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I’m a 13 year old and I want to be a graphic designer. What do I do?
Hi I’m a 13 year old and I want to be a graphic designer and I don’t what to do. My school doesn’t really have that many courses on it. They have Media, 3D art and Yearbook, etc. I really want to know what to do
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4 answers
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Before I make a suggestion in response to your question let me share an observation. At your stage in life it is natural to be curious, absorbent and have many interests. Realize that one or more may develop into career paths, while others will be passing investigations to satisfy your curiosity. It may be beneficial to entertain a range of interests at this early stage in your life journey. There will be plenty of time later to hunker down and focus on a particular path and for most that time occurs during or even after college. That said, if and only if you feel that God intended you to be a graphic designer and nothing else, I would suggest taking the following steps.
1) GET A PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE. seek out profession graphic designers at early, mid and late career stages; establish a dialogue with them and ask them to share their thoughts about their careers and decisions. Ask family members and friends who they know in the graphic design field and ask for an introduction. You can also Google designers in your area and reach out by phone and ask to speak to a staff designer or the firm owner if possible; ask for an in person chat and let them know you would appreciate a few minutes of their time to find out more about their profession. You may have to call a few firms/designers before you land a meeting but it will be worth the effort.
2) ASSEMBLE AN INSPIRATION FILE. examples of graphic design are everywhere: brochures, annual reports, magazine ads, online/social media graphics, gaming graphics, etc.-you see numerous examples of "design" every single day; start a scrap book of the designs you like-organize them so you can start to see trends in what you like and don't like. do you like crisp contemporary designs, or more traditional? are you attracted to more abstract designs or more realistic? Do you like highly geometric designs or more organic and free flowing? There's no right or wrong-this is one way you can figure out what attracts you as a designer and that is good information to have.
3) START A DESIGN FILE. even though you may not have all of the tools/software applications at this point, don't let that stop you from exploring your design thoughts. Whether it's computer generated or pencil and paper, just starting drawing, sketching, doodling, and keep a file of your work. throw away the eraser because you want to keep a record of everything design thought you have, no matter how much you like it or not. before long you may start to see trends or directions in your own work similar to the trends in the inspiration file above. Years from now your design file will evolve into your portfolio, which will be THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT showcasing your work to potential employers and clients.
4) DON'T GIVE UP. persistence is 90 percent of what it takes to be successful at anything, and graphic design is no exception. because of the artistic component you will experience periods of creativity as well as the equivalent of "writer's block" when you just can't come up with anything fresh-it happens to everyone so just hang in there and the juices will start flowing.
OK- how's that for a start? Have I answered your question?
1) GET A PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE. seek out profession graphic designers at early, mid and late career stages; establish a dialogue with them and ask them to share their thoughts about their careers and decisions. Ask family members and friends who they know in the graphic design field and ask for an introduction. You can also Google designers in your area and reach out by phone and ask to speak to a staff designer or the firm owner if possible; ask for an in person chat and let them know you would appreciate a few minutes of their time to find out more about their profession. You may have to call a few firms/designers before you land a meeting but it will be worth the effort.
2) ASSEMBLE AN INSPIRATION FILE. examples of graphic design are everywhere: brochures, annual reports, magazine ads, online/social media graphics, gaming graphics, etc.-you see numerous examples of "design" every single day; start a scrap book of the designs you like-organize them so you can start to see trends in what you like and don't like. do you like crisp contemporary designs, or more traditional? are you attracted to more abstract designs or more realistic? Do you like highly geometric designs or more organic and free flowing? There's no right or wrong-this is one way you can figure out what attracts you as a designer and that is good information to have.
3) START A DESIGN FILE. even though you may not have all of the tools/software applications at this point, don't let that stop you from exploring your design thoughts. Whether it's computer generated or pencil and paper, just starting drawing, sketching, doodling, and keep a file of your work. throw away the eraser because you want to keep a record of everything design thought you have, no matter how much you like it or not. before long you may start to see trends or directions in your own work similar to the trends in the inspiration file above. Years from now your design file will evolve into your portfolio, which will be THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT showcasing your work to potential employers and clients.
4) DON'T GIVE UP. persistence is 90 percent of what it takes to be successful at anything, and graphic design is no exception. because of the artistic component you will experience periods of creativity as well as the equivalent of "writer's block" when you just can't come up with anything fresh-it happens to everyone so just hang in there and the juices will start flowing.
