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What is the best career pathway to be a graphic designer?
I'm wondering which pathway will lead me to the most successful.
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Paul’s Answer
Generally you need a body of work (portfolio) to demonstrate your skill and knowledge in the field. This can be done by studying specifically for graphic design, fine arts, or multimedia design. It also can be done by doing independent work (for hire or for free) and then putting it together in a way that demonstrates your ability.
However you do not need to study the fine arts to be a graphic designer. Many people start out in other fields like marketing, communications, and business and use the skills they learn over time to focus on graphic design. Learning the tools and principles of design can be done for free or low cost and may be a better path for those who do not want to formally study graphic design or an adjacent subject or for those who want to explore and work in other roles or industries before they make a commitment to graphic design.
These days many people use graphic design skills to become user experience (UX) or user interface (UI) designers, product designers (someone who does design and focuses on business aspects of design), and other creative technology fields (motion graphics for example). Learning graphic design can lay the ground for many different career options.
However you do not need to study the fine arts to be a graphic designer. Many people start out in other fields like marketing, communications, and business and use the skills they learn over time to focus on graphic design. Learning the tools and principles of design can be done for free or low cost and may be a better path for those who do not want to formally study graphic design or an adjacent subject or for those who want to explore and work in other roles or industries before they make a commitment to graphic design.
These days many people use graphic design skills to become user experience (UX) or user interface (UI) designers, product designers (someone who does design and focuses on business aspects of design), and other creative technology fields (motion graphics for example). Learning graphic design can lay the ground for many different career options.
Updated
Chris’s Answer
typically most people looking to hire graphic designers want to see a portfolio of your work as opposed to a traditional resume or even a diploma. try compiling any graphic design projects you've worked on, even personal projects, into a presentation for perspective employers