4 answers
Henry
Student
2
Questions
4 answers
Alwyn Velásquez
Senior Product Designer (UI/UX)
60
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alwyn’s Answer
Many programs teach graphic design, but mastering key skills like color theory, typography, layout, and visual applications for various media is essential. Pursue a two-year certificate program or a four-year bachelor’s degree to gain foundational skills. As the field evolves, continue to hone your abilities to stay current. Alongside design, learn about contracts and business management—these skills are invaluable. Avoid programs that “guarantee” employment post-graduation; instead, seek internships and mentors who can offer guidance and share their experience to help you grow.
Denise Heffron, PSM, PMI-ACP, PMP
Experience Strategy
38
Answers
North Aurora, Illinois
Updated
Denise’s Answer
Hello Henry,
Sure! Here are some steps you can take as a student looking to learn about graphic design:
Step 1: Understand What Graphic Design Is
- Definition: Graphic design is the art of creating visual content to communicate messages. Designers use typography, imagery, color, and layout techniques to achieve visual communication.
- Applications: It is used in branding, advertising, web design, print design, packaging, and more.
Step 2: Learn the Basic Principles of Design
- Balance: Distribution of visual elements to create stability in a design.
- Contrast: Difference between elements to create visual interest.
- Emphasis: Focal point in a design to draw attention.
- Movement: Guiding the viewer's eye through the design.
- Repetition: Creating consistency and unity by repeating elements.
- Proportion: Relationship between the sizes of different elements.
- White Space: Negative space that helps to balance and organize the design.
Step 3: Get Familiar with Design Tools
- Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are industry standards.
- Alternative Tools: Figma, Sketch, Affinity Designer, CorelDRAW, GIMP, Canva, to name a few.
- Online Resources: Tutorials on platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera.
Step 4: Develop Technical Skills
- Typography: Learn about fonts, how to pair them, and their impact on design.
- Color Theory: Understanding color wheel, color harmony, and psychology of colors.
- Layout and Composition: Grids, alignment, hierarchy, and spacing.
- Image Editing: Basic photo manipulation, retouching, and enhancement.
Step 5: Study Design Theory and History
- Books: "Thinking with Type" by Ellen Lupton, "The Elements of Graphic Design" by Alex W. White.
- Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare offer courses on design theory.
- Design Movements: Learn about Bauhaus, Swiss Design, Modernism, etc.
Step 6: Practice, Practice, Practice
- Create Projects: Start with simple tasks like creating posters, social media graphics, or logos.
- Challenges: Participate in design challenges on sites like Dribbble or Behance.
- Feedback: Share your work with peers or on design forums for constructive feedback.
Step 7: Build a Portfolio
- Showcase Your Work: Use platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or create your own website.
- Diversity: Include a variety of projects to showcase different skills.
- Process: Show your design process, not just the final product.
Step 8: Stay Updated and Keep Learning
- Design Blogs: Follow blogs like Smashing Magazine, CreativeBloq, AIGA.
- Webinars and Workshops: Attend webinars, workshops, and conferences.
- Networking: Join design communities, both online and offline, look for Meetups in your area or look into https://www.creativemornings.com/clubs/browse.
Step 9: Gain Real-World Experience
- Internships: Apply for internships to gain practical experience.
- Freelance: Start taking freelance projects to build your client base.
- Volunteering: Offer your design services to non-profits or community projects.
Step 10: Consider Formal Education
- Degrees and Certificates: Consider enrolling in graphic design programs at universities or online certificate courses.
- Workshops and Bootcamps: Short-term intensive courses for hands-on learning.
Additional Resources
- Books: "Graphic Design School" by David Dabner, "Logo Design Love" by David Airey.
- Websites: Canva Design School, Adobe Design Center.
- Communities: Reddit (r/graphic_design), Design forums (Graphic Design Forum).
By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation in graphic design and continue to grow and develop your skills over time. Good luck!
Sure! Here are some steps you can take as a student looking to learn about graphic design:
Step 1: Understand What Graphic Design Is
- Definition: Graphic design is the art of creating visual content to communicate messages. Designers use typography, imagery, color, and layout techniques to achieve visual communication.
- Applications: It is used in branding, advertising, web design, print design, packaging, and more.
Step 2: Learn the Basic Principles of Design
- Balance: Distribution of visual elements to create stability in a design.
- Contrast: Difference between elements to create visual interest.
- Emphasis: Focal point in a design to draw attention.
- Movement: Guiding the viewer's eye through the design.
- Repetition: Creating consistency and unity by repeating elements.
- Proportion: Relationship between the sizes of different elements.
- White Space: Negative space that helps to balance and organize the design.
Step 3: Get Familiar with Design Tools
- Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are industry standards.
