4 answers
Emilie
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
5
Questions
Updated
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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?
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4 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
21
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
Grace Yip
UX/UI Designer
2
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Grace’s Answer
Hi Emilie!
Adding on to everyone else’s answers, a soft skill that I’ve found to be helpful throughout my career is adaptability as a graphic designer. The types of requests and projects we receive can widely vary depending on who we’re designing for. The hard skills you require for one project may differ completely from another. So, after gaining the foundational skills mentioned below, one recommendation would be to put those skills into action through extracurricular, work, and volunteering activities to begin exploring the breadth of skills related to this profession. I’ve also found it to be helpful when in comes to figuring out which types of skills I’m interested in specializing in further such as becoming an expert in typography using Adobe Illustrator.
Adding on to everyone else’s answers, a soft skill that I’ve found to be helpful throughout my career is adaptability as a graphic designer. The types of requests and projects we receive can widely vary depending on who we’re designing for. The hard skills you require for one project may differ completely from another. So, after gaining the foundational skills mentioned below, one recommendation would be to put those skills into action through extracurricular, work, and volunteering activities to begin exploring the breadth of skills related to this profession. I’ve also found it to be helpful when in comes to figuring out which types of skills I’m interested in specializing in further such as becoming an expert in typography using Adobe Illustrator.
Eda Korkuter
I work in the museum industry as a designer and exhibition assistant.
11
Answers
Izmir, Turkey
Updated
Eda’s Answer
Hello Emilie!
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign are the core software tools most designers use. You’ll often be working with these to create layouts, edit images, and design graphics.
If you’re interested in web or app design, get familiar with tools like Figma and Sketch, which are popular for user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.
Color Theory-Understanding color harmony, contrast, and emotion can greatly impact your designs.
Typography-Fonts and text layouts play a big role in making designs look professional and appealing, so knowing typography basics is essential.
Composition & Layout- You’ll learn how to organize elements to create balanced, visually appealing designs that guide viewers through your work.
Even though not all graphic design work involves illustration, basic drawing skills can help with brainstorming, sketching concepts, and visualizing ideas.
Graphic designers often solve visual challenges for clients, so learning how to approach problems creatively, listen to client feedback, and communicate ideas clearly will be key.
Handling multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and organizing your work efficiently is a huge part of the job and something you’ll likely develop as you gain experience.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, many graphic designers dive into more specialized areas, like digital illustration or motion graphics, to expand their skill set.
Behance and Dribbble-These are great for finding inspiration, sharing your work, and networking with other designers.
Skillshare & Coursera- Offer courses on graphic design software and principles, typography, and even advanced skills.
Canva-While more entry-level, Canva is a helpful tool for creating quick visuals and understanding layout basics before moving on to more complex software.
Hope these helps!
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign are the core software tools most designers use. You’ll often be working with these to create layouts, edit images, and design graphics.
If you’re interested in web or app design, get familiar with tools like Figma and Sketch, which are popular for user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design.
Color Theory-Understanding color harmony, contrast, and emotion can greatly impact your designs.
Typography-Fonts and text layouts play a big role in making designs look professional and appealing, so knowing typography basics is essential.
Composition & Layout- You’ll learn how to organize elements to create balanced, visually appealing designs that guide viewers through your work.
Even though not all graphic design work involves illustration, basic drawing skills can help with brainstorming, sketching concepts, and visualizing ideas.
Graphic designers often solve visual challenges for clients, so learning how to approach problems creatively, listen to client feedback, and communicate ideas clearly will be key.
Handling multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and organizing your work efficiently is a huge part of the job and something you’ll likely develop as you gain experience.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, many graphic designers dive into more specialized areas, like digital illustration or motion graphics, to expand their skill set.
Behance and Dribbble-These are great for finding inspiration, sharing your work, and networking with other designers.
Skillshare & Coursera- Offer courses on graphic design software and principles, typography, and even advanced skills.
Canva-While more entry-level, Canva is a helpful tool for creating quick visuals and understanding layout basics before moving on to more complex software.
Hope these helps!