What is a digital designer?
A digital designer is a professional that should combine the traditional graphic design and creative skills like web design, digital imaging, 3D modeling with computing skills. Digital designers work in general on multimedia and graphics projects, but also they can take part on projects for ad campaignes, digital publications, 2D or 3D animations, etc.
Nowadays, digital design is a growing specialty and digital designers are in great demand. To have a successful career they should know to create websites, video games, special effects for movies, etc.
Is Animating a must for any digital designer?
To have a base in digital design area, you should have a bachelor’s degree in digital design or Web design. If you have the base, then you can develop your digital skills, improve your skills in digital design techniques, learn multiple software packages, develop your practical skills and make a portfolio with your work.
There are many types of digital design but the most common use of term refers to web design. And, this field includes beside digital imaging, interface design, coding, etc. and animation plus additional skills. Animation is a must when you have to create interfaces that must come to life, or when you have to create models, characters for movies, etc.
To became a great digital designer you have to create the project from the beginning till the end and add your own style. You must be able to create concepts and stories for different kind of projects, to make innovative animations, use different applications and tools for the perfect project.
In my opinion, if you want to become a professional and a successful digital designer, animating is a must and should be listed among your other skills. The more skills, knowledge you have, the more you can create and contribute to different aspects of a project. You are more appreciated when you can execute and influence the design style, photography, 3D, the development of one project, or get involved on the creative side.
Bibliography
Find out more about a digital designer career, requirements, responsibilities, etc in the following articles. There were also an inspiration for me.
http://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Digital_Designer.html
http://www.soyouwanna.com/digital-design-1063.html
http://work.chron.com/become-digital-designer-15143.html
http://independentjobs.independent.co.uk/job/112526/digital-designer-and-animator/
http://www.creativebloq.com/design/big-question-what-skills-does-digital-designer-need-2013-12125914
A great motivational article for any animation aspirant