2 answers
Emilie
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
5
Questions
Updated
191 views
I'm planning on majoring in graphic design- are there any specific skills that I need?
I've recently been looking into graphic design, and I was curious as to what specific skills were necessary for graphic design, and what skills I may learn after the fact? Are there specific websites that I need to get familiar with?
Login to comment
2 answers
Robert Waters
2
Answers
Updated
Robert’s Answer
As an aspiring graphic designer, it's crucial to start with a solid foundation in design principles. This includes understanding color theory, perspective, typography, and expanding your visual library. Key software to learn includes Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, which are standard tools for most graphic designers. Procreate is another valuable software to master. To streamline your interaction with various art programs, consider investing in a Wacom tablet or a similar digital pen tool.
You want to devote significant time to studying design.
Additionally, it's essential to understand the business side of graphic design. Once you've mastered the basics, learning how to market yourself in a specific niche is crucial. Determine the type of graphic design you're passionate about and focus intensively on it. This strategy will, over time, enable you to earn a living from your craft.
Here are some excellent resources:
Aaron Draplin is an outstanding graphic designer with invaluable insights on design. His Skillshare course is exceptional.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PMK1M7ZxJc
The Futur is a brilliant resource for design and the business side of design, with a focus on branding.
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheSkoolRocks
Tutvid is an excellent resource for learning specific techniques in design software. Regularly doing these tutorials will enhance your proficiency in the software you'll be using frequently.
https://www.youtube.com/user/tutvid
You want to devote significant time to studying design.
Additionally, it's essential to understand the business side of graphic design. Once you've mastered the basics, learning how to market yourself in a specific niche is crucial. Determine the type of graphic design you're passionate about and focus intensively on it. This strategy will, over time, enable you to earn a living from your craft.
Here are some excellent resources:
Aaron Draplin is an outstanding graphic designer with invaluable insights on design. His Skillshare course is exceptional.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PMK1M7ZxJc
The Futur is a brilliant resource for design and the business side of design, with a focus on branding.
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheSkoolRocks
Tutvid is an excellent resource for learning specific techniques in design software. Regularly doing these tutorials will enhance your proficiency in the software you'll be using frequently.
https://www.youtube.com/user/tutvid
Thank you so much!
Emilie
Great tips! I'm a long-term Adobe user, and I see more and more jobs asking for Canva skills too--I think because Canva is free. It might be worth checking that out too. And I'd add that it's important to learn design and art history; it's important to see how the discipline developed over time, and historic design is a great source of inspiration.
Kim Matthews
Quantise Rodgers
Marketing
10
Answers
Fairfield, Connecticut
Updated
Quantise’s Answer
You don't necessarily have to have specific skills to enter the field but (if your'e in high school or junior high), try to hone in on the skills developed in your art classes. This will help to make a smooth transition. As long as you know this a career that you're passionate about, that is all that counts. You will develop the skills once you enter your degree. Now you can expect to develop graphic design skills once you enter college. Some of the skills may include: painting, drawing, fine arts, photography, illustration, and digital design. You will more than likely be working with a number of programs (Adobe, Canva, Shutterstock), just to name a few. It doesn't stop there; you may also develop skills that tie directly to graphic design which include technology skills (coding) and marketing skills (advertising). These are just a few that you may be involve in if you're planning to major in graphic design. This is to prepare you to have a full scope of learning and skills that you can apply on the job. When you pair this with an internship or a job (preferably in your major), that's when your true growth and development comes from.
So I hope this helps and once again, don't need to have skills just an understanding this is what you want to do (as a long-term career). It's an exciting field, where you can exercise your creativity. You seem very smart and know you will have a fulfilling career as a graphic designer. I would recommend taking a look at Adobe site- https://www.adobe.com/ or Canva https://www.canva.com/ to get an idea of the graphic design world. Also some YouTube videos of graphic designers, see what a day in there life entails. Also, for schools, take a look at Fairfield University in Fairfield CT.
Best of luck in your endeavors.
So I hope this helps and once again, don't need to have skills just an understanding this is what you want to do (as a long-term career). It's an exciting field, where you can exercise your creativity. You seem very smart and know you will have a fulfilling career as a graphic designer. I would recommend taking a look at Adobe site- https://www.adobe.com/ or Canva https://www.canva.com/ to get an idea of the graphic design world. Also some YouTube videos of graphic designers, see what a day in there life entails. Also, for schools, take a look at Fairfield University in Fairfield CT.
Best of luck in your endeavors.
Thank you!!
Emilie