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Designer

Do you notice when a shop sign looks ugly or an app is confusing, and feel the urge to fix it right away? Then design might be your thing. Designers decide how the things around us look and work: logos, packaging, websites, clothes and interiors. It is not only about making things pretty, but about making them clear and easy to use.

Designer

A designer's day involves a lot of talking and revising. A client explains the task, you suggest options, listen to feedback and improve your work. Drawing by hand helps, but seeing composition, color and logic matters even more. Most of the work today happens in tools like Figma, Photoshop or Illustrator, and you can start learning them while still at school.

What the job involves

  • Discusses the goal of a project with the client
  • Collects references and sketches first ideas
  • Builds layouts in graphic design software
  • Makes changes based on feedback
  • Prepares files for print, websites or production

Skills you need

  • A trained eye

    Noticing good design around you and understanding why it works.

  • Composition and color

    Knowing how to arrange elements and combine colors so an image is easy to read.

  • Software skills

    Working confidently in Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or similar tools.

  • User empathy

    Putting yourself in the shoes of the person who will use the result.

  • Handling criticism calmly

    Being ready to redo your work many times without taking feedback personally.

Who it suits

Personality types

Strong intelligences

  • Spatial
  • Interpersonal
  • Intrapersonal

UNT subjects to take

State grants 2026

Main competition, full-time study. Quotas and separate state orders can have lower scores. Check your chances

Where to study

In Kazakhstan, design programs admit students through creative exams such as drawing, composition or painting, while on the UNT you take only the compulsory subjects. A bachelor's degree takes 4 years. Design is taught, for example, at the Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts and the Kazakh Leading Academy of Architecture and Civil Engineering.

You can also start at a college after grade 9 or 11, studying graphic, fashion or interior design, usually for 2 to 4 years. Many designers also take online courses. Employers often care more about your portfolio than your diploma, so start saving your best work now, even school projects and personal experiments.

Outlook

Designers work in advertising agencies, IT companies, publishing houses, interior studios, fashion brands and the marketing teams of all kinds of businesses. Many freelance and take orders from other cities and countries. Competition is noticeable, so the people who stand out have a strong portfolio and understand business goals, not just graphics.

Frequently asked questions

What UNT subjects do I need to become a designer?

Design programs use creative exams, such as drawing and composition, instead of profile subjects. You still take the compulsory UNT subjects as usual. The exact exams depend on the university and program, so check them in advance.

Do I have to be good at drawing?

You need basic academic drawing for the creative exam, so it is worth preparing early. In the job itself, especially in web and UX design, hand drawing is used less, while taste, logic and software skills matter more.

Can I become a designer without a university degree?

Yes, some people get in through college, courses and a strong portfolio. A degree still gives you a solid foundation and may be required by large companies or employers abroad.

Is this career right for you?

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