exciting field that combines a passion for design with the skills of reporting, writing, and critical analysis. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a design journalist, here are the steps you can take to make that dream a reality.
Before diving into the educational requirements and skill development, it's essential to have a clear understanding of what a design journalist does. As a design journalist, you will:
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in journalism, communications, or English is typically expected for aspiring design journalists. However, degrees in design-related fields like interior design, graphic design, or industrial design can also provide valuable insight into the industry.
Take Design Courses: Even if your major isn't in a design field, taking courses related to design can help you understand the principles and terminology that you'll encounter in your career.
Writing and Editing: Sharpen your writing and editing skills through practice and by taking specific courses focused on journalistic writing.
Critical Thinking: Cultivate the ability to analyze and critique designs effectively. This skill is crucial for producing insightful content that adds value to the conversation.
Visual Literacy: Learn to understand and communicate about visual concepts effectively. Being able to discuss color theory, composition, and design history will enhance your reporting.
Digital Proficiency: Develop familiarity with digital tools such as content management systems (CMS), photo editing software, and social media platforms.
Start a Blog: Create a blog to showcase your writing on design topics. This will serve as a practical platform for demonstrating your knowledge and style.
Freelance: Take on freelance writing assignments or contribute guest posts to established design blogs or magazines.
Internships: Seek out internships at magazines, newspapers, or online media outlets that focus on design.
Join Professional Organizations: Groups like the Society of Professional Journalists offer resources for journalists at all stages of their careers.
Attend Design Events: Go to trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences to meet designers and other journalists.
Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with industry professionals and share your work.
Read Widely: Regularly read design magazines, journals, blogs, and books to stay up-to-date on trends and thought leaders in the field.
Take Continuing Education Courses: Consider taking additional courses in areas such as multimedia journalism or new media to keep your skills current.
Becoming a successful design journalist requires a blend of education, skill development, and networking. By following these steps and continually seeking opportunities to learn and grow within the industry, you can build a fulfilling career in this dynamic field.
A Design Journalist is a professional writer or reporter who specializes in covering the field of design. This can include various disciplines such as graphic design, industrial design, interior design, fashion design, and more. These journalists create content that might appear in magazines, newspapers, websites, and other media outlets.
While there are no mandatory certifications for a Design Journalist, the following could enhance your qualifications:
Having a portfolio is crucial as it showcases your writing ability and understanding of design. Your portfolio should include:
Career advancement might involve:
Job opportunities can often be found on:
Yes, you can specialize in areas such as:
Joining professional organizations can offer networking opportunities and professional development resources. Consider memberships with:
AIGA, the professional association for design
By engaging with these organizations, you can stay current with industry trends and connect with other professionals in the field.