- Alternative Tools: Figma, Sketch, Affinity Designer, CorelDRAW, GIMP, Canva, to name a few.
- Online Resources: Tutorials on platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera.
Step 4: Develop Technical Skills
- Typography: Learn about fonts, how to pair them, and their impact on design.
- Color Theory: Understanding color wheel, color harmony, and psychology of colors.
- Layout and Composition: Grids, alignment, hierarchy, and spacing.
- Image Editing: Basic photo manipulation, retouching, and enhancement.
Step 5: Study Design Theory and History
- Books: "Thinking with Type" by Ellen Lupton, "The Elements of Graphic Design" by Alex W. White.
- Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, Skillshare offer courses on design theory.
- Design Movements: Learn about Bauhaus, Swiss Design, Modernism, etc.
Step 6: Practice, Practice, Practice
- Create Projects: Start with simple tasks like creating posters, social media graphics, or logos.
- Challenges: Participate in design challenges on sites like Dribbble or Behance.
- Feedback: Share your work with peers or on design forums for constructive feedback.
Step 7: Build a Portfolio
- Showcase Your Work: Use platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or create your own website.
- Diversity: Include a variety of projects to showcase different skills.
- Process: Show your design process, not just the final product.
Step 8: Stay Updated and Keep Learning
- Design Blogs: Follow blogs like Smashing Magazine, CreativeBloq, AIGA.
- Webinars and Workshops: Attend webinars, workshops, and conferences.
- Networking: Join design communities, both online and offline, look for Meetups in your area or look into https://www.creativemornings.com/clubs/browse.
Step 9: Gain Real-World Experience
- Internships: Apply for internships to gain practical experience.
- Freelance: Start taking freelance projects to build your client base.
- Volunteering: Offer your design services to non-profits or community projects.
Step 10: Consider Formal Education
- Degrees and Certificates: Consider enrolling in graphic design programs at universities or online certificate courses.
- Workshops and Bootcamps: Short-term intensive courses for hands-on learning.
Additional Resources
- Books: "Graphic Design School" by David Dabner, "Logo Design Love" by David Airey.
- Websites: Canva Design School, Adobe Design Center.
- Communities: Reddit (r/graphic_design), Design forums (Graphic Design Forum).
By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation in graphic design and continue to grow and develop your skills over time. Good luck!
Carl Manson Jr., PMP
5G Program Manager - Verizon
88
Answers
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Hello Henry! Why not begin with a straightforward Google exploration? Discover what being a graphic designer truly means, the kind of training they've undergone to secure their roles, their day-to-day tasks, and who typically hires them. Don't forget to check out professional associations for graphic designers too, as they could be a great place to find a mentor. It's an exciting journey you're embarking on, so dive in and enjoy every step!
Google to find out more about what graphic designers do, who employs them, and what training is needed to become a graphic designer.
Carl recommends the following next steps:
Jessica Gegner
Change Partner Senior
80
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hello Henry! It seems like you're leaning towards web design or User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) design. This is typically a specialized area within graphic design, and it's essential to first understand the basics of design. This includes getting to know what graphic design involves, the fundamental principles of design, design theory and history, typography, color theory, layout, and composition. After grasping these, you can then focus on your area of interest.
A two-year associate degree program in graphic/web/UX/UI design would be an excellent place to start. It will provide you with the necessary foundational knowledge while helping you start building your portfolio. While a degree isn't mandatory for a successful career in design, it can give you a head start in creating your portfolio, which is crucial for securing future jobs and learning the basics for a successful career.
You can also enhance your technical skills with standard industry tools for web, UX, or UI design, such as Adobe Creative Suite tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, and Aero), Figma, Sketch, and InVision. You can learn these tools through their tutorials, YouTube videos, or simply by practicing hands-on.
Regardless of how you choose to pursue your career in graphic design, it's important to carefully select and present 10-15 pieces of work in your portfolio that best represent your skills and the type of designs you wish to specialize in.
A two-year associate degree program in graphic/web/UX/UI design would be an excellent place to start. It will provide you with the necessary foundational knowledge while helping you start building your portfolio. While a degree isn't mandatory for a successful career in design, it can give you a head start in creating your portfolio, which is crucial for securing future jobs and learning the basics for a successful career.
You can also enhance your technical skills with standard industry tools for web, UX, or UI design, such as Adobe Creative Suite tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, and Aero), Figma, Sketch, and InVision. You can learn these tools through their tutorials, YouTube videos, or simply by practicing hands-on.
Regardless of how you choose to pursue your career in graphic design, it's important to carefully select and present 10-15 pieces of work in your portfolio that best represent your skills and the type of designs you wish to specialize in.