Graphic design is an exciting and creative career that allows you to solve visual communication problems for clients.
As a graphic designer, you get to use your artistic abilities to make an impact through logos, publications, websites, product packaging, and more.
With the right preparation and persistence, you can develop the skills needed to succeed as a graphic designer.
Get a Solid Graphic Design Education
While a graphic design degree or training program can be helpful, it's not strictly required to break into the field. Plenty of renowned graphic designers are self-taught or came from non-traditional backgrounds. With enough drive and persistence, you can teach yourself the skills needed to succeed.
That said, graphic design is a highly competitive industry. Be prepared to really prove yourself and your abilities.
If you want to develop skills on your own, online learning is a great option. Take graphic design courses through Skillshare, Udemy and other e-learning platforms. Look for extensive lessons on software like Adobe Creative Suite along with design principles, typography, color theory and layout techniques.
You can find an abundance of free learning content on YouTube and design podcasts. Follow top designers to glean practical tips and advice. Experiment on your own with different design projects and tools.
While structured assignments and feedback from professors can be very helpful when mastering new skills, nothing beats hands-on practice. Recreate designs you admire from other artists and brands. Come up with your own briefs and bring imaginary projects to life.
To build your portfolio without formal training, focus on taking on side projects like logo designs, posters, and social media graphics for local businesses and nonprofits. Offer discounted rates in exchange for adding the work to your portfolio.
Reaching out to designers at agencies for informational interviews and mentorship is another great way to pick up knowledge and build connections in the industry.
At the end of the day, your skills matter far more than degrees or credentials. Stay dedicated to continuously improving your work and building an impressive portfolio. With enough grit and creativity, you can break into graphic design on your own terms.
Create an Impressive Graphic Design Portfolio
Your portfolio is the most vital part of breaking into graphic design and landing your first job. Employers in the industry won’t just take your word for it – they will expect to see concrete examples of your design capabilities.
Start building your portfolio early by creating conceptual projects that aligned with your interests and style. Don’t just rely on assignments from class. Come up with imaginary briefs for things like album covers, food packaging, posters, magazines, and other print collateral. The more unique your ideas, the better.
Digital media is also a must-have in your portfolio. Try your hand at website design, app UI, email newsletters, infographics, and other digital content. Use graphic design brief generators like Briefbox to practice conceptualizing real-world projects.
Aim to showcase both breadth and depth in your portfolio. Present 10-15 diverse pieces that feature logo design, publication layouts, information design, illustrations, packaging, typography, and more. Show that you can handle different design mediums with creative flair.
The quality of your execution is just as important as the diversity. Refine your work based on feedback from professors, peers, and design professionals. Improve pieces over multiple iterations to get them portfolio-ready.
Once you have enough polished work, build a personal website to act as an online portfolio. Well-presented portfolios set designers apart from the pack.
Gain Valuable Graphic Design Experience
While education and your portfolio are crucial, there’s no replacement for hands-on experience when breaking into graphic design. Entry-level applicants with internships, freelancing experience, or other professional exposure have a major advantage.
Completing a graphic design internship is ideal for gaining relevant experience. Apply to agencies or in-house design teams and be willing to work for free. You’ll build connections and learn by observing.
Freelancing is another impactful way to get experience early on. Reach out to small businesses, nonprofits, and cultural institutions that need design help. Offer discounted rates at first as you build up your portfolio.
If available, take part-time design jobs in your college town. Many campus departments, events, organizations, and local businesses need graphic design help for things like posters, brochures, social media graphics, and websites.
Attending conferences and networking events will also help you connect with professionals in the field. Follow designers and agencies you admire on social media and engage with their content. Apply what you learn to keep improving your work.
Develop Strong Soft Skills
While your design skills may get you in the door, soft skills are what help you thrive as a graphic designer long-term. Being an effective communicator, critical thinker and team collaborator is crucial.
Take business and marketing classes to improve your understanding of clients’ needs and how design fits into business objectives. Learn how to articulate your design choices clearly to others.
Practice adapting your designs based on constructive feedback. Graphic design is subjective, so be willing to try different options.
Work well with creative teams like copywriters, photographers and developers. Show you can collaborate smoothly through design presentations.
Learn how to manage your time efficiently when juggling multiple design projects and tight deadlines. Organization and promptness will make you shine.
With persistence, proper training and continually improving your skills, you can break into graphic design. Believe in yourself and keep working to build an impressive portfolio that opens up design opportunities.
The Takeaway
Breaking into graphic design takes dedication, persistence, and a willingness to continuously expand your skills.
While a formal education can provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals, it is possible to enter the field as a self-taught designer.
The key is building an impressive and diverse portfolio that showcases your creative abilities.
Gaining real-world experience through internships, freelancing, and side projects will give you a major leg up.
Developing strong communication and collaboration skills is also essential for thriving as a designer.
With proper preparation and drive, you can successfully launch your graphic design career.
