A Beginner’s Guide to Launch Your Graphic Design Career
Soooo you want to be a graphic designer……..
Starting a career in graphic design is an exciting journey filled with creativity, learning, and endless possibilities.
Whether you’ve always had a passion for design or recently discovered an interest, stepping into the world of graphic design can be both rewarding and challenging.
This Article will walk you through the essential steps to get started as a Designer from honing your skills to preparing your First Portfolio
What does graphic design even means ??
Before diving in, it’s important to understand what graphic design is and what Graphic Designer Actually Do
“At its core, graphic design is the art of communicating ideas and messages through visual content. This can include everything from logos and branding to websites, advertising, and packaging”
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A good graphic designer not only knows how to create visually appealing designs but also understands how to convey the right message to the intended audience.
Graphic design is more than just making things look pretty it’s helps to solve problems in creative ways. As a graphic designer, you’ll need to think critically about how to use color, typography, layout, and imagery to achieve specific goals to the intended audience.
Now let’s see how to get Started in the Field of Graphic Design and a Complete Novice.
1. Start from the basics, ALWAYS……
If you’re new to graphic design, it’s essential to start with the basics.
Familiarize yourself with the fundamental principles of design, such as balance, contrast, alignment and most importantly keep going through these topics till it becomes a part of your core memory.
Understanding these concepts will make you a better Designer and can help you to create cohesive and effective designs. The more you Practice the better you get at Designing
2. Learn color theory.
This is one of the important aspect which is easily missed by most designers, A proper color combination in your composition can elevate your designs and make it stand out among your peers/competition .
Colors evoke emotions and can influence how your designs are perceived. Learn how to create color schemes that work well together and how to use color to enhance your designs.
Understanding Color Theory, Color Harmony & Color Psychology can make you a better Designer.
3. Learn typography
Typography is another crucial aspect of graphic design.
If you can get a good grip on Typography you can create the entire designs bases on typography and ignore most other design elements which can make your Designs very unique to look at Fonts can greatly impact the readability and tone of your design.
Study different types of fonts, how they are used, and the importance of hierarchy in typography.
4. Get started with Photoshop/Illustrator
Once you have a basic understanding of how colors and typography impact your visual storytelling you are almost there (ALMOST)…
Next step is to start playing with your design on a suitable Design software. Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard with programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign you can create almost all types of Designs you see on Behance, Dribbble, Pinterest, Instagram etc
5. Practice, practice & more practice
Like any other craft, graphic design requires practice. The more revised versions you create of your Designs the better you’ll get. You can get hands-on experience by working on personal projects, redesigning existing brands, creating posters and flyers for events.
This not only helps you practice but also allows you to build a portfolio of work.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques. Graphic design is a vast field, and there’s always something new to learn.
Try your hand at various types of design work, from digital illustrations to web design, to find what you enjoy the most.
It’s also helpful to get feedback on your work. Join online communities, such as Behance or Dribbble, where you can share your designs and receive constructive criticism from other designers.
You can also join Reddit and discord communities to engage in feedback/criticism sessions on your Designs.
Learning from others is a crucial part of the growth process.
7. How to build a portfolio, just keep filling up with all the work you have when you are just getting started…
It’s as simple as the Headline reads. Your portfolio is your most important tool as a graphic designer. It showcases your skills, style, and the type of work you’re capable of producing. A strong portfolio can make the difference between getting hired and being overlooked.
Once you have 8-10 pieces, refine the work, rearrange the projects from your best work to not so good projects. At least 6-8 projects needs to be in your portfolio when you are just starting out as a graphic designer
It’s better to have a few high-quality pieces than a large collection of mediocre designs. Make sure to include a variety of projects that demonstrate your versatility and ability to solve different design challenges.
Keep learning and growing
Graphic design is a field where there’s always more to learn. Whether it’s mastering a new design tool, learning a different design style, or staying updated with the latest trends, continuous learning is key to improvement
Consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or even pursuing a degree in graphic design if you’re serious about advancing your career. The more knowledge and skills you acquire, the more versatile and valuable you become as a designer.
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Experiment with new ideas, challenge yourself with difficult projects, and keep pushing your creative boundaries. The best designers are those who are constantly growing and evolving.
Finally, don’t get discouraged by rejection. Finding New clients or a job can be tough, but persistence is key. Keep refining your portfolio, applying for positions, and networking with other designers. The right opportunity will come with time.
See you in the next one……✌️
