You\u2019ve got questions, and we\u2019re here to answer them. In this guide, we lay out exactly what you need to become a graphic designer\u2014including practical steps you can follow to make it happen. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
- \r\n \t
- 1) What does a graphic designer do? <\/a><\/li>\r\n
- 2) Why become a graphic designer? <\/a><\/li>\r\n
- 3) What skills and qualifications do you need to be a graphic designer? <\/a>\r\n
- What skills and tools do you need to learn? <\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
- What qualifications do you need? Is it possible to become a graphic designer without a degree? <\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Is it possible to transition to graphic design from an unrelated field?\r\n<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>\r\n\r\n
- 4) How to become a graphic designer (5-step guide) <\/a>\r\n
- Learn graphic design theory and fundamentals\r\n <\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Take a graphic design course <\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Learn industry tools<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Apply your budding graphic design skills to real projects<\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Build your graphic design portfolio<\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n<\/ul><\/li>\r\n\r\n
- 5) What next? Entering the graphic design job market\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/ul>\r\n
Before you make any moves toward becoming a graphic designer, it\u2019s important to understand what a graphic designer does. This will give you crucial insight into what skills you need to learn and why. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
So let\u2019s begin by exploring what the role of a graphic designer entails. <\/p>\r\n
What does a graphic designer do?<\/h2>\r\n
You likely already know that graphic design<\/a> is a creative, artistic discipline. But graphic designers don\u2019t create art for art\u2019s sake; they design with the goal of bringing a concept to life, communicating an idea or a message, and connecting with a particular target audience. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
As such, graphic designers are experts in visual communication. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The exact role of a graphic designer depends on their industry or niche. There are many different types of graphic design\u2014branding and visual identity, graphic design for marketing, digital design, editorial and print, and packaging design, to name a few. Each requires its own unique skills, tools, and processes. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite these variations, all graphic designers use the same basic elements (shapes, lines, colour, type, and so on) and adhere to the same fundamental principles (balance, contrast, proportion, etc). They also all follow some version of the graphic design process, which includes:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\nDefining project briefs, usually in collaboration with clients and key stakeholders.<\/li>\r\n
- Conducting research to understand the market and the target audience, and to gather inspiration.<\/li>\r\n
- Brainstorming ideas, fine-tuning the concept, and pitching ideas for early feedback.<\/li>\r\n
- Designing the final deliverable(s).<\/li>\r\n
- Gathering more client and\/or stakeholder feedback and iterating on designs.<\/li>\r\n
- Implementing feedback, finalising the designs, and handing over the final deliverables. <\/li><\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Within this high-level process, the main tasks of a graphic designer can be broken down as follows:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\nDeveloping design concepts and determining project specifications.<\/li>\r\n
- Pitching ideas to clients and stakeholders, creating mood boards. <\/li>\r\n
- Designing individual assets such as illustrations, icons, and logos.<\/li>\r\n
- Choosing colour palettes and typography.<\/li>\r\n
- Sourcing or shooting photos and videos, sourcing stock images. <\/li><\/ul>\r\n\r\n
That\u2019s the role of a graphic designer in a nutshell. As you can see, graphic designers are collaborative, creative, and detail-oriented. They\u2019re also highly versatile, taking on a broad spectrum of tasks. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now we know what a graphic designer does, let\u2019s consider why this is such an appealing career path. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Why become a graphic designer?<\/h2>\r\n
