How to Become a Designer in Croatia and Build a Portfolio That Hires

Design is at the heart of every digital product, brand identity, and customer experience. In Croatia, the design field is seeing a surge in interest, with startups, agencies, and corporations recognising the value of visual and user-centred design. From app design and branding to web and product interfaces, Croatian businesses are hiring professionals who know how to become designers. With remote work options, freelance flexibility, and a growing demand for UX/UI skills, the field offers an exciting and creative career path.

The journey towards understanding how to become a designer in Croatia has become more accessible thanks to online tools, certifications, and project-based learning. Whether someone is a university student, a career switcher, or a freelancer, building a design career is now achievable with dedication and the right skills. This article examines the growing demand for designers in Croatia, outlines the steps to enter the industry, and provides information on expected salaries and the top skills required. It also addresses common questions about how to become a designer in Croatia, even without a degree or experience.

Why Design Is a Great Career in Croatia

With Croatia’s digital economy booming, design has become a vital component of digital product development and marketing. Companies in Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka are hiring design professionals to enhance user experiences and craft memorable brand visuals. Whether it’s fintech apps or tourism websites, designers play a pivotal role in shaping product success. Here’s why more professionals are exploring how to become a designer in Croatia:

1. Digital Growth Across Industries

Startups, fintech companies, tourism portals, and e-commerce brands require UX and graphic designers. The demand for clean, functional, and user-friendly design is driving job creation.

2. Expansion of Remote Design Jobs

Croatian designers can now work with international clients from home. This flexibility is encouraging more people to learn how to become a designer in Croatia.

3. Emphasis on User Experience

Companies are realising the business value of intuitive design. UX and UI roles are expanding across various industries, driving up demand.

4. Creative Career with High Impact

Designers have a significant impact on everything from user retention to brand loyalty. It’s a career that blends creativity with strategy.

Also read – How to Select the Best UI UX Online Course in Croatia

Best Online Design Courses for Beginners in Croatia

Online courses are one of the best ways to start learning how to become a designer in Croatia. These courses cover design fundamentals, tools, and practical projects to help learners build confidence and portfolios. Look for courses that offer the following:

1. Beginner-Friendly Curriculum

Ideal design courses begin with the fundamentals of visual hierarchy, colour theory, layout design, and typography, gradually guiding students into more complex topics.

2. Hands-On Projects

Practical assignments, such as wireframes, app redesigns, and branding mockups, help learners apply their skills to real-world scenarios.

3. Access to Design Tools

Many courses offer training in tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Canva. Learning these tools is essential for anyone pursuing how to become a designer in Croatia.

4. Self-Paced Learning

Flexible courses accommodate busy schedules, enabling students or working professionals to learn design without feeling rushed.

5. Feedback and Community

Courses that offer peer reviews, mentor support, or community forums help learners grow and get guidance as they learn.

You may also like to read – Is it necessary to learn coding for UI/UX design?

What You Will Learn as a Designer

Anyone learning how to become a designer in Croatia must master both the creative and technical aspects of the field. Design is not just about visuals but also about solving problems and improving user experiences. Here are the core skills and tools every designer should learn:

1. Design Thinking & User Research

Learn how to empathise with users, define problems, and brainstorm solutions. This helps designers create meaningful, user-centred designs.

2. Wireframing, Mockups, and Prototyping

Understand how to translate ideas into wireframes and prototypes. These are crucial for testing and presenting design concepts.

3. Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch

Gain proficiency in industry-standard tools used for UX/UI, graphic design, and product design. They form the foundation of modern digital design.

4. Accessibility and UI Principles

Ensure designs are inclusive and easy to use. Learn about contrast ratios, readability, and universal design principles.

5. Portfolio Creation & Usability Testing

Build case studies and test designs with real users. A strong portfolio is crucial for securing a designer position.

You may also like to read – Explore What Apps Graphic Designers Use to Create Visually Appealing Content

How to Become a Designer in Croatia?

The path on how to become a designer in Croatia involves practice, learning, and building a compelling portfolio. Fortunately, the journey can start without a degree or previous design experience. Follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Learn the Basics of Design and UX

Start with beginner design courses covering layout, colour theory, and visual hierarchy. Understand what makes a design functional and appealing.

Step 2: Practice with Tools Like Figma or Canva

Get hands-on with digital tools. Redesign websites, apps, or logos to build your technical skills.

Step 3: Build a Beginner Portfolio

Create case studies of mock apps, landing pages, or rebranded logos. Portfolios are essential to showcase your design thinking.

Step 4: Take a UX Certification Course

Advance your skills with a recognised UX design certification. This validates your expertise when applying for jobs in Croatia.

Step 5: Apply for Internships or Junior Roles

Look for internships, freelance gigs, or junior positions to gain experience. These help you build credibility in the design job market.

Read more – Graphic Design Interview Tips: How to Stand Out and Impress Employers

Designer Salaries in Croatia (2025)

Here is what design professionals typically earn after understanding how to become a designer in Croatia:

Role	Average Salary
Junior UX Designer	$32,220 – $42,960
UI/UX Designer (mid)	$42,960 – $63,480
Senior UX Designer	$63,480 – $95,220

With more experience, a strong portfolio, and certifications, designers in Croatia can negotiate higher salaries, especially for remote and global projects.

Also read –Mobile App Designer Salary: Explore Influencing Factors, Tips, and Trends

Is UX Design in Demand in Croatia?

How to become a designer in Croatia is a question many students and job seekers are asking today. The country’s growing digital economy has fuelled a rising demand for UX designers who can craft meaningful digital experiences.

Here’s why the field is growing:

• Startups and Tech Hubs Need Designers
  In cities like Zagreb and Rijeka, startups are hiring designers for websites, apps, and SaaS platforms.
• Agencies and Product Teams Are Expanding
  Creative and development agencies are building in-house UX/UI teams, opening roles for junior designers.
• Banking, Tourism, and Healthcare Go Digital
  These sectors are embracing design-led thinking to improve apps and customer interfaces.
• Portfolio-Based Hiring
  Employers now focus more on portfolios than degrees, making it easier for newcomers to enter the design field.

You may also like to read – What Can I Do with a Graphic Design Degree?

Conclusion

With digital experiences driving everything from tourism to fintech, knowing how to become a designer in Croatia has become a valuable and achievable career goal. The design field combines creativity, problem-solving, and technology—all of which are essential to building Croatia’s digital future.

Digital Regenesys offers a powerful way to enter the design industry through the UI/UX and Graphic Design certificate course. These design courses are perfect for beginners and career changers, offering hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and real-world projects. With a focus on practical skills and portfolio development, learners become industry-ready within a matter of months.

If you’re serious about exploring how to become a designer in Croatia, enrolling in a Digital Regenesys course is a smart first step. It opens doors to creative, flexible, and future-proof job opportunities in one of Croatia’s most in-demand industries.

How to Become a Designer in Croatia – FAQs