OK- how's that for a start? Have I answered your question?
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Dee
This one is sound advice. I am a retired graphic designer. Stick to getting a degree in Design.
Mary Ann Myers
Updated
Tashnim’s Answer
That's awesome that you're interested in graphic design at a young age! There are some great things you can do right now to start building your skills and passion for this field. Here are a few ideas:
Explore your creativity:
Draw and sketch! Grab a notebook or sketchbook and practice drawing anything that inspires you.
Experiment with different mediums like paints, markers, or even digital art apps on your phone or tablet (with parental permission, of course).
Learn the design basics:
There are many free online resources to learn the fundamentals of design. Look for websites or [YouTube] channels that teach about color theory, composition, typography (different fonts), and layout.
Play with design tools:
There are free and user-friendly design software options available, like Canva. These can help you create basic designs like posters, flyers, or social media graphics.
Find inspiration:
Look around you! Design is everywhere - in magazines, websites, packaging, video games, and even your favorite clothing brands. Notice what you like and why.
Follow graphic designers or design studios on social media to see their work.
Build a portfolio:
Even at a young age, you can start building a portfolio to showcase your design skills. Save your best work, even if it's just drawings or designs made with free software.
Offer to help for free:
Maybe you can create a logo or flyer for a friend's lemonade stand or design a birthday card for a family member. This is a great way to gain practical experience.
Remember, becoming a graphic designer is a journey. The most important thing is to have fun, be creative, and keep learning!
Explore your creativity:
Draw and sketch! Grab a notebook or sketchbook and practice drawing anything that inspires you.
Experiment with different mediums like paints, markers, or even digital art apps on your phone or tablet (with parental permission, of course).
Learn the design basics:
There are many free online resources to learn the fundamentals of design. Look for websites or [YouTube] channels that teach about color theory, composition, typography (different fonts), and layout.
Play with design tools:
There are free and user-friendly design software options available, like Canva. These can help you create basic designs like posters, flyers, or social media graphics.
Find inspiration:
Look around you! Design is everywhere - in magazines, websites, packaging, video games, and even your favorite clothing brands. Notice what you like and why.
Follow graphic designers or design studios on social media to see their work.
Build a portfolio:
Even at a young age, you can start building a portfolio to showcase your design skills. Save your best work, even if it's just drawings or designs made with free software.
Offer to help for free:
Maybe you can create a logo or flyer for a friend's lemonade stand or design a birthday card for a family member. This is a great way to gain practical experience.
Remember, becoming a graphic designer is a journey. The most important thing is to have fun, be creative, and keep learning!
Updated
Lindley’s Answer
Hello Divya,
Just like Matt suggested, don't be afraid to dive into the world of experimentation. Explore various mediums, software, and styles! Engage in projects that bring you joy. You could design a poster featuring your most-loved video game character, or maybe a postcard to send to a friend. The possibilities are endless!
Don't forget, YouTube is an abundant source of free resources to expand your design knowledge. What really made a difference for me was embarking on a project, then seeking out tutorials to master the styles and techniques required to bring it to life. So, go ahead and let your creativity soar!
Just like Matt suggested, don't be afraid to dive into the world of experimentation. Explore various mediums, software, and styles! Engage in projects that bring you joy. You could design a poster featuring your most-loved video game character, or maybe a postcard to send to a friend. The possibilities are endless!
Don't forget, YouTube is an abundant source of free resources to expand your design knowledge. What really made a difference for me was embarking on a project, then seeking out tutorials to master the styles and techniques required to bring it to life. So, go ahead and let your creativity soar!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Dee
Updated
Matt’s Answer
I am a professional graphic designer and it's awesome that you already have an idea of what interests you and what you might want to be. Yearbook would actually be a great introduction to design as layout design is a large part of your job as a graphic designer.
Outside of that it would be good to explore programs like photoshop or free alternatives. This will familiarze yourself with the tools you would be using. Also offer to help friends and family. Help make fliers for birthday parties, or events, create an album cover for a friend's band, create designs for someone's business. There are lots of places you can help that will introduce you to the world of design.
Outside of that it would be good to explore programs like photoshop or free alternatives. This will familiarze yourself with the tools you would be using. Also offer to help friends and family. Help make fliers for birthday parties, or events, create an album cover for a friend's band, create designs for someone's business. There are lots of places you can help that will introduce you to the world of design.
Thank you soo much
Dee