Introduction
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) – Oriental Mindoro, under the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB) and its initiative DICT-SPARK (Strengthen the Philippine workforce through Adaptive and Responsive digital Knowledge), successfully concluded the third and final day of its technical training seminar on Graphic Design using Adobe Illustrator last April 5, 2024.
This seminar aimed to do more than just introduce participants to digital design tools. It was a capacity-building effort focused on helping aspiring professionals and job seekers explore career paths in graphic design and freelancing. By equipping them with essential technical skills and exposure to real-world job platforms, the training was both timely and impactful.
A Seminar with a Purpose
The three-day seminar was designed to address a key need in today’s digital economy: empowering individuals with digital competencies that lead to employment. This training series, centered on Adobe Illustrator, served as a gateway for participants to understand the principles of visual design, branding, and digital creativity.
But beyond the software skills, the heart of the seminar lay in its purpose — to open up career opportunities through freelancing and online platforms. With the continued rise of the gig economy, having knowledge in graphic design paired with guidance on how to market these skills online is a powerful combination. The seminar addressed both.
Day 3: From Training to Career Opportunities
The final day of the seminar shifted its focus from technical skill-building to career readiness. Participants were introduced to various online job platforms where graphic designers can apply and showcase their portfolios. These platforms included popular freelancing sites such as Upwork, Fiverr, OnlineJobs.ph, and Freelancer.com, among others.
The goal was to give attendees the tools to not only design but also to monetize their design skills. It’s one thing to be proficient in software like Adobe Illustrator, but knowing how and where to apply these skills in the job market is an entirely different—and equally important—competency.
The session was made more valuable with a sharing session by Mr. Alvin John Ferias, a freelancer and former SPARK (DJPH) Technical Trainer. Mr. Ferias offered practical advice, shared personal experiences, and gave participants a realistic look into what freelancing entails. He also shared effective tips on how to stand out online as a graphic designer, how to structure your portfolio, and how to increase visibility and job-hiring potential on freelance websites.
This insider insight added a meaningful layer to the seminar, bridging the gap between learning and application.
Training Outcomes and Key Takeaways
Throughout the seminar, participants were taught how to navigate Adobe Illustrator—learning about vector graphics, logo creation, layout design, and branding elements. These skills form the foundation of many visual content requirements in marketing, advertising, and digital communication roles.
By Day 3, the emphasis transitioned from purely technical knowledge to strategic career development. Attendees walked away not only with improved design skills but also a deeper understanding of how they can enter the competitive world of freelance work. Many expressed enthusiasm about updating their portfolios, signing up on freelance platforms, and exploring remote work opportunities.
This blend of technical training and career-oriented sessions makes the Graphic Design Seminar truly holistic. It ensures that participants don’t just learn—they’re also equipped to earn.
Why this Seminar Matter
In today’s tech-driven world, skills in design and digital creativity are in high demand. However, many talented individuals often lack access to formal training or clear pathways to employment. This seminar, led by DICT-Oriental Mindoro through DICT-SPARK, serves as a direct response to that gap.
It reflects a broader mission: to nurture digital talent in underserved areas, promote ICT literacy, and create sustainable opportunities through accessible training.
More importantly, the event emphasized that graphic design is not limited to creativity alone—it’s a career path. With the right guidance, even beginners can start building a future in the digital industry, whether as freelancers, remote designers, or full-time creatives.
