How To Become A SelfβTaught Graphic Designer
A Self-Taught Approach
So, youβre considering a career as a professional graphic designer? Whether youβre contemplating a shift in your professional trajectory or gauging your affinity for graphic design, weβre here to provide insightful guidance.
The exciting news is that your path to graphic design proficiency is no longer exclusively tied to formal education. In 2022, landing a graphic design job hinges on cultivating fundamentals, gaining practical experience, understanding client dynamics, and bravely putting yourself out there.
Rest assured, if you possess a genuine passion for design, enjoy connecting with people, and are ready to invest time and effort, graphic design can indeed be a fulfilling career. Below, we outline the steps to becoming a self-taught graphic designer in 2022.
Step 1: Learn the Fundamentals
While a formal education isnβt mandatory for graphic design, a solid grasp of the fundamentals is crucial. Familiarize yourself with design principles, delve into elements like color, contrast, hierarchy, balance, and proportion. Numerous free online graphic design courses can serve as valuable resources for building your knowledge base. If you have a specific niche in mind (e.g., brand identity design, social media marketing), explore resources tailored to your specialization. Additionally, cultivate your visual design sensibility by staying abreast of the latest trends on platforms like Dribbble.
Step 2: Invest in the Right Tools
To thrive as a graphic designer, proficiency in graphic design software is essential. Begin by experimenting with free tools like Vecteezy, CorelDraw, or Inkscape. As you progress, consider mastering industry-standard software such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Embrace tools like Bonsai early on to efficiently manage freelance projects, from proposals and contracts to invoices and tax organization. Learning new software may seem daunting, but an array of free online resources can ease the learning curve.
Step 3: Build a Body of Work
Establishing yourself as a professional graphic designer requires a compelling portfolio. Even without real-world experience, engage in self-initiated projects, offer your services to friends and family, and start applying your design skills. Craft a body of work aligned with your ideal graphic design jobs. If inspiration eludes you, put your spin on existing designs, redesign logos or websites, and refine your unique creative process over time.
βItβs okay to start with bad work. The journey involves self-doubt and uncertainty, but these lows are part of following a passion.β β Spencer Gabor, Self-Taught Designer & Illustrator
Step 4: Get Your Work Seen
Once youβve curated a portfolio youβre proud of, create an online graphic design portfolio to showcase your work. Dribbble Pro serves as an efficient tool for instant portfolio building, ensuring your work reaches a global audience of millions. Unlike traditional portfolios, sharing your work on Dribbble boosts discoverability, attracting hiring managers and design recruiters seeking fresh talent.
βA lot of companies scout for talent on Dribbble, and many work requests I receive on Dribbble.β β
Step 5: Network with Other Graphic Designers
Beyond your portfolio, networking and community building play pivotal roles in a graphic designerβs professional journey. Platforms like Dribbble offer opportunities to connect with peers, seek feedback, and engage in enriching conversations with industry experts. Embrace feedback as a catalyst for growth and actively seek it out to accelerate your skill development.
Step 6: Get Real-World Work Experience
As you progress in your graphic design journey, seek real-world experience. Explore entry-level graphic design jobs, internships, and freelance opportunities. Scour online job openings or freelance gigs, and donβt hesitate to express interest in companies you admire β even if theyβre not actively hiring. The job hunt not only enhances your design skills but also hones crucial soft skills like client communication and effective presentation of your designs.
Keep Learning and Growing
Congratulations on embarking on the path to becoming a self-taught graphic designer! Remember, the design industry is ever-evolving. Stay curious, continuously learn, stay updated on tools and processes, and foster connections within the graphic design community. Your journey is a dynamic, ongoing process β keep refining your skills and building meaningful connections with your peers. Youβve got this!
Answering Common Queries on Self-Taught Graphic Design
Can I learn graphic design by myself?
Absolutely! A wealth of free resources is available online, enabling aspiring designers to teach themselves graphic design.
How long does it take to become a self-taught graphic designer?
The timeframe varies based on individual dedication and practice. Consistent effort and practice are key to accelerating your journey.
How do I train myself to be a graphic designer?
Engage in online courses, practice with design tools, build a portfolio, seek feedback, and actively participate in the graphic design community to hone your skills.
Can you learn graphic design from home?
Yes, graphic design can be learned from the comfort of your home using online courses, tutorials, and design projects.
