NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

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 v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Design briefs and creative direction — interpret and apply under direct supervision when starting assigned projects in a studio or agency setting.
  2. Graphics and photo imaging software — operate basic tools and functions to produce draft visual assets under mentor guidance.
  3. Client requirements — gather and document accurately by following structured intake templates provided by senior staff.
  4. Design layouts and mockups — produce initial drafts by following established brand guidelines and templates on assigned accounts.
  5. Desktop publishing software — use standard templates to format text and imagery for print-ready files with supervisor review.
  6. Active listening skills — apply during team briefings and client-facing meetings to capture key project requirements without missing detail.
  7. Project schedules and deadlines — track personal task progress using shared project-management tools under supervisor oversight.
  8. Visual design concepts — recognize and explain basic principles such as hierarchy, contrast, and alignment when reviewing work with a creative director.
  9. Presentation materials — assemble draft layout decks for internal review using approved slide or document templates.
  10. Creative feedback — receive, interpret, and incorporate revision notes from senior designers or creative directors into reworked design files.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Design solutions — develop and refine with moderate independence by collaborating regularly with creative directors in a mid-size agency or in-house team.
  2. Final layout presentations — prepare and deliver to clients with clear verbal rationale, incorporating prior feedback before approval meetings.
  3. Project budgets and timelines — manage assigned accounts by monitoring expenditures and adjusting schedules to meet deliverable milestones.
  4. Graphics and photo imaging software — apply intermediate techniques such as masking, retouching, and compositing to produce polished visual deliverables.
  5. Cross-department communication — confer with copywriting, production, and art teams to align design direction with client requirements on active campaigns.
  6. Document management software — organize and version-control project files systematically to ensure team access and audit-ready asset libraries.
  7. Written design rationale — produce clear project summaries and creative briefs that convey concept decisions to internal stakeholders.
  8. Time management practices — balance concurrent design tasks across multiple accounts by prioritizing work with minimal supervisory direction.
  9. Video creation and editing software — produce short promotional or social-media video assets aligned with client brand standards.
  10. Social perceptiveness — read client and stakeholder reactions during presentations to adjust communication tone and refocus design discussion effectively.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Design strategy and visual solutions — develop autonomously across the full project lifecycle, from concept through final delivery, on complex multi-channel campaigns.
  2. Client layout approvals — lead presentation sessions independently, negotiating revisions and securing sign-off within scope and budget constraints.
  3. Account and project management — oversee multiple simultaneous projects, self-managing deadlines, budgets, and vendor coordination without supervisory escalation.
  4. Web platform development software — apply working knowledge to collaborate with developers on responsive design implementation and digital asset handoff.
  5. Non-routine design challenges — resolve by applying critical thinking and original concepting when standard approaches fail to meet client objectives.
  6. Cross-functional briefings — facilitate discussions with creative, art, copywriting, and production department heads to synthesize requirements into actionable design direction.
  7. Brand identity systems — build and maintain cohesive visual language documents, style guides, and asset libraries for sustained client programs.
  8. Sales and marketing knowledge — apply to design deliverables that measurably support client campaign goals, product launches, or audience engagement targets.
  9. 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.
  10. Innovation and adaptability — exercise consistently when responding to shifting client feedback, emerging design trends, or technology changes mid-project.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Creative direction and design vision — set organizational standards and long-term aesthetic strategy across all client accounts and internal brand initiatives.
  2. Design team development — mentor and evaluate junior and mid-level designers, establishing skill-building plans aligned with agency growth objectives.
  3. Client relationship leadership — cultivate senior-level client partnerships by consistently delivering design solutions that exceed strategic and business expectations.
  4. Organizational workflows and processes — design and implement department-wide systems for project intake, file management, and approval cycles that improve efficiency.
  5. Cross-department strategic alignment — lead executive-level briefings with creative, production, sales, and marketing leaders to ensure unified campaign vision and execution.
  6. Design technology adoption — evaluate and champion new graphics, publishing, and web platform tools that advance studio capabilities and competitive positioning.
