Are you considering a career in graphic design? If you are interested in art and technology and you like the idea of playing a role in how businesses and organizations communicate visually, then graphic design may be a good fit for you.

One misconception many aspiring designers have is that it takes years to become a Graphic Designer. However, it's possible to start gaining experience and building your portfolio in just a few months. This article will cover the fundamentals of starting a new career in graphic design, including the skills you'll need to succeed, why a portfolio is important, and how to build one.

What Does a Graphic Designer Do?

Graphic Designers are artistic professionals who use their artistic skills to communicate messages visually. They work in different industries, including advertising, publishing, and web design. Graphic Designers use a variety of software programs to create their designs, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

The purpose of a Graphic Designer is to take complex information and present it in an easily understandable way. They often work with clients to visually determine the best way to represent their brand or message. In addition to designing original artwork, Graphic Designers also curate photographs and illustrations that they manipulate using photo-editing software.

Graphic Designers must be able to work quickly and think creatively. They must also have an understanding of color theory, typography, and composition. A strong portfolio is essential for anyone seeking a job in graphic design.

Some of the most critical technical and soft skills required for Graphic Designers include:

  • General artistic ability
  • Creativity
  • A strong understanding of design, typography, and composition
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Software skills, including Adobe Photoshop
  • Project management skills
  • Time management skills
  • The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

How Can I Learn Graphic Design?

There are many ways to start learning the fundamentals of graphic design, such as graphic design classes, bootcamp courses, and independent study.

If you want to start building your portfolio and learning the basics of design, you can do so in just a few months. However, it can take years to fully immerse into a design career and become a truly successful Graphic Designer.

Graphic Design Classes

There are numerous ways to learn graphic design, but one of the most popular methods is to take classes. Many colleges and adult education programs offer courses in graphic design. These are often very affordable and provide a great overview of the subject.

In addition, online courses are widely available and may be a good option if you prefer to learn at your own pace or have a busy schedule. Many online courses offer the same curriculum as traditional classes, and some even provide opportunities to interact with peers and get feedback from professionals.

Bootcamp Courses

Bootcamp courses are another great way to learn graphic design quickly. They are typically shorter than traditional degree programs (usually lasting a few weeks or months) and more