Design assistant

Design assistants help designers with their work. Typical duties include researching a design project, making rough sketches and preparing materials for production. They work in a wide range of areas.

Also known as:

Design studio assistant

Work activities

Design assistants help designers work on three-dimensional design. Three-dimensional design is the design of most solid objects, particularly with regards to how they look. Designs are used either for mass production or for production by designer-craftworkers. Design assistants work in areas such as:

Industrial or product design.
Interior design.
Theatre design.
Jewellery design.
Furniture design.
Ceramic design.

They work on creative ideas, producing rough sketches using suitable colours, shapes and materials. Design assistants may also be expected to present ideas to senior designers or clients. They prepare and check detailed working drawings, models or prototypes in preparation for production. Computer aided design (CAD) is normally used as part of this process. Design assistants work with designers and other team members on projects. They may also help with arranging client meetings, preparing marketing materials and finding new business.

Personal qualities and skills

As a design assistant, you need:

Creative and artistic skills.
The ability to change ideas into a three-dimensional design.
To work well on your own and with others.
Knowledge of design-related software.
To be able to take instructions from designers.
Good communication skills.
Good research skills.
To work to deadlines.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for design assistants vary with the industry and responsibilities. For example, fashion design assistants earn in the range of £14,000 - £23,000 a year.

Design assistants usually work a 40-42-hour week, Monday to Friday. However, late finishes and weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.

Employers include large manufacturing companies, design studios and consultancies, exhibition companies and furniture manufacturers. Television and theatre companies may also employ design assistants to work on special effects. Opportunities for design assistants occur in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK. Some areas of design are concentrated in certain areas of the country. For example, many large ceramics manufacturers are based in North Staffordshire and the jewellery and silver industry is largely based in London, Sheffield and Birmingham.

What’s happening in this work area?

The design sector operates in a very commercial global market, including strong economies, for example, India and China. However, the strong growth of the UK service industry has led to the opening up of new markets and helped the design sector to achieve a position of strength. Technology has helped to greatly speed up the design process, making it possible for designers to take on many more projects. However, fewer people are now required to complete tasks, resulting in a very competitive recruitment market. Competition for most design posts is strong, as there are often more applicants than vacancies. Working as a design assistant is usually the first step towards becoming a professional designer.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. It’s a good idea to build up a network of relevant contacts, as not all design jobs are advertised. Making speculative job applications can also be effective.

Entry routes and training

Some people enter this career after completing a relevant course such as an HND or a degree. There are many different design courses. Some are broad-ranging and others focus on a specialised area, such as furniture design or interior design.

Foundation degrees in design and design-related subjects are also available at a number of universities and colleges of higher education. These may enable you to progress onto an accredited degree course.

There is an apprenticeship relevant to those wishing to specialise in fashion – a level 3 (advanced) scheme titled fashion studio assistant.

Once in employment, it may be possible to work towards qualifications in design.

Some design assistants progress to becoming professional designers.

Qualifications

The usual route into design training is to complete a foundation course in art and design, such as the BTEC foundation diploma in art and design. For this course, you’ll need:

One to two A-levels.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in three to four subjects.

Equivalent qualifications are also accepted for entry to foundation courses as well as for entry to degree and HND courses. However, entry requirements vary.

To enter any course in art and design, you’ll need a wide-ranging portfolio that shows your potential. Employers may ask for some GCSEs at grades 9-4 to enter this type of work straight from school, or to enter work-based training schemes.

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills gained in using computer-aided design (CAD) software are an advantage. To enter the work or relevant courses, you need to have a portfolio of work demonstrating your creative ability.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Art and Design) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details. They can lead to relevant degree/HND courses. It’s also possible to do a part-time Foundation course in Art and Design, which leads to a degree or HND course. Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who don’t meet their usual entry requirements, especially those with experience in arts, crafts or design. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Relevant courses in art and design subjects, at various levels, are offered by a large number of centres, by distance learning.

Related careers

Artworker
Ceramics designer
Costume designer
Designer
Fashion designer
Furniture designer
Glass designer
Hairdresser
Interior/exhibition designer
Jewellery/silver designer
Product designer
Signmaker
Theatre/television designer
Transport designer