5 answers
Autumn
Student
Ephrata, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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How do I start computer design?
How do I start computer design?
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5 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
902
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Autumn!
Good question! Starting with computer design is an exciting journey. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Choose Your Area of Interest: Computer design is a broad field that includes graphic design, web design, UI/UX design, 3D modeling, and more. Decide which area you're most interested in.
2. Learn the Basics: Begin with the fundamentals of design. Understand basic design principles like color theory, typography, layout, and composition. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer excellent courses.
3. Get Familiar with Design Software:
- Graphic Design: Learn software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or CorelDRAW.
- Web Design: Get to know HTML, CSS, and tools like Adobe XD, Figma, or Sketch.
- 3D Modeling: Explore software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max.
4. Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll get. Start with small projects, such as designing logos, creating website mockups, or building simple 3D models.
5. Build a Portfolio: As you create designs, compile your best work into a portfolio. This can be a website or a PDF document showcasing your skills and projects.
6. Join Design Communities: Engage with online design communities on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Reddit. These communities offer inspiration, feedback, and networking opportunities.
7. Seek Feedback: Share your work with others and ask for constructive feedback. This will help you improve and grow as a designer.
8. Stay Updated: Design trends and tools are constantly evolving. Follow design blogs, attend webinars, and participate in workshops to stay current.
9. Experiment and Have Fun: Don't be afraid to try new techniques and styles. Experimentation is key to finding your unique design voice.
Remember, becoming proficient in computer design takes time and dedication. Enjoy the learning process and keep pushing your creative boundaries.
Best wishes!
Good question! Starting with computer design is an exciting journey. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Choose Your Area of Interest: Computer design is a broad field that includes graphic design, web design, UI/UX design, 3D modeling, and more. Decide which area you're most interested in.
2. Learn the Basics: Begin with the fundamentals of design. Understand basic design principles like color theory, typography, layout, and composition. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer excellent courses.
3. Get Familiar with Design Software:
- Graphic Design: Learn software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or CorelDRAW.
- Web Design: Get to know HTML, CSS, and tools like Adobe XD, Figma, or Sketch.
- 3D Modeling: Explore software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max.
4. Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll get. Start with small projects, such as designing logos, creating website mockups, or building simple 3D models.
5. Build a Portfolio: As you create designs, compile your best work into a portfolio. This can be a website or a PDF document showcasing your skills and projects.
6. Join Design Communities: Engage with online design communities on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Reddit. These communities offer inspiration, feedback, and networking opportunities.
7. Seek Feedback: Share your work with others and ask for constructive feedback. This will help you improve and grow as a designer.
8. Stay Updated: Design trends and tools are constantly evolving. Follow design blogs, attend webinars, and participate in workshops to stay current.
9. Experiment and Have Fun: Don't be afraid to try new techniques and styles. Experimentation is key to finding your unique design voice.
Remember, becoming proficient in computer design takes time and dedication. Enjoy the learning process and keep pushing your creative boundaries.
Best wishes!
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1772
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Autumn becoming a computer designer often requires you to meet particular qualifications. If you're interested in pursuing a career as a computer designer, check out the following steps below:
1️⃣ EARN AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
The minimum education requirement for a computer design is a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. These degree programs typically take about 4-years to complete. You may consider earning a degree in computer science, computer engineer or information technology. The coursework included in these programs prepares you with the technical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this career.
Computer science and computer engineering programs both cover topics related to developing and integrating computer hardware and software. Computer science is often a broad discipline that teaches you about various computing topics, including programming, data analysis and computer architecture. A computer engineering degree program often offers you more practical experience in designing and building electronics and other components related to computer systems. Computer designers can focus on various aspects of design, so consider your interests and skills when choosing a degree program.
2️⃣ GAIN RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
During your degree program, you can seek opportunities to gain experience in this field by pursuing internships. An internship enables you to apply what you've learned at school in the real world, often while working under the direction and supervision of experienced professionals. Gaining familiarity with the day-to-day tasks and operations of these organizations can prepare you for working in this field. You can find internships during the school year or summer with varying application requirements and program lengths. Use online job boards or your school's career services center to identify these opportunities.
Beyond practicing and developing your technical skills, internships also help you build connections within the industry. If you perform well and impress your internship supervisor, it could potentially lead to future full-time job opportunities. Maintain relationships with the people you meet during your internships, as they can connect you to other job opportunities in the future or offer helpful career advice. Your internship can also help you assess your interest in this career or particular work environment.