This is an easy one! There are many compelling reasons why you might choose to become a graphic designer\u2014from high demand and good earning potential, right through to overall job satisfaction. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Here\u2019s why graphic design is a popular career choice:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\nGraphic designers are in demand.<\/strong> According to freelancing platform Upwork<\/a>, graphic design is the most in-demand creative skill for 2023. Generally speaking, the graphic design industry is growing at a steady rate, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics <\/a> projecting a 3% increase in demand for graphic designers between 2021 and 2031. In India, the design industry is growing<\/a> at a rate of 23-25% each year. In short, graphic design represents a secure and stable career path.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Graphic designers make decent money. <\/strong> The average salary for a graphic designer in India ranges from around \u20b93,90,000 (talent.com<\/a>) to \u20b96,50,000 (AmbitionBox<\/a>). In the US, the average graphic designer salary ranges from around $55,490 per year to around $75,000 per year<\/a>. And, as you gain more experience and seniority, your earning potential naturally goes up. In all, graphic design is relatively well-paid. <\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Graphic designers have above-average job satisfaction.<\/strong> In a CareerExplorer <\/a>survey, graphic designers rated their career happiness 3.4 stars out of 5. This is an above-average rating, putting graphic design in the top 39% of careers when it comes to job satisfaction. Not bad!<\/li>\r\n\r\n
- Graphic designers enjoy varied and creative work. <\/strong> As we highlighted in the previous section, graphic designers have plenty of opportunities for creativity. At the same time, the work is highly varied\u2014there\u2019s never a dull day in graphic design! <\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Graphic designers have great flexibility. <\/strong> If you\u2019re keen to work remote, go freelance, or generally pursue a career that\u2019s conducive to a flexible working model, graphic design is an excellent choice. Graphic designers are rarely location-dependent, and it\u2019s not uncommon for graphic designers to work for themselves. <\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Graphic design offers a versatile career path. <\/strong> Once you acquire fundamental graphic design skills, you\u2019ll have access to a whole host of different industries, job titles, and niche roles. Graphic designers can work in digital, print, editorial, branding, marketing\u2026and the list goes on. If you want a varied and versatile career path where you\u2019re not limited or pigeonholed, graphic design will deliver. <\/li><\/ul>\r\n\r\n
Graphic design is, by all accounts, a very attractive career path. So let\u2019s explore what skills and qualifications you\u2019ll need to get started. <\/p>\r\n
![\"Visual](\"https:\/\/www.andacademy.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/inside1-45.webp\" "\\"Visual")
\r\n\r\nWhat skills and qualifications do you need to become a graphic designer?<\/h2>\r\n
To realistically qualify for a graphic design role, you\u2019ll need to learn fundamental graphic design skills, build proficiency in industry tools, and develop a strong portfolio. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Before we show you how to do all of those things, let\u2019s first consider what\u2019s actually necessary for becoming a graphic designer. Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover in this section: <\/p>\r\n
- \r\nWhat skills and tools do you need to learn to become a graphic designer?<\/li>\r\n
- What qualifications do you need? Is it possible to become a graphic designer without a degree?<\/li>\r\n
- Is it possible to transition to graphic design from an unrelated field?<\/li><\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nWhat skills and tools do you need to learn to become a graphic designer?<\/h3>\r\n
Graphic designers require a broad and diverse skill set comprising hard skills, soft skills, and proficiency in industry tools. The top skills employers look for when hiring graphic designers include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
- \r\n
\r\nKnowledge of graphic design principles.<\/strong> These are the golden rules of graphic design, including things like balance, hierarchy, contrast, and repetition.<\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
An understanding of colour theory and colour psychology.<\/strong> Colour plays a critical role in graphic design, helping to develop a strong visual identity and evoke certain emotions in the target audience. <\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
Proficiency in different types of design, spanning both digital and print.<\/strong> If you want a well-rounded graphic design skill set, it\u2019s important to master both digital design skills (such as digital typography, logo design, and web design) and graphic design for print (layout design, typography, printing, and finishing, as well as proficiency in specific tools such as Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress). <\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.andacademy.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Banner-Ads-Student-Work-GIF-Graphic-Design-CTA2.gif\")
<\/a>\r\n\r\nKnowledge of branding. <\/strong> Graphic design and branding go hand-in-hand, so it\u2019s important that you\u2019re able to create a strong brand identity through visual design\u2014and to understand why design matters from a business and branding perspective. <\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