  7. Budget and resource strategy — oversee departmental or multi-account financial planning, allocating design resources and negotiating vendor contracts at organizational scale.
  8. Thought leadership and innovation culture — model and institutionalize a design philosophy that rewards original thinking, calculated risk, and continuous creative experimentation.
  9. New business and pitch leadership — direct the creation of speculative design concepts and high-stakes pitch presentations that win and retain major accounts.
  10. 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 IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-generated mood boards — uses generative image tools to rapidly assemble initial visual references for client briefs, then presents selections to a creative director for direction Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Layout iteration with AI assistance — feeds client requirements into AI design tools to produce multiple compositional variations, then evaluates outputs against brand guidelines before advancing to review Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Client brief synthesis — prompts an AI assistant to extract key constraints and priorities from written briefs, then cross-checks the summary against original documents before acting on it Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Creative direction handoff — translates a creative director's verbal guidance into structured AI prompts, iterates on outputs, and curates final candidates that meet both aesthetic and budgetary constraints Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Cross-department alignment support — uses AI to draft agenda summaries and concept rationales ahead of meetings with copywriting and production heads, refining the language to match each department's terminology WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Project scope documentation — directs an AI assistant to generate initial project timelines and budget breakdowns from a creative brief, then edits outputs against actual account constraints before client presentation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI output quality arbitration — establishes studio-level evaluation criteria for AI-generated design assets, auditing outputs for originality, brand fidelity, and client-specific cultural fit before any human-technology handoff is approved Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Workflow architecture for AI-assisted design — designs end-to-end production pipelines that assign discrete generative tasks to AI tools while reserving conceptual judgment, stakeholder listening, and final layout decisions for human designers Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Client presentation strategy — leads final layout approvals by framing AI-assisted explorations as structured decision points, coaching clients on the distinction between AI-generated options and the designer's curated recommendation WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Active Listening
Score: 42.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication9 statements
Emerging
  1. Client brief interpretation — reads and summarizes project briefs to identify core design requirements before concept development begins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Visual concept vocabulary — uses basic design terminology when describing initial concepts to supervisors or team members Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Stakeholder presentation — presents preliminary design layouts to internal creative teams using structured verbal explanations tied to client objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-department liaison — participates in meetings with copywriting and production department heads to clarify client requirements and align on deliverables O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Client approval facilitation — presents final design layouts to clients with clear rationale connecting visual decisions to brand and business goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Written project documentation — produces concise creative briefs, revision notes, and status updates that keep accounts on schedule and within scope Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Multi-audience translation — adapts design rationale for both technical production teams and non-design clients without loss of conceptual integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Executive creative narrative — crafts and delivers compelling design presentations to senior stakeholders and external clients that drive strategic alignment and project sign-off Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional communication leadership — establishes shared language and communication protocols between design, marketing, and production functions to eliminate revision cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Project self-ownership — takes initial responsibility for managing assigned design tasks within provided timelines and budget parameters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative direction uptake — receives guidance from creative directors and applies feedback independently without repeated prompting O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Account self-management — manages own client accounts from brief intake through final delivery, making scheduling and resource decisions independently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer design guidance — offers constructive input to junior designers on concept development and visual execution during collaborative reviews Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Creative project leadership — leads end-to-end design projects across multiple stakeholders, setting milestones, assigning visual tasks, and maintaining quality standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative director collaboration — partners with creative directors to co-develop design strategies that satisfy client requirements and differentiate brand expression O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Studio or department leadership — directs design teams across concurrent accounts, setting creative vision, developing talent, and ensuring consistent output quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational design advocacy — champions design thinking at the organizational level, influencing how leadership prioritizes visual communication investments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Design process awareness — identifies personal strengths and gaps in design workflow and seeks targeted resources to address skill deficiencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback reflection — reviews client and supervisor feedback after each project to identify recurring patterns in own work that require adjustment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Creative strategy self-assessment — evaluates own concept development process after each project cycle to determine which approaches produced the strongest outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill gap mapping — identifies emerging design tools, platforms, or trends that fall outside current expertise and constructs a personal learning plan Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Iterative design calibration — monitors own design decisions during active projects and adjusts conceptual direction when initial executions diverge from client intent Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Production efficiency audit — regularly reviews personal workflows across software and project types to eliminate redundant steps and improve output speed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive mentorship — coaches junior designers to develop self-monitoring habits, helping them recognize when their creative instincts align or conflict with project constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Strategic creative reflection — synthesizes lessons from a portfolio of completed accounts to identify systemic patterns in design success and failure, informing future creative direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking8 statements
