The 5 most important things you need to become a successful graphic designer

A graphic designer is a person who combines colors, images, fonts, and text to create unique visual images that convey information about companies, brands, or events. These images are made either by hand or using computer-based tools online, and they are usually easy to remember, find, and read.

Graphic designers can work for a company or on their own. Many industries use graphic designers, especially for creating logos, advertisements, marketing campaigns, social media account designs, and even for helping to design websites or develop applications.

The primary responsibility of a graphic designer is to create visually appealing images representing a brand or company. 

Graphic designers who primarily work with digital and online media can produce websites, logos, digital products such as e-books or PDF files, online ads, video illustrations, images for Pinterest or Facebook, and more. Graphic designers who work with printed media can also create logos and produce brochures, newsletters, or magazine images and covers.

Although you may specialize in either print or online graphic design, there is an overlap between the two, and you will find yourself more marketable if you can work with both. This can be especially useful if you want to work as a freelance graphic designer.

In addition to creating unique visual images, graphic designers must also be able to:

• Communicate effectively with clients.
• Meet deadlines.
• Review designs to meet client expectations.
• Work with clients, art directors, and others to exchange and develop ideas.
• Use strategy and various software programs.
• Stay up-to-date on graphic design trends.

While you will spend most of your time as a graphic designer creating designs and utilizing your artistic skills, you must work directly with clients and other team members to produce high-quality images and products. If you are introverted, developing your communication and design skills is essential to excel in your job.

If you want to become a graphic designer, there are several ways to acquire the necessary skills. You can attend a graphic design school, teach yourself through online courses or get on-the-job training through an apprenticeship in a specialized company. You can also do a significant amount of self-study and practice, teaching yourself how to use the standard tools and software you will need as a graphic designer.

Education

The best way to become a graphic designer is to go to a specialized school in graphic design. You can do this through a four-year university or a two-year institute. Some high schools also offer courses in graphic design that you can take advantage of if you are still in high school.

If you cannot afford the cost of a traditional college or university or to attend one, there are many online options you can choose from. You can search on platforms like Skillshare or Udemy, look for online programs offered by institutions that are four years long or watch educational programs on YouTube.

Regardless of the school or educational system you choose, make sure you learn the graphic design skills you need for the industry you prefer to work in. What you need to work in online media may differ from what you need in publishing.

Graphic Design Tools

To work as a graphic designer, you must know how to use the Adobe Creative Cloud suite design software and products like the Apple Pencil. You will also need a reliable computer or tablet, a Wi-Fi network, and knowledge of how to find images and fonts and use color formats. It is also helpful to have a basic understanding of programming languages.

If you work in a traditional job, you may be asked to know how to use other software or equipment, but if you work for yourself, you have more independence in what you choose. You can use web-based programs like Canva or PicMonkey to learn graphic design basics if you have just started.

Experience

If you went to school or received formal training, gaining experience as a graphic designer will be easier. The courses and training should teach you how to create various types of images in multiple media. This may include logos, book covers, infographics, or business cards.

You can also get on-the-job training that provides direct practical experience in graphic design for clients. This training may lead to a job, the career resource center at your school may help you find a job after graduation, or your teachers may also have relationships from which you can benefit.

Acquiring Experience Without a Degree

Suppose you're a beginner in graphic design. In that case, you may need to put in extra effort to build up significant experience, and the first step is to master design software online, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Once you can create basic logos and other designs, consider offering your services on sites like Fiverr or contacting business-owner friends to see if you can do some design work for them for free or at a reduced cost.

You can also use some of your projects to build up your graphic design portfolio; for example, if you have a blog, design infographics or Instagram images, or update your logo.

There are many places and opportunities to build your skills and graphic design portfolio, even if you still need to get a university degree. Remember to market yourself to your network and look for even the slightest opportunity to practice your skills and promote your skills on social media, especially on LinkedIn.

Build your own Previous Business:

Whether you have formal training or are self-taught, you will need a previous business and a CV to showcase your work. Your portfolio will give potential clients or employers an idea of your ability to design attractive, innovative, and unique visuals.

While you can use a traditional resume (CV), a website is a better way to show what you've accomplished. You can easily create one using the drag-and-drop tools on Wix. All you need to get started is the domain name and website host. You may depend on free hosting. If you can't afford it now, there are free platforms you can use till you can buy a self-hosted site.