Communication and collaboration.<\/strong> Graphic designers work closely with clients, internal stakeholders, and fellow designers. Strong communication and collaboration skills are required at almost every step in the graphic design process. <\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
Research skills.<\/strong> You\u2019ll need to be adept at conducting competitor research, gathering inspiration for your own designs, and understanding your target audience. <\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
Proficiency in industry software and tools.<\/strong> Employers will have different requirements depending on the nature of the role, but some graphic design staples include illustration software such as Adobe Illustrator<\/a> and CorelDRAW<\/a>, publication and page layout software such as Adobe InDesign<\/a> and Affinity Publisher<\/a>, and photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop<\/a> and Affinity Photo<\/a>. <\/p><\/li><\/ul>\r\n\r\n
For a more in-depth look at the most important skills, refer to this guide: What Skills Does a Graphic Designer Need in 2026? A Complete Guide <\/a><\/p>\r\n
What qualifications do you need to become a graphic designer? Is it possible to become a graphic designer without a degree?<\/h3>\r\n
You don\u2019t need a specific qualification to become a graphic designer\u2014and yes, it is absolutely possible to become a graphic designer without a degree. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
What you do need, however, is a thorough and effective approach to learning graphic design. Most importantly, you need to master the essential practical skills in a way that gives you both the ability and the confidence to work in the field. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
So, while you can rely on self-teaching up to a certain point, you will eventually need some form of expert guidance and a structured learning path\u2014but this doesn\u2019t mean you have to go to university and complete a full graphic design degree. Online courses and bootcamps are created for this very reason: to train job-ready graphic designers without years and years of study or hefty university fees.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Is it possible to transition to graphic design from an unrelated field?<\/h3>\r\n
Yes! It doesn\u2019t matter what field of study or career path you\u2019re coming from. As long as you can learn and demonstrate the most important graphic design skills, you can become a graphic designer. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
With a reputable graphic design course<\/a>, you can train as a graphic designer without any prior knowledge, experience, or qualifications. And, when you consider the graphic designer skill set, you\u2019ll see that many of the essential skills are transferable from other fields\u2014such as communication, collaboration, research, and problem-solving. You\u2019re probably already much closer to becoming a graphic designer than you think. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ultimately, employers in the field are looking at what you\u2019re capable of\u2014not what qualifications you have on paper or what you\u2019ve done before. A degree (or lack thereof) won\u2019t determine your chances of landing a graphic design role, and nor will it matter if you\u2019re coming from an unrelated field. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The most important thing is that you learn the necessary skills and demonstrate them through your graphic design portfolio; all of which you can achieve through a mixture of self-study and a reputable graphic design course. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fortunately, there are many high-quality graphic design courses to choose from. We\u2019ve rounded up the 9 best graphic design courses and certifications here<\/a> \u2014check them out!<\/p>\r\n
![\"Designer](\"https:\/\/www.andacademy.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/inside2-41.webp\" "\\"Designer")
<\/a>\r\n\r\nHow to become a graphic designer: Your 5-step guide<\/h2>\r\n
So how do you go about mastering the essential skills and becoming a job-ready graphic designer? Here\u2019s a 5-step plan to get you started. <\/p>\r\n
- \r\n\r\nLearn graphic design theory and fundamentals<\/li>\r\n
- Take a graphic design course<\/li>\r\n
- Learn industry tools<\/li>\r\n
- Apply your budding graphic design skills to real projects<\/li>\r\n
- Build your graphic design portfolio<\/li><\/ol>\r\n\r\n
Let\u2019s zoom in and show you how to tackle each step. <\/p>\r\n
1. Learn graphic design theory and fundamentals<\/h3>\r\n
The first step is to build a broad foundational knowledge base. Your goal is to learn about the theory underpinning graphic design\u2014including the basic elements of graphic design, and the main principles graphic designers follow, as well as colour theory<\/a>, colour psychology, the role of typography, and visual branding. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Start with self-study, making the most of free resources such as blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts, and free graphic design courses. Here are some to start you off:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\nThe Vital Elements of Good Graphic Design <\/a> by Una Healy Design<\/li>\r\n