Emerging
  1. Brief analysis — breaks down client creative briefs to identify explicit requirements, implicit expectations, and potential ambiguities before beginning concept work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Design option evaluation — compares multiple visual concepts against stated project criteria to select the strongest direction for further development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Client requirement interrogation — identifies unstated assumptions in client briefs by cross-referencing stated goals with target audience and market context Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Constraint-based problem solving — generates feasible design solutions when budget, timeline, or technical production constraints eliminate preferred approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Evidence-based design decisions — supports visual and conceptual choices with market research, brand guidelines, and audience data when presenting to clients and creative directors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Competing priority adjudication — weighs aesthetic ambitions against client business objectives and production feasibility to reach balanced design conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systems-level design critique — evaluates how individual design deliverables function within a client's broader communications ecosystem, identifying misalignments invisible at the project level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative brief deconstruction leadership — leads workshops that train design teams to critically assess briefs, surface hidden constraints, and pre-empt client objections before production begins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Team design participation — contributes ideas during group creative brainstorming sessions and accepts role assignments from senior designers or creative directors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdepartmental responsiveness — responds promptly to requests from copywriting, production, or account teams to support project continuity O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Cross-functional creative alignment — collaborates with art, copywriting, and production department heads to reconcile competing priorities into unified client deliverables Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Client relationship co-management — supports account managers in client-facing interactions, providing design expertise while maintaining professional rapport Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Integrated campaign collaboration — works alongside copywriters, strategists, and media planners to develop cohesive multi-channel design deliverables that serve shared campaign objectives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Constructive design review participation — gives and receives specific, actionable critique during peer reviews without allowing interpersonal dynamics to compromise design quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Collaborative process architecture — designs and implements team workflows that formalize how designers, clients, and production staff interact, reducing friction across the project lifecycle Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-discipline creative synthesis — leads collaborative sessions that merge insights from design, marketing, and technology disciplines into solutions none of the functions could produce independently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Deadline accountability — communicates proactively when deliverables are at risk of missing deadlines rather than allowing schedules to slip without notice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intellectual property respect — handles client assets, brand materials, and third-party visual resources in compliance with licensing and confidentiality agreements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Budget integrity — tracks project expenditures honestly and reports variances to account managers before costs exceed approved parameters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Client confidentiality — maintains strict discretion regarding unreleased client campaigns, business strategies, and proprietary brand information shared during project work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Professional accountability — accepts ownership of design errors or miscommunications with clients and takes corrective action without deflecting responsibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical visual representation — ensures design work avoids misleading, discriminatory, or culturally insensitive visual messaging regardless of client pressure to proceed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Studio ethical standards leadership — establishes and enforces professional conduct standards for design teams covering client data handling, attribution, and creative integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Transparent client stewardship — advises clients against design directions that serve short-term requests but compromise long-term brand equity, prioritizing client wellbeing over immediate approval Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Concept exploration — generates multiple distinct visual concepts for each brief before selecting a direction, resisting the instinct to default to familiar solutions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Reference curation — compiles diverse visual references across styles, industries, and media to expand the conceptual palette available for client projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Cross-medium ideation — explores design solutions across print, digital, environmental, and experiential formats rather than defaulting to the client's stated medium Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Unexpected visual problem solving — proposes design concepts that reframe client communication challenges rather than executing literal visual interpretations of