TDO420

Think First, Design Second: What Employers Really Want Introduction In design school, we spend a lot of time learning tools—Photoshop, Illustrator, HTML, CSS—but what if that’s not what really gets you hired? Recently, I worked on an HTML exercise based on a powerful message from a Creative Director at one of the area’s top design firms. His words stuck with me and reshaped how I view the role of a designer. What the Creative Director Said He made it clear: “I can teach software. I can’t teach problem-solving, common sense, and communication.” Let that sink in. It’s not about how well you know the Pen Tool—it’s about how well you can think through a visual problem, explain your choices, and communicate solutions clearly. How I Built an HTML Page From It Structuring content semantically (using <section> , <blockquote> , and others) Styling clean, readable layouts Highlighting meaningful quotes and ideas This project helped me think more deeply about design...