As a part-time graphic designer, you'll be requested to create useful infographics, product images, and illustrations.
Try to avoid copied layouts.
Don't worry, you don't need to have "all" of these skills, these are just soft skills that are good to have. Most people have these skills subconsciously, but can't describe them properly. Reading these may give you a feeling that you have some of them.
As per expertise in tools, those are necessary:
1. Creativity and Innovation
Qualities: A strong sense of aesthetics, originality, and the ability to think outside the box.
Skills: Conceptualizing unique ideas, creating visually appealing designs, and staying updated with design trends.
2. Proficiency in Design Tools
Qualities: Technical expertise in industry-standard software.
Skills: Mastery of tools like:
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD (for UI/UX design)
Canva (for quick, simple designs)
3D tools like Blender or Cinema 4D (for advanced designers)
3. Strong Understanding of Design Principles
Qualities: A solid grasp of the fundamentals of design.
Skills: Knowledge of:
Typography (font pairing, hierarchy, readability)
Color theory (color psychology, harmony, contrast)
Composition (balance, alignment, spacing)
Visual hierarchy (guiding the viewer’s eye)
4. Attention to Detail
Qualities: A meticulous eye for precision and consistency.
Skills: Ensuring pixel-perfect designs, proper alignment, and error-free deliverables.
5. Communication Skills
Qualities: Ability to articulate ideas and collaborate effectively.
Skills: Presenting design concepts, taking feedback, and explaining design choices to clients or team members.
6. Time Management and Organization
Qualities: Ability to work efficiently under deadlines.
Skills: Prioritizing tasks, managing multiple projects, and delivering high-quality work on time.
7. Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Qualities: Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements or challenges.
Skills: Finding creative solutions to design problems and adjusting to feedback or new trends.
8. Understanding of Branding
Qualities: Ability to create designs that align with a brand’s identity.
Skills: Developing logos, color palettes, and visual styles that reflect a brand’s values and messaging.
9. Knowledge of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI)
Qualities: Focus on creating designs that are not only beautiful but also functional.
Skills: Designing intuitive layouts, wireframes, and prototypes that enhance user interaction.
10. Research and Analytical Skills
Qualities: Curiosity and a data-driven approach to design.
Skills: Conducting market research, analyzing competitors, and understanding target audiences to create effective designs.
11. Collaboration and Teamwork
Qualities: Ability to work well with others, including clients, developers, and marketers.
Skills: Taking constructive criticism, incorporating feedback, and contributing to a team’s creative process.
12. Passion for Learning
Qualities: A growth mindset and eagerness to improve.
Skills: Staying updated with design trends, learning new tools, and experimenting with new techniques.
13. Portfolio Development
Qualities: Ability to showcase their best work effectively.
Skills: Curating a portfolio that highlights diverse projects, skills, and creativity.
14. Business Acumen
Qualities: Understanding the commercial side of design.
Skills: Balancing creativity with client goals, budgets, and timelines to deliver designs that drive results.
15. Empathy and User-Centric Thinking
Qualities: Ability to put themselves in the user’s shoes.
Skills: Designing with the end-user in mind, ensuring accessibility, and creating intuitive experiences.