Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Learn the basics
• Method 2 of 2: Develop your own style
• Tips

Graphic design is found everywhere in today's world - from websites to application interfaces, to product packaging, the talented hand of the graphic designer is ubiquitous. This can be a rewarding, challenging career for a designer. Here are some ideas to get you started.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Learn the basics

1. Choose a graphic design area. Before you can call yourself a graphic designer, you will have to make a number of decisions.For example, are you interested in advertising, web development, multimedia (eg television), print or animation? All of them can be considered as different forms of graphic design. Limit your attention to a field that attracts you.
   • Although graphic design is basically the same whether you want to create print or online, there are differences in resolution, color space and other variables that are specific to the medium you want to focus on. While you can certainly do both, it's better to focus on one to start with.
2. Gather your tools. The standard graphic design software is Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator (If you plan on going all out, the full Adobe Creative Suite includes Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Premiere, Photoshop, InDesign and After Effects). Although both applications are designed for immediate use, they are full of possibilities and require a lot of time and effort to master.
   • These programs are by no means cheap. Start with free alternatives such as Gimp, Scribus, Inkscape, and Pixlr to play around with first. Then you can at least learn the tricks of the trade before you decide to spend a lot of money on the real thing.
3. Purchase textbooks. Focus on books that teach you the fundamentals of design, and study on them as if you were taking a course. Instead of a diploma, your reward will be a career that you still dream of today.
4. Take a course in graphic design. Not necessarily to become an expert in programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator, but to learn how to use these valuable tools, along with developing a sense of design so that you can make it your profession.
5. Get out of hiding. Practicing at home is a great and safe way to learn the ropes, but eventually you'll have to step out and put yourself down so you can get feedback. This can be a bit painful at first, but it is certainly rewarding. Don't let your ego get in your way and take the tips to heart; you will be able to benefit enormously from it later. In addition, it is good to see what other designers are doing, so that you are introduced to more than one or two styles.
   • As with any business, networking is important to a graphic designer, especially if you are going to work freelance. Make friends, maintain contacts, be eager to learn and who knows, you might get assignments too.
6. Continue to study. Are you really interested in graphic design? Then consider studying in that area. An academic environment can be very inspiring and networking with other people in your field is always a good thing. On top of that, many companies don't even want to hire a graphic designer without proof that they are skilled. Consider the following options:
   • If you want a degree that shows you are skilled, but you don't have much time or money, try getting an associate degree. This is usually a two-year program and you can follow various HBO courses. The emphasis is more on learning computer skills than design, but it's a good place to start.
   • If you want to pursue an education with a little more weight, try getting a bachelor's degree. This is usually a four-year study at a college or university. In addition to the necessary computer skills, you will also learn more about art and design.
     • Not 100% sure that graphic design is going to be your career path? Then go for a Bachelor of Arts, but not a Bachelor of fine Doctor. While they are both excellent for this type of work, a B.A. less specialist than a B.F.A., and makes it easier for you to switch to a completely different specialization, should you discover that this study is not what you are looking for.
   • If you already have a B.A. or B.S., do an additional study in graphic design. This makes it possible for you to receive certificates, certificates or a second bachelor's degree.
   • If you are determined to become a graphic designer, get a university masters. For that you first need a bachelor's degree. Also consider a study in a business field, if you want to work as a freelancer.

Method 2 of 2: Develop your own style

1. Do what you love to do. If you are fascinated by decorative designs with baroque letters and bright colors, focus on that. If you like that style, develop a feel for those types of designs. If you are passionate about the clean, balanced line with simple color schemes and powerful graphics, make it your own.
2. Read books on graphic design. They can be very helpful and speed up the learning process.
3. Learn from the masters. Search for and devour the best in design in newspapers, magazines, the Internet and everywhere you come across graphic design (hint: graphic design is everywhere you look)
   • Don't limit yourself to what is generally considered “graphic design,” but expand into other fields, such as those of industrial designers Joey Roth or Makota Makita & Hiroshi Tsuzaki; or architects like Santiago Calatrava or Frank Gehry. Get inspiration from this and feed your own creativity.
   • Don't just look at the obvious places. Packaging is one of the most important parts of the printing industry. Also check out fashion websites, bookstores, music labels, or even product design packaging.
4. Learn about fonts. People who like to deal with typography are of a completely different kind. They can be terribly concerned about how a book is printed, criticize street signs, and scrutinize movie credits. They have a serious opinion about serifs. They make fun of your Comic Sans. A good graphic designer must understand the importance of typeface (typeface), leading (line spacing), kerning (overhang), and everything else to do with creating effective, beautiful text.
5. Develop your own style. You want people to be able to recognize that it is your work when they see a design of yours. The more you know, the faster it will run.
6. Collect interesting designs. Whether it is a T-shirt, pamphlet, label, postcard or poster; collect anything that you can find that inspires you and that affects you. Study them and write down what you like and don't like about them, and save them so you can use this material as a reference should you get stuck in a project.
7. Never throw away your work. Even if you hate something, accept and keep it. When you feel ready, take a fresh look at your work. What's good about it? What absolutely not? How much has your style improved? It may even inspire you to redo some of your past projects and turn them into masterpieces.
8. Create a new design based on someone else's work. Do you see a terrible design somewhere? Take a photo of it or keep a copy and rework it just for fun. Do you see a fantastic design? Even better! Challenge yourself to add something that the original artist overlooked. Just as an aspiring musician studies the work of the great masters and learns what they have learned, engaging with the work of other designers can really help you understand what it is that makes a design the way it is and why.
9. Create a portfolio. In addition to just needing one, if you ever want to get a job in your field, putting together a portfolio also challenges you to take a critical look at your own work. Which workpieces are the best and why? Which are not really special? Is there a theme - and if so, can you show it in your portfolio? If you work digitally, showcase your design portfolio on your website.

Tips

• Always remember that there is no better software than your own creativity.
• Don't be afraid to be different: explore new, refreshing ideas and interpret existing styles (especially if you have studied the basic design principles).
• Make use of different types of software. Make sure you are familiar with those programs!
• There is no design that everyone likes, so research what your target audience finds attractive. 75% of the design consists of research.
• Don't be a hermit, locked in your design studio. Get out there and mingle with the group of local graphic designers and contribute to what is important in your area, while at the same time building your style and skills. For example, if you have a favorite band, charity or political party - ask if you can make a poster for them.