How long did it take to become a successful graphic designer?
I am a high school student and I would like to know about how long would it be before I start to become a successful graphic designer or at least finish a couple of designs for customers? #graphic-design #design
3 answers
Brenna’s Answer
The first question you have to ask yourself is, "How do I define success?"
Is it the attainment of leading your own design firm?
Is it recognition in the industry?
Is it financial comfort?
Is it balancing work/life integration?
Is it being happy with who you are, no matter where you are in your lifecycle?
To me, being successful is having self-awareness of continuous learning and achieving wins, large or small, on a consistent basis. I have been designing since high school and my first success was -- you guessed it -- in high school.
Bottom line is, if you're looking for global domination as success, that could take some time. If you see yourself as successful and grateful each and every day, then you are already there.
Be well, go far, and love yourself, no matter how long it takes to realize it.
Daniel’s Answer
I began my freelance graphic design career at 15 (the earliest glimpse I had of success was when I made $3,000 in a month while I was still in highschool), and that later turned into a Digital Designer job at 21 which was a joy. How soon you can achieve success greatly depends on how you define success. If it's money, you could be making plenty in the next year if your apply yourself. If it's a job, I'd recommend you start freelancing now and using the work you produce to start your portfolio that employers will see when you apply.
Aries’s Answer
Design can be quite dynamic so you can expect that it is an ever changing. Keeping your eye on the developing trends and making sure that your work never becomes stale is going to be important. Success may mean you might have to step out of your comfort zone and become a marketing agent for yourself something that artists often don't do well at since we usually have our heads down creating. You should consider college courses to become familiar with the software that you will make as tools of the trade. Learning which operating system works well for you but flexible enough to work in any environment is crucial but knowing what tools to use and how to use them well will help separate you from others. Take as many art classes as possible. Learn to draw. Learn to conceptualize and put it on paper. I am often surprised at how many of my colleagues do not know how to draw. If you build a solid foundation and you stay on top of the trends becoming a successful designer will come easy despite the work you will need to put in. Best of luck!