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My journey to becoming a designer started in highschool! I took two graphic design electives and before that I even took two classes on drafting and design and learned to use AutoCAD. I've always been drawn to technology, probably because I was a 90's kid and technology was changing SO fast! After taking a year off after high school, I enrolled in an online college and completed my Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design in 3 years! I started working for a local magazine publishing company before I graduated and that's all she wrote! I've been working on whatever design projects I can get my hands on ever since!
So, if you're like me and have a creative side plus enjoy working on the computer and have a knack for tech, graphic design may just be the career path for you!
Here’s my step-by-step guide to help you become a graphic designer:
1. Educational Background:
High School Education: Start by taking art, design, and computer classes if available. Developing a strong foundation in these subjects can be beneficial.
Bachelor’s Degree (Optional): While not always necessary, many graphic designers have a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field. Look for reputable design schools or universities offering these programs.
2. Develop Skills and Knowledge:
Learn Software Tools: Familiarize yourself with graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. These are industry-standard tools used by most graphic designers. Today, there are several other web based programs such Canva that many beginners and small business owners are able to use with ease because of the templates they provide. While Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva are both subscription based, Canva does have a free version. Adobe Creative Cloud is still, and in my opinion always will be, the standard for professional graphic designers.
Study Design Principles: Learn about color theory, typography, composition, balance, and other fundamental design principles. There are numerous online resources, books, and courses that can help. Pinterest has always been my go-to for inspo, but sites and apps like Behance, Dribble, Instagram, and Awwwards are great too. There is so much out there to get inspiration from! I'm a big fan of browsing magazines while in the checkout line (if Im not placing an online order), glancing at billboards while in the car, studying local branding... you get the picture. Design is EVERYWHERE!
3. Build a Portfolio:
Create Personal Projects: Even before getting professional gigs, work on personal design projects. Create logos, posters, website mockups, or any other design work to showcase your skills. With an Adobe Creative Cloud account, you get access to a free portfolio site here: https://portfolio.adobe.com. Here is mine! Most web hosting sites will also allow you to create a free website with a free domain name. I hope to share more about that with you in an upcoming post! I'll link there here when completed.
Freelance Work: Offer your services as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or freelancer-specific platforms like Dribbble. Real-world projects can significantly enhance your portfolio.
Internships: Look for internships at design agencies or studios. Practical experience in a professional setting can provide valuable insights and add weight to your portfolio.
4. Networking and Community Involvement:
Join Design Communities: Participate in online forums, social media groups, and local design meetups. Networking with other designers can lead to opportunities and collaborations.
Social Media Presence: Maintain active profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Behance, and Instagram to showcase your designs and link them to your portfolio.
5. Continued Learning:
Stay Updated: Graphic design is a constantly evolving field. Stay updated with the latest design trends, software updates, and industry news.
Further Education (Optional): Consider taking specialized courses or workshops to enhance specific skills like motion graphics, UX/UI design, or 3D modeling.
6. Seek Feedback and Improve:
Critiques: Don’t be afraid of critiques. Seek feedback from experienced designers or mentors. Constructive criticism can help you grow. You can find groups on social media to post your work to for feedback!
Iterate: Be open to refining your work. Design is an iterative process, and multiple revisions often lead to the best outcomes. As a matter of fact, multiple revisions is pretty standard!
7. Apply for Jobs:
Prepare Resume and Portfolio: Craft a professional resume highlighting your skills, education, and experience. Tailor your portfolio to showcase your best and most relevant work.
Job Applications: Apply for entry-level graphic design positions, internships, or freelance opportunities. Be persistent and don’t get discouraged by rejection. Each application and interview experience can teach you something valuable.
Remember, becoming a successful graphic designer takes time and dedication. Keep honing your skills, stay curious, and be proactive in seeking opportunities to grow and showcase your talent!