Designers, All Other

SOC 27-1029.00Job Zone —v.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers design practice in agency, in-house, and studio environments where practitioners develop visual solutions across print, digital, and multimedia channels, managing client relationships and project accounts at Job Zone 3 preparation levels.

Sources:O*NET v30.2 SkillsCrosswalk

Emerging

Entry / Apprentice

Design briefs and creative direction — interpret and apply under direct supervision when starting assigned projects in a studio or agency setting.
Graphics and photo imaging software — operate basic tools and functions to produce draft visual assets under mentor guidance.
Client requirements — gather and document accurately by following structured intake templates provided by senior staff.
Design layouts and mockups — produce initial drafts by following established brand guidelines and templates on assigned accounts.
Desktop publishing software — use standard templates to format text and imagery for print-ready files with supervisor review.
Active listening skills — apply during team briefings and client-facing meetings to capture key project requirements without missing detail.
Project schedules and deadlines — track personal task progress using shared project-management tools under supervisor oversight.
Visual design concepts — recognize and explain basic principles such as hierarchy, contrast, and alignment when reviewing work with a creative director.
Presentation materials — assemble draft layout decks for internal review using approved slide or document templates.
Creative feedback — receive, interpret, and incorporate revision notes from senior designers or creative directors into reworked design files.

Developing

Mid-level / Established

Design solutions — develop and refine with moderate independence by collaborating regularly with creative directors in a mid-size agency or in-house team.
Final layout presentations — prepare and deliver to clients with clear verbal rationale, incorporating prior feedback before approval meetings.
Project budgets and timelines — manage assigned accounts by monitoring expenditures and adjusting schedules to meet deliverable milestones.
Graphics and photo imaging software — apply intermediate techniques such as masking, retouching, and compositing to produce polished visual deliverables.
Cross-department communication — confer with copywriting, production, and art teams to align design direction with client requirements on active campaigns.
Document management software — organize and version-control project files systematically to ensure team access and audit-ready asset libraries.
Written design rationale — produce clear project summaries and creative briefs that convey concept decisions to internal stakeholders.
Time management practices — balance concurrent design tasks across multiple accounts by prioritizing work with minimal supervisory direction.
Video creation and editing software — produce short promotional or social-media video assets aligned with client brand standards.
Social perceptiveness — read client and stakeholder reactions during presentations to adjust communication tone and refocus design discussion effectively.

Proficient

Senior / Expert IC

Design strategy and visual solutions — develop autonomously across the full project lifecycle, from concept through final delivery, on complex multi-channel campaigns.
Client layout approvals — lead presentation sessions independently, negotiating revisions and securing sign-off within scope and budget constraints.
Account and project management — oversee multiple simultaneous projects, self-managing deadlines, budgets, and vendor coordination without supervisory escalation.
Web platform development software — apply working knowledge to collaborate with developers on responsive design implementation and digital asset handoff.
Non-routine design challenges — resolve by applying critical thinking and original concepting when standard approaches fail to meet client objectives.
Cross-functional briefings — facilitate discussions with creative, art, copywriting, and production department heads to synthesize requirements into actionable design direction.
Brand identity systems — build and maintain cohesive visual language documents, style guides, and asset libraries for sustained client programs.
Sales and marketing knowledge — apply to design deliverables that measurably support client campaign goals, product launches, or audience engagement targets.
Fine arts and design principles — draw on a deep working knowledge of color theory, typography, and composition to elevate output quality on all assigned work.
Innovation and adaptability — exercise consistently when responding to shifting client feedback, emerging design trends, or technology changes mid-project.

Advanced

Lead / Principal / Executive

Creative direction and design vision — set organizational standards and long-term aesthetic strategy across all client accounts and internal brand initiatives.
Design team development — mentor and evaluate junior and mid-level designers, establishing skill-building plans aligned with agency growth objectives.
Client relationship leadership — cultivate senior-level client partnerships by consistently delivering design solutions that exceed strategic and business expectations.
Organizational workflows and processes — design and implement department-wide systems for project intake, file management, and approval cycles that improve efficiency.
Cross-department strategic alignment — lead executive-level briefings with creative, production, sales, and marketing leaders to ensure unified campaign vision and execution.
Design technology adoption — evaluate and champion new graphics, publishing, and web platform tools that advance studio capabilities and competitive positioning.
Budget and resource strategy — oversee departmental or multi-account financial planning, allocating design resources and negotiating vendor contracts at organizational scale.
Thought leadership and innovation culture — model and institutionalize a design philosophy that rewards original thinking, calculated risk, and continuous creative experimentation.
New business and pitch leadership — direct the creation of speculative design concepts and high-stakes pitch presentations that win and retain major accounts.
Industry standards and professional development — represent the organization in professional networks, contribute to industry forums, and set continuing-education expectations for the design team.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic Index Jadhav & Danve, 2026 WEF Skills Taxonomy

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Emerging
Developing
Proficient
Advanced

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Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable Skills O*NET v30.2

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Related titles

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RAPIDS apprenticeships

0110 · Painter, Sign

O*NET skills

Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingTime Management

Knowledge domains

English LanguageCommunications and MediaComputers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementSales and MarketingFine ArtsEducation and Training

Abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionNear VisionWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClarityOriginality

Work styles

DependabilityAttention to DetailInnovationAdaptabilityAchievement OrientationSelf-Confidence

Technology

Document management softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareWeb platform development softwareOperating system software

Tasks · seed anchors for statements

Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
Present final layouts to clients for approval.
Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and pres

CIP education codes

50.040150.040450.0410