- Your Ultimate Guide to the History of Graphic Design<\/a> by Amanda Walgrove<\/li>\r\n
- Colour Theory in Graphic Design: A Brief Guide for Non-Designers<\/a> by Fotor<\/li>\r\n
- Fundamental Graphic Design Principles and How to Apply Them<\/a> podcast hosted by Debbie Millman<\/li>\r\n
- Design Matters<\/a> by AND Academy\r\n<\/li><\/ul>\r\n
2. Take a graphic design course<\/h3>\r\n
If you\u2019re new to graphic design and coming from an unrelated field, a graphic design course will be your gateway to success. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
There are several things you\u2019ll get from a course that you can\u2019t get from self-study: <\/p>\r\n\r\n
- \r\nExpert instruction and mentorship<\/li>\r\n
- A structured, industry-relevant curriculum<\/li>\r\n
- A supportive community of fellow learners<\/li>\r\n
- The chance to apply your skills to practical projects<\/li>\r\n
- Valuable feedback on your work<\/li>\r\n
- Help building your graphic design portfolio<\/li>\r\n
- Guidance when applying for jobs<\/li><\/ul>\r\n\r\n
All of those things are invaluable when it comes to successfully launching a career in graphic design. But bear in mind that not all graphic design courses<\/a> are created equal.<\/p> \r\n\r\n
For the best possible experience, look for a course that has you interacting with and learning from industry experts, working on practical projects, and one that offers career placement support. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
With a reputable, high-quality course, your journey to becoming a graphic designer will be considerably smoother (and probably more enjoyable) than doing it alone.<\/p>\r\n
3. Learn industry tools<\/h3>\r\n
Regardless of whether you\u2019re applying for a junior, mid-level, or senior graphic design role, all employers will be looking for proficiency in certain tools. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
You\u2019ll learn industry-standard tools as part of your graphic design course, but it\u2019s worth trying a few out and getting familiar with how they work before your course begins. Most programmes offer a free trial, and you\u2019re only ever a Google search away from free video tutorials. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
We\u2019ve put together a round-up of the most popular graphic design tools and software<\/a> , and here are some free tool-based tutorials worth checking out:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n Adobe Illustrator for Beginners<\/a> by PR Learning Lab <\/li>\r\n
- Adobe InDesign for Beginners <\/a> by Envato Tuts+ <\/li>\r\n
- Getting started with Canva <\/a> by Canva Design School<\/li>\r\n
- Sketch for Beginners<\/a> by Envato Tuts+ <\/li><\/ul>\r\n
4. Apply your budding graphic design skills to real projects<\/h3>\r\n
Graphic design requires learning by doing, so it\u2019s essential to get some hands-on experience. This will prepare you for your first graphic design job and provide material for your portfolio (another important piece of the jigsaw!).<\/p>\r\n
Ideally, your chosen graphic design course will include practical project work. That way, you\u2019ll have learning-by-doing built into the curriculum and have access to ready-made project briefs (as well as the opportunity to receive feedback on your work). <\/p>\r\n\r\n
If your course doesn\u2019t involve a practical component, consider a volunteering gig. Check platforms such as Vollie<\/a>, RemoteHub<\/a>, and Taproot Plus<\/a> for opportunities to work on real graphic design projects. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
You can also apply your skills to fictional projects. For example, graphic designer Meeta Panesar designed the concept packaging for a fictional chocolate brand, Le Temps Chocolate<\/a>, with impressive results. Such projects are a great way to apply your skills and add to your portfolio if you\u2019re struggling to find hands-on experience elsewhere. <\/p>\r\n
5. Build your graphic design portfolio<\/h3>\r\n
You\u2019ve learned the essential graphic design theory and mastered the most important practical skills. You\u2019re proficient in industry tools and you\u2019ve applied your skills to real (or hypothetical) projects. Now it\u2019s time to bring it all together in your graphic design portfolio. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Your graphic design portfolio is a website (or other form of digital showcase) which presents projects you\u2019ve worked on. It gives hiring managers great insight into your skills and your process\u2014essentially proving that you\u2019re a bona fide graphic designer ready to work in the field. Here are a few student projects by AND learners to give you an insight into building a portfolio:<\/p>\r\n
- \r\n Print and Publication Design Project by Roohani Goyal<\/li>\r\n
- Brand Identity Design Project by Sai Prasad Chandran<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\r\n \r\n\r\n
