Which essential tools must a designer possess to increase their demand in the market? The question seems to imply that distinguishing between good and bad designers is not a game of "good cop - bad cop," but there are certainly common features.

When experiencing a crisis of faith about this, I ask myself what sets apart a good designer from a bad one, assuming both are good. To explain it easily, the question would be, "what tools should a designer have to remain in demand?" These days, web designers are dime a dozen as every other person knows how to draw and handle html/css. It may seem like job availability exists on exchanges, but that's as of now; no one can predict the future.

It appears that the only way to grow as a designer is to create even more beautiful pictures. Is that incorrect? Additionally, how can one make over two hundred thousand a month in web design?

Money is not the primary concern for a skilled designer, or any professional for that matter. Their focus is on their craft and personal growth. However, they are aware of their value and worth in the industry.

It is important to note that if one's sole motivation for pursuing a career is to make a specific amount of money, they may be disappointed. A successful career should be driven by passion and a desire to excel, rather than just financial gain.

In my opinion, a good designer should possess several key skills. Firstly, they should have a strong command of the html/css/js bundle. Secondly, they should be proficient in processing and manipulating graphic and video materials. This doesn't necessarily require the ability to draw like Aivazovsky, but they should be skilled in tasks such as retouching, color correction, cropping, and vector work.

Thirdly, a good designer should be well-versed in academic drawing theory and have a trained eye for identifying errors in graphic material. Furthermore, they should have knowledge of photography theory and be able to apply it to their work. Fourthly, understanding printing material preparation is also crucial, particularly when it comes to working with fonts and text.

Finally, optional skills such as 3D graphics, usability design for those who may struggle with technology, and video editing can also be beneficial. Overall, a successful designer should be able to combine various technical skills with a strong grasp of theory and an artistic eye for detail.

What is the maximum number of quality products that a single designer can produce each month? Typically, not more than 3-4 projects are completed, and this results in an average monthly income of $1K, depending on the company's level. Freelancers usually manage to complete 1-3 high-quality projects per month, earning around $1K. The reason why they produce less is that they spend considerable time on various preparatory stages of the work instead of the work itself.

To earn $3K, one needs to complete at least 4-7 high-quality unique projects per month. This is not a matter of simply creating a template like "turnkey online store for $100." Without connections or a hyped reputation, you might be a simple honest worker whose earnings ceiling is probably 1k per month plus annual inflation adjustments. This is even with the current technologies that are being developed, simplified, and becoming more intuitive. Do you understand what I'm saying?

Earning 200k per month is not easy, and it is not enough to be just a designer. You might be able to get this amount once or twice, but it would not be stable earnings.

If you're aiming for consistently high income, you need to agree on a project share, a percentage of the turnover, and more. Collaborating with a friend, such as an optimizer, is also a great option.

Some might argue or disagree, but earning 200 thousand rubles is not that much money, and it can lead to complacency. If you fall into the trap of receiving such an income, you may not be able to move anywhere else because of the fear of losing your earnings. This situation is embarrassing.

The ideal way to earn $3K is through revenue from turnover and not a percentage of sales or a project share. Therefore, cooperate, delegate responsibilities, differentiate skills, and everything will work out in the end.

To increase demand in the market as a designer, there are several essential tools and skills you should possess:

1. Proficiency in industry-standard design software: Designers should be skilled in using software like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or other popular design tools to create high-quality designs.

2. Strong understanding of design principles: A good designer understands key design principles such as color theory, typography, layout, and composition. This knowledge helps create visually appealing and effective designs.

3. Knowledge of UX/UI design: The demand for user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers is increasing. Familiarity with UX/UI principles and tools can make you more valuable in the market.

4. Responsive design and coding skills: With the rise of mobile devices, it's crucial for designers to have a good understanding of responsive design principles and be comfortable with HTML/CSS coding. This allows you to create designs that work well across different devices and platforms.

5. Continuous learning: The design industry is constantly evolving, so staying updated with the latest trends, technologies, and design practices is important. This can be done through online courses, workshops, attending design conferences, or following design blogs and communities.
To further increase demand as a designer and potentially earn a higher income, here are some additional strategies you can consider:

1. Specialize in a niche: Instead of being a generalist, focus on a specific area of design that you are passionate about or have expertise in. This could be branding, illustration, user experience, motion graphics, or any other specialized field. By becoming an expert in a specific niche, you can differentiate yourself from others and attract clients who value your specialized skills.

2. Build a strong portfolio: A well-curated portfolio showcasing your best work is essential for attracting potential clients or employers. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your versatility, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Make sure to update your portfolio regularly to showcase your latest and most relevant work.

3. Expand your network: Networking plays a significant role in finding new opportunities and increasing demand. Attend industry events, join design communities, and connect with other professionals in your field. Building relationships with clients, fellow designers, and influencers can lead to referrals and collaborations that help you grow your client base and income.

4. Develop strong communication and client management skills: Being able to effectively communicate with clients, understand their needs, and manage their expectations is crucial for success as a designer. Good client management skills can lead to long-term relationships, repeat business, and referrals.

5. Invest in ongoing professional development: Design is a field that is constantly evolving, so it's important to keep learning and upgrading your skills. Explore new design techniques, experiment with emerging technologies, and stay updated with the latest design trends. Continuous learning will not only make you more valuable in the market but also keep your work fresh and innovative.