3️⃣ EARN PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Some employers prefer candidates who hold relevant professional certifications, and you can research job openings to assess what's popular in your field. You can find certifications related to specific programming languages, software or hardware and skills. Gaining these certifications helps show your expertise as a computer designer and proves that your skills and knowledge are up to date with the latest trends or industry standards. Research job openings or speak with your professional connections to understand which certifications can benefit your career. You can pursue certification at any point in your career and may need to update your certifications regularly according to their requirements. Because technology changes rapidly, maintain awareness of the tools or skills used in your industry to help you identify beneficial training and certification opportunities. Some examples of relevant certifications for computer designers may include:
• COMPTIA A+
• COMPTIA SERVER+
• CISCO CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL
Hope this was helpful Autumn
1️⃣ EARN AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
The minimum education requirement for a computer design is a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. These degree programs typically take about 4-years to complete. You may consider earning a degree in computer science, computer engineer or information technology. The coursework included in these programs prepares you with the technical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this career.
Computer science and computer engineering programs both cover topics related to developing and integrating computer hardware and software. Computer science is often a broad discipline that teaches you about various computing topics, including programming, data analysis and computer architecture. A computer engineering degree program often offers you more practical experience in designing and building electronics and other components related to computer systems. Computer designers can focus on various aspects of design, so consider your interests and skills when choosing a degree program.
2️⃣ GAIN RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
During your degree program, you can seek opportunities to gain experience in this field by pursuing internships. An internship enables you to apply what you've learned at school in the real world, often while working under the direction and supervision of experienced professionals. Gaining familiarity with the day-to-day tasks and operations of these organizations can prepare you for working in this field. You can find internships during the school year or summer with varying application requirements and program lengths. Use online job boards or your school's career services center to identify these opportunities.
Beyond practicing and developing your technical skills, internships also help you build connections within the industry. If you perform well and impress your internship supervisor, it could potentially lead to future full-time job opportunities. Maintain relationships with the people you meet during your internships, as they can connect you to other job opportunities in the future or offer helpful career advice. Your internship can also help you assess your interest in this career or particular work environment.
3️⃣ EARN PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Some employers prefer candidates who hold relevant professional certifications, and you can research job openings to assess what's popular in your field. You can find certifications related to specific programming languages, software or hardware and skills. Gaining these certifications helps show your expertise as a computer designer and proves that your skills and knowledge are up to date with the latest trends or industry standards. Research job openings or speak with your professional connections to understand which certifications can benefit your career. You can pursue certification at any point in your career and may need to update your certifications regularly according to their requirements. Because technology changes rapidly, maintain awareness of the tools or skills used in your industry to help you identify beneficial training and certification opportunities. Some examples of relevant certifications for computer designers may include:
• COMPTIA A+
• COMPTIA SERVER+
• CISCO CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL
Hope this was helpful Autumn
Thank You Gishan. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
Doc Frick
Brijina M
Designer
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Brijina’s Answer
Start by choosing a focus: hardware (electronics, circuits, PCB design), software (coding, algorithms, UI/UX), or digital design (graphics, 3D modeling). Learn relevant tools, practice projects, and explore online courses to build skills.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1326
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Autumn,
So you want to dive into computer design? Nice! You’re about to embark on a journey where you’ll make pixels dance to your tune and create something that looks like it belongs in a futuristic movie. Here’s how you can get started becaus ei am sure it helps, good luck before hands too.
Step 1: Know Your Tools (The “Magic Wands” of the Design World)
First thing’s first—you’ll need to know the tools of the trade. The most common ones are:
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)—the fancy, grown-up toys of graphic design.
Sketch or Figma—where most web designers get their groove on.
Canva—If you’re just starting out and want something easy, it’s like the training wheels of design.
Pick one or two of these, and start exploring. It’s like picking your favorite flavor of ice cream—you can always switch later, but get comfortable with one first.
Step 2: Understand the Basics (Don’t Skip Class!)
You don’t need to be a super genius to design, but there are a few principles to keep in mind:
Composition: Where things go on your screen matters. You don’t want your elements to be like that one friend who doesn’t know how to walk without bumping into stuff.
Typography: Fonts are your friends—pick the right ones so they don’t start an ugly argument with each other.
Color Theory: You’ll want to learn the basics—red means stop, green means go, and your design should look good without looking like a clown car.