You\u2019ll find everything you need to build your portfolio in this step-by-step guide: How To Create a Graphic Design Portfolio That Will Get You Hired (With Examples)<\/a>.<\/p> \r\n\r\n
![\"Logo](\"https:\/\/www.andacademy.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/inside3-32.webp\" "\\"Logo")
\r\nWhat next? Entering the graphic design job market <\/h2>\r\n
Once you\u2019ve mastered the essential graphic design skills and created a professional portfolio, you\u2019ll be ready for the next phase in your journey. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Here\u2019s how to make the transition from \u201cqualified\u201d to \u201chired\u201d: <\/p>\r\n
\r\nExplore and familiarise yourself with the graphic design job market.<\/strong> There are many different job titles and career paths within the graphic design umbrella, so do your research and consider which direction you might like to take. Start with this in-depth guide to the top graphic design jobs (and their salaries)<\/a>. <\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
Hone your application package.<\/strong> Is your resum\u00e9 up-to-date and geared towards graphic design roles? How about your LinkedIn profile? Are you happy with your portfolio and ready to share it with prospective employers? Make sure you\u2019re ready to market yourself as a graphic designer. <\/p><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
Prepare for your first graphic design interview(s).<\/strong> It\u2019s essential that you\u2019re able to talk confidently about your graphic design skills and show hiring managers why you\u2019re a great candidate. <\/p><\/li><\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n
And that\u2019s a wrap! You now know exactly how to become a graphic designer, which means there\u2019s only one thing left to do. That\u2019s right: it\u2019s time to put our step-by-step guide into action. What are you waiting for? <\/p>\r\n
Next steps <\/h2>\r\n
Ready to become a graphic designer? Here\u2019s what you can do next:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
- Watch this session<\/a> by design veteran and AND\u2019s Academic Head, Prachi Mittal, and our Course Lead, Soumya Tiwari.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Talk to a course advisor<\/a> to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Pursue our Graphic Design courses<\/a> – all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Take advantage of the scholarship and funding options that come with our courses<\/a> to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
Note: All information and\/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.\r\n<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
You want a creative, varied, and in-demand job that pays well. You also love the idea of making an impact, as well as helping businesses and brands to succeed. No wonder you\u2019ve landed on graphic design as a potential career path! So now you\u2019re wondering\u2026do I have what it takes? What skills and qualifications do […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5780,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[31],"class_list":["post-2193","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-graphic-design","tag-emily-stevens"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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- Brand Identity Design Project by Sai Prasad Chandran<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\r\n \r\n\r\n
- Adobe InDesign for Beginners <\/a> by Envato Tuts+ <\/li>\r\n
- \r\n Adobe Illustrator for Beginners<\/a> by PR Learning Lab <\/li>\r\n
- Your Ultimate Guide to the History of Graphic Design<\/a> by Amanda Walgrove<\/li>\r\n
- \r\nThe Vital Elements of Good Graphic Design <\/a> by Una Healy Design<\/li>\r\n
- \r\n
- Graphic designers make decent money. <\/strong> The average salary for a graphic designer in India ranges from around \u20b93,90,000 (talent.com<\/a>) to \u20b96,50,000 (AmbitionBox<\/a>). In the US, the average graphic designer salary ranges from around $55,490 per year to around $75,000 per year<\/a>. And, as you gain more experience and seniority, your earning potential naturally goes up. In all, graphic design is relatively well-paid. <\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
- \r\nGraphic designers are in demand.<\/strong> According to freelancing platform Upwork<\/a>, graphic design is the most in-demand creative skill for 2023. Generally speaking, the graphic design industry is growing at a steady rate, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics <\/a> projecting a 3% increase in demand for graphic designers between 2021 and 2031. In India, the design industry is growing<\/a> at a rate of 23-25% each year. In short, graphic design represents a secure and stable career path.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
- Take a graphic design course <\/a><\/li>\r\n
- Learn graphic design theory and fundamentals\r\n <\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n
- What qualifications do you need? Is it possible to become a graphic designer without a degree? <\/a><\/li>\r\n
- 2) Why become a graphic designer? <\/a><\/li>\r\n