The job which faces a digital designer is not a simple one; and neither is the journey to becoming a senior designer. Whether their path has steamed from being a freelance designer or a permanent designer who has worked their way up, their journey has been built on a wide range of experiences and a strong skillset. 

The best digital designers are not only able to take on concepts and details, converting them to imagery; but they also must be willing to regularly update their skills and expand their knowledge. 

What are the key differences between junior and senior designers? Let’s take a look: 

Senior designers use their experience 
 

A senior designer will have been in the same position as a junior designer once upon a time and with that, they know how and when to apply their experience in certain situations. Designers at junior level will be eager to get involved and please their clients, showcasing their skills in the process. They’re likely to accept deadlines which may be tricky to reach, whereas more experienced designers will use their experience to negotiate a more realistic timeframe, ensuring the project is completed in good time. 

Projects can consist of multiple stages, so understanding how to fit in tasks into the wider project will be beneficial in the long term. 

Junior designers may be searching for their specialism 

As junior designers are at the beginning of their journey and are talented general designers, they may not have exceled in one particular area over the others yet. This is a benefit, because it gives them the chance to experience different realms and see which one they want to pursue. Asking the advice of senior designers helps massively towards gaining the knowledge you seek to set the tone for a successful career.  

New designers don’t always look beyond the brief

Understanding the client’s needs are very important – often being the deal breaker, however, junior designers only see the brief they have been set. Senior designers using their experience,  will if necessary, challenge and work beyond the brief to produce a design with greater workflow and functionality. 

Designers must ensure their work: 

• Fulfils the purpose or function
• Delivers on the requests of the project
• Communicates a key message or concept boldly and strongly
• Communicates in a unique, visually exciting and engaging way

As a junior designer, it’s easy to feel that the job is done, but before sending the work to a client or your senior, you must be able to explain your reasons for specific design choices. 

Senior designers solve complex problems 

Being a designer doesn’t come without it’s roadblocks. During these times, senior designers show their worth and experience by navigating out of complex issues. Whilst junior designers may be unsure on how to tackle issues they have not come across before, senior designers are able to provide logical solutions – this all comes with experience. 

Junior designers can build their problem-solving skills by gaining experience across different disciplines, keeping a close eye on how senior professionals approach complex issues. 

Are you a junior designer looking for a step up? Or perhaps you’re a senior designer looking for a change? Get in touch with our team and checkout out the latest roles across design and UX/UI.