Artistic Ability – Artistic talent is the most obvious trait that advertising designers should possess. Having a good portfolio that demonstrates your skill and creativity will help you get noticed by prospective employers. Communication Skills – Knowing your target audience and how to talk to them is a critical piece of advertising design. Your marketing skill and knowledge of customer psychology will play an important role in helping you get a message out to consumers. Competitive Attitude – The advertising industry is highly competitive—and one ad can make or break a career. While the pressure may not be as extreme for designers as it is in other ad agency positions, you will most likely be working under deadlines with people who are under pressure. You’ll need to keep up or be left behind.