briefs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Brand-aligned creative innovation — develops original visual identities and campaign concepts that push aesthetic boundaries while remaining grounded in client brand strategy and audience insight Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Constraint-driven creativity — produces distinctive design solutions when working within rigid brand guidelines, limited budgets, or compressed timelines that would otherwise suppress creative output Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Creative direction originality — establishes signature design languages and visual systems that define a client's market presence and differentiate them from category competitors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Experimental creative culture building — introduces structured experimentation rituals within design teams, normalizing risk-taking and protecting space for unconventional ideas before commercial filters are applied Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Client revision acceptance — treats client feedback and revision requests as information about unmet needs rather than rejection of creative effort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. New tool adoption — engages with unfamiliar design software or emerging media platforms with curiosity rather than avoidance when projects demand expanded capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Failure analysis — reviews unsuccessful design pitches or rejected concepts to extract specific lessons about client expectations, audience preferences, or execution gaps Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill stretch willingness — volunteers for projects that require design capabilities outside current expertise, accepting the short-term discomfort of learning in service of long-term growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Iterative creative development — treats each client project cycle as a deliberate opportunity to test new approaches, refine craft, and expand the range of solutions available to future clients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Industry evolution tracking — actively monitors shifts in design technology, visual culture, and client communication needs to continuously update professional practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture modeling — demonstrates sustained learning behaviors in visible ways that normalize continuous skill development as a professional expectation within the design team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentorship through challenge — assigns junior designers stretch projects with structured support, using productive difficulty as the primary mechanism for accelerating their creative growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Client listening presence — maintains full attentive focus during client briefings, suspending premature visual ideation to ensure complete understanding of stated and unstated needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Deadline stress recognition — identifies personal stress signals during high-volume production periods and applies basic self-regulation practices to maintain output quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Creative decision intentionality — pauses before committing to a design direction to evaluate whether the choice is driven by informed judgment or habitual preference Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Meeting attentiveness — sustains focused engagement during extended cross-departmental reviews, noticing when attention drifts and redirecting without disrupting team momentum Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Emotionally regulated client interaction — manages personal reactions to critical client feedback during live presentations, responding thoughtfully rather than defensively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional creative transitions — establishes deliberate mental reset practices between client projects to prevent prior creative constraints from contaminating new concept development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful creative leadership — models present-moment attention and emotional regulation in high-stakes client presentations and team reviews, stabilizing group dynamics under pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational attention design — structures team workflows and meeting cadences to protect sustained focus time for deep creative work, reducing reactive task-switching across the studio Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Revision persistence — continues iterating on design concepts through multiple client revision cycles without withdrawing effort or creative investment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ambiguity tolerance — begins concept development on incomplete or vague briefs, making reasoned assumptions and flagging uncertainties rather than stalling for perfect information Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Rejected concept recovery — redirects creative energy constructively after a full concept presentation is rejected by a client, treating the rejection as redirection rather than defeat Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Simultaneous account management — sustains consistent design quality and professional composure when managing multiple client accounts under competing deadlines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-pressure delivery consistency — maintains design output standards and professional conduct during compressed production schedules, budget cuts, or scope expansions that destabilize project conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult client persistence — continues delivering high-quality work and constructive engagement with clients who repeatedly reject concepts or shift requirements without clear rationale Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational resilience leadership — sustains team morale, creative quality, and client relationships during prolonged periods of organizational change, resource constraints, or market disruption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous creative advocacy — defends well-reasoned design decisions against client or organizational pressure to compromise, using evidence and persuasion rather than capitulation to protect work integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors38 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Painter, Sign · Advertising Designer · China Painter · Colorer · Colorist · Copyist · Creative Designer · Designer · Digital Designer · Flag Decorator · Food Stylist · Frame Stylist
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
  1. Work with creative directors to develop design solutions.
  2. Present final layouts to clients for approval.
  3. Manage own accounts and projects, working within budget and scheduling requirements.
  4. Confer with creative, art, copywriting, or production department heads to discuss client requirements and pres
CIP education codes
50.040150.040450.0410

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.