8 AI skills you need to land your dream design job, according to the pros

If you’re looking to land your first design job, or make a career move in 2025, understanding how AI fits into creative work isn’t optional any more: it’s essential. The good news? You don’t need to be a technical expert. What matters most is how you think about and work with AI tools. Before we go any further we should say, this is according to many of the design agencies or studios you want to work for – AI is a reality we all have to face and we should do so with as much knowledge as we can.
“Right now, for where most organisations are at on their AI journey, mindset is much more important than skillset when it comes to AI,” explains Oli Zammit-Tabona, head of creative business solutions at Anything is Possible.
“Most design teams are still in ‘+AI’ mode; using Midjourney, Firefly, Runway or ChatGPT to assist with mood boards, concepts, layouts and copy. The real value at this stage isn’t technical mastery; it’s showing you know how to think with AI.
What’s AI being used for?
So what are agencies actually using AI for right now? Most (though not all) studios have told us, either openly or in confidence, that they’re making extensive use AI across their daily operations; from brainstorming and concept development to production and client presentations.
Why? “AI is fast, tireless, and full of ideas,” responds Shane Coughlan, CEO of Creative Studios at GAIN. “It helps us sketch concepts, build mood boards, explore visual directions, and test out copy or layout options on the fly. Tools like Midjourney and Runway are like a speed boost in the early stages, letting us get messy, weird, and creative faster than we could on our own.”
Similarly at EAT Studio, AI is harnessed to support both creative and strategic work. “We use it heavily during the conceptual and strategic phases, gathering background on industries, organising strategy hierarchies, fleshing out narratives and pressure-testing ideas,” outlines Renata Morris, founder and CEO. “From a design perspective, it helps us quickly prototype and validate concepts