Creative professionals who are well versed in Figma have a variety of career opportunities. The skills that are required to create professional projects using this web-based design application, such as user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, coding, and knowledge of design principles, can be translated into a number of careers, including:
UX designer: A UX designer is responsible for ensuring that digital projects are easy for users to interact with and navigate. They use wireframes, prototypes and interfaces in order to create user-friendly websites and mobile apps. Figma users who know how to create these digital elements can easily transition into UX designer roles and learn more about promoting accessibility, conducting user research, and creating sitemaps.
UI designer: A UI designer works closely with UX designers to create visually appealing digital interfaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They are responsible for creating high-fidelity mockups, style guides, and design systems. Anyone working in this role should also have strong communication skills and the ability to receive constructive criticism. As a Figma learner, you can use your technical skills and knowledge of design principles to make eye-catching digital products for clients.
Creative director: Tasked with overseeing the creative process from start to finish, creative directors collaborate with teams of designers, writers, developers, and other creative professionals. Individuals who want to pursue this career path should feel comfortable with the responsibilities of a managerial role, such as problem-solving, juggling multiple projects, and meeting hard deadlines. Many Figma users could excel as creative directors because they are already accustomed to working collaboratively on each step of the creative process.
Web designer: From meeting with clients to creating mockups and testing features, web designers take on a number of responsibilities when creating functional, visually appealing websites. They are also tasked with creating visual imagery for each site, such as wireframes, prototypes, logos, and other designs. If you have experience creating these kinds of digital elements and projects in Figma, you can easily transition into a role in the web design industry.
Front-end developer: A front-end developer creates the visual and interactive elements of a website or web application. They use web-based design applications like Figma to create high-fidelity designs that are then turned into code using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Because Figma has revolutionized the developer handoff process, this tool has become an invaluable resource to front-end developers who need to accurately bring designs to life. Creative professionals who are familiar with Figma and its handoff capabilities would make excellent front-end developers.
Any career in web development or digital design is incredibly lucrative. In 2021, the median pay for professionals in this industry was $78,300 per year, or $37.65 per hour, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). BLS also anticipates the overall employment of web developers and digital designers to increase by 23% over the next decade, which is much faster compared to the average for all occupations. While formal education requirements vary from role to role, most applicants in these fields are expected to have a bachelor’s degree or, at minimum, hands-on experience with relevant software and a diverse work portfolio.