Graphic design is a creative field that requires artistic talent and technical skills.
While formal training is usually recommended, it is entirely possible to teach yourself graphic design with enough dedication and practice.
Here are some tips on how to get started learning graphic design on your own:
Learn the fundamentals in depth
- Color theory - Dive deep into understanding how colors interact, complement each other, and evoke emotions. Study advanced topics like color harmonies, color mixing, color palettes, and color psychology. Understand how colors are used in different contexts like print vs digital. Experiment with mixing colors physically as well as digitally using software.
- Typography - Typography skills are essential in graphic design. Start by studying the detailed anatomy of letterforms, font styles, font families, and font foundries. Learn principles for how to combine fonts effectively, create typographic hierarchies, utilize negative space between letters, and apply formatting like kerning, leading, and tracking. Study typographic scales, grids, and layouts.
- Composition - Mastering composition takes time and practice. Learn the guiding principles of visual hierarchy, balance, contrast, white space, grids, and layouts. Analyze designs to see composition in action. Experiment with asymmetric and radial balance. Learn how to create movement and depth. Study grid theory and modular scales.
- Design concepts - Dive deeper into the basic elements of design like shape, line, texture, form, space, proximity, alignment etc. Understand how they interact with broader principles like repetition, rhythm, emphasis, variety, movement, scale. Learn how these concepts apply across print, web, mobile apps and other mediums.
Gather diverse design resources
- Books and blogs - Build a library of inspiring graphic design books that provide activities and exercises. Follow multiple graphic design blogs and subscribe to newsletters for a regular dose of inspiration and tips. Read design articles online and in magazines.
- Online tutorials and courses - Take multiple online courses focused on graphic design fundamentals as well as specialized skills like logo design, packaging design, illustration etc. Subscribe to tutorial services that have extensive libraries like Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning. Watch YouTube tutorials from a diverse set of creators.
- Graphic design software - Master professional software like Adobe Creative Cloud. Learn Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom inside out through tutorials. Also explore next gen design tools like Canva and Procreate. Invest in a drawing tablet.
Create lots of projects and refine a portfolio
- Recreate varied designs - Sharpen skills by recreating designs across different styles, mediums and complexity levels. This allows you to problem solve real world design challenges. Analyze designs deeply to understand the design decisions behind them.
- Conceptual projects - Come up with fictional briefs, brands and products then design conceptual projects for them. This stimulates the creative process from ideation to execution. Projects can range from logo designs, brand guides, magazine layouts, packaging, advertisements and more.
- Build a diverse portfolio - Curate your absolute best and most polished projects. Showcase a range of styles, mediums and techniques. Write project summaries explaining your process. Refine designs iteratively and implement feedback.
- Paid freelance work - Once you have a portfolio, offer paid design services to small businesses and startups. This gives you valuable real-world experience and builds your CV. Apply your skills to client briefs. Ask for testimonials and referrals.
With rigorous self study and consistent practice over time, it is possible to gain professional grade graphic design skills without formal education.
Make sure to prioritize structured learning, creating industry connections and finding expert mentorship.