Step 3: Practice, Practice, Practice (It’s Like Playing the Guitar)
You won’t get good at computer design by just reading about it. You need to create! Start by making simple designs—logos, posters, or social media posts. The more you practice, the better you’ll get, and before you know it, you’ll be a design ninja.
Step 4: Get Inspiration (Don’t Copy, Just Steal Ideas) artists take references to build their image and programmers codes and animators animations so yes you could tooo.
Look at what others are doing. Check out design blogs, websites, and Instagram pages for inspiration. But remember, don’t just copy-paste stuff—that’s like trying to wear someone else’s shoes and wondering why they don’t fit. Make it your own!
Step 5: Show Off Your Work Time to Shine!
Once you’ve created a design or two (or twenty), don’t hide them under a rock. Show them to your friends, family, or the world! Put your designs on Behance, Dribbble, or just share them on social media. Feedback is crucial, and it helps you grow.
Computer design is all about being creative, experimenting, and learning from mistakes. It’s like trying to bake a cake—sometimes it’s going to look like a hot mess, but eventually, you’ll end up with something delicious. So get your hands dirty, have fun with it, and let those pixels fly, wonder if they can fly, whatever, good luck pal.
So you want to dive into computer design? Nice! You’re about to embark on a journey where you’ll make pixels dance to your tune and create something that looks like it belongs in a futuristic movie. Here’s how you can get started becaus ei am sure it helps, good luck before hands too.
Step 1: Know Your Tools (The “Magic Wands” of the Design World)
First thing’s first—you’ll need to know the tools of the trade. The most common ones are:
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)—the fancy, grown-up toys of graphic design.
Sketch or Figma—where most web designers get their groove on.
Canva—If you’re just starting out and want something easy, it’s like the training wheels of design.
Pick one or two of these, and start exploring. It’s like picking your favorite flavor of ice cream—you can always switch later, but get comfortable with one first.
Step 2: Understand the Basics (Don’t Skip Class!)
You don’t need to be a super genius to design, but there are a few principles to keep in mind:
Composition: Where things go on your screen matters. You don’t want your elements to be like that one friend who doesn’t know how to walk without bumping into stuff.
Typography: Fonts are your friends—pick the right ones so they don’t start an ugly argument with each other.
Color Theory: You’ll want to learn the basics—red means stop, green means go, and your design should look good without looking like a clown car.
Step 3: Practice, Practice, Practice (It’s Like Playing the Guitar)
You won’t get good at computer design by just reading about it. You need to create! Start by making simple designs—logos, posters, or social media posts. The more you practice, the better you’ll get, and before you know it, you’ll be a design ninja.
Step 4: Get Inspiration (Don’t Copy, Just Steal Ideas) artists take references to build their image and programmers codes and animators animations so yes you could tooo.
Look at what others are doing. Check out design blogs, websites, and Instagram pages for inspiration. But remember, don’t just copy-paste stuff—that’s like trying to wear someone else’s shoes and wondering why they don’t fit. Make it your own!
Step 5: Show Off Your Work Time to Shine!
Once you’ve created a design or two (or twenty), don’t hide them under a rock. Show them to your friends, family, or the world! Put your designs on Behance, Dribbble, or just share them on social media. Feedback is crucial, and it helps you grow.
Computer design is all about being creative, experimenting, and learning from mistakes. It’s like trying to bake a cake—sometimes it’s going to look like a hot mess, but eventually, you’ll end up with something delicious. So get your hands dirty, have fun with it, and let those pixels fly, wonder if they can fly, whatever, good luck pal.
Gishan Ali
8
Answers
Clifton, New Jersey
Updated
Gishan’s Answer
Hello Autumn,
To start computer design, you need to first ask yourself do you find it enjoyable. If that is a yes, then you should go for it, and it is a lot of fun. Graphic Design is a good career to pursue in your future, as it involves a lot of design using a computer, tablet, or any electronic device. You can design anything from flyers, animations, posters, or anything you want to. You just need a creative mind!!
Hope this helps,
Gishan
To start computer design, you need to first ask yourself do you find it enjoyable. If that is a yes, then you should go for it, and it is a lot of fun. Graphic Design is a good career to pursue in your future, as it involves a lot of design using a computer, tablet, or any electronic device. You can design anything from flyers, animations, posters, or anything you want to. You just need a creative mind!!
Hope this helps,
Gishan