Even if you have a great interest in design, you may need something other than working as a graphic designer. You may find it too dull or that your talents are better suited for something like photography or interior design. But before giving up on pursuing graphic design as a career, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I want to help companies and brands develop their image?
• Can I be versatile or do what I want to specialize in one type of design?
• Can I create attractive, appealing, and unique photos?
• Can I adapt to different design software and learn how to use them?
• Am I flexible and willing to adjust my work to meet clients' requirements?

These questions are just a starting point to determine if a career in graphic design is right for you. You can try free tools to see if you have a talent for it, and you can share your work on social media or with your friends to see what they think.

You can also make graphic design a side hustle if you still love your current job, allowing you to work on projects you care about without making it a full-time task.

You can start graphic design with a formal education. Otherwise, you can be completely self-made. In other words, you can learn graphic design on your own. Although starting your career with a degree is more straightforward, you can still train yourself in graphic design, find clients, and earn a living.

Is graphic design a suitable profession for you?

Suppose you have a talent for graphic design and enjoy designing logos, book covers, social media posts, or downloadable PDF files while helping companies convey their messages and branding. In that case, you may be interested in working in this field. It also helps to have the ability to quickly learn design software, meet deadlines, and communicate with clients.

How do I start a graphic design project?

There are several steps to follow when starting a graphic design project, which is as follows:

1. Define the goal: Before starting any graphic design project, determine its purpose and what you want to achieve. The plan could be attracting customers, marketing products, or directing users to your web pages.
2. Gather information: Once the goal is determined, you must gather the necessary information to achieve it. Statistics, studies, and other research can be used to collect the required information.
3. Analyze competitors: You must review the work done by other competitors in the same field to find out what is best and how you can improve your project.
4. Initial design: After gathering information and analyzing competitors, you should start working on the initial setup. You can use hand drawing or various computer programs to do this.
5. Modification and improvement: After completing the initial design, you should review it and make any modifications or improvements to enhance it.
6. Delivery: After completing the final design, you should deliver the project to the client or publish it online.

What is a graphic design study?

Graphic design study is a discipline that aims to train students in designing graphics, images, and text used in commercial and marketing communications. Vivid design study includes learning to create logos, visual identities, advertising, website design, and digital design, providing many different applications.

Is graphic design a profitable field?

Yes, graphic design is generally considered a profitable field, as many companies and organizations require graphic design for various purposes, such as promoting products and services, designing websites and digital applications, advertising materials, reports, and studies. Graphic design is also an essential element of corporate and brand visual identity, crucial in attracting customers and building trust and engagement with the audience.

How long does it take to learn graphic design?

It is impossible to specify a specific duration for learning graphic design, as this depends on several factors, such as the individual's interest, talent, basic skills in artistic creation and drawing, and dedication and diligence in learning and training.

Where do I start learning graphic design?

• Online graphic design tutorials: You can search for free and paid visual design tutorials online and follow them.
• Learning through books: You can obtain educational books on graphic design from libraries or the internet and learn from them.
• Training courses: You can enroll in specialized graphic design courses in educational centers or online.
• Watching online videos: You can watch videos on websites like YouTube and Vimeo to learn graphic design.
• Joining visual design communities: You can join graphic design groups on social media, interact with professionals, and exchange experiences and knowledge.
• Utilizing specialized graphic design software: You should learn to use graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and others.

What are the programs used in graphic design?

• Adobe Photoshop: A program specialized in image editing and creating graphic designs.
• Adobe Illustrator: A program designed for drawing logos, signs, charts, and mind maps.
• Adobe InDesign: A program designed for designing brochures, magazines, and e-books.
• CorelDRAW: A program used to create logos, charts, brochures, and advertisements.
• Sketch: A program designed for user interface design and digital design.
• Affinity Designer: A program for creating logos, charts, advertisements, and digital designs.

What is the difference between Photoshop and graphic design?

Adobe Photoshop is designed to edit and modify photos, digital images, and animations. In contrast, graphic design is designing and creating visual elements, graphics, and shapes used in various projects, such as logo design, brochures, TV commercials, educational materials, and pamphlets.

What are the uses of graphic design?

• Advertising design: This is used in designing logos, brochures, posters, TV commercials, and online ads.
• Product graphic design: Graphics are used in designing product packaging and interior and exterior designs of retail stores and restaurants.
• Educational design: Graphics are used in designing educational materials, pamphlets, lessons, and curricula.
• Media design: Can be used in designing newspapers, magazines, books, and news websites.
• Industrial design is used in designing industrial products and architectural and engineering structures.
• Digital design is used in designing websites, digital applications, and electronic games.