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What does it take to become a graphic designer?
I go to burton and wants to know more. #graphic-design
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Erin’s Answer
Hi Cameron,
That depends on what you mean by Graphic Designer. Are you looking for work at a corporation as a Graphic Designer? Do you want to do freelance work? Do you want to focus on an area, like printed materials, or are you looking to cover a broader range that might include UX/UI design?
As for what it takes, a genuine drive and passion to design certainly helps. Check out job postings for Graphic Designers and pay attention to the programs they want you to know. Learn those programs, or at least a couple of them. The Adobe Suite (particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign) is always a good set of programs to know. Some public library accounts will grant you access to LinkedIn Learning, which has tons of self-paced courses for the Adobe Suite as well as for other programs and skills.
Make a portfolio site - doesn't matter if it's work you did for a client or work you made specifically for the portfolio - and practice presenting it.
I recommend branching out into UX/UI if you can, as well as motion graphics - those are in high demand right now.
If you're just getting started, one more thing - your graphics chops might get you in the door at administrative jobs because you have an edge other applicants lack. This is especially true for small businesses. Then, you can work on graphics projects and add to your skillset while you continue to build your portfolio.
Review Graphic Designer job postings and learn the programs they need you to know.
Build a portfolio site and practice presenting.
That depends on what you mean by Graphic Designer. Are you looking for work at a corporation as a Graphic Designer? Do you want to do freelance work? Do you want to focus on an area, like printed materials, or are you looking to cover a broader range that might include UX/UI design?
As for what it takes, a genuine drive and passion to design certainly helps. Check out job postings for Graphic Designers and pay attention to the programs they want you to know. Learn those programs, or at least a couple of them. The Adobe Suite (particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign) is always a good set of programs to know. Some public library accounts will grant you access to LinkedIn Learning, which has tons of self-paced courses for the Adobe Suite as well as for other programs and skills.
Make a portfolio site - doesn't matter if it's work you did for a client or work you made specifically for the portfolio - and practice presenting it.
I recommend branching out into UX/UI if you can, as well as motion graphics - those are in high demand right now.
If you're just getting started, one more thing - your graphics chops might get you in the door at administrative jobs because you have an edge other applicants lack. This is especially true for small businesses. Then, you can work on graphics projects and add to your skillset while you continue to build your portfolio.
Erin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
If you're studying in college/university, DON'T work hard to get a diploma or a degree. It doesn't always land you in employment at anywhere in the creative/arts industry.
Instead, just discover the works of every talent in graphic design. Look out for tools, techniques and styles to try and experiment with. Come up with ways of creating and recreating your artistic voice. Create your your own website that features more of your personal projects than your academic projects. And furthermore, sign up for an online freelance service (e.g. Fiverr) to lend your skills on other people's projects.
Instead, just discover the works of every talent in graphic design. Look out for tools, techniques and styles to try and experiment with. Come up with ways of creating and recreating your artistic voice. Create your your own website that features more of your personal projects than your academic projects. And furthermore, sign up for an online freelance service (e.g. Fiverr) to lend your skills on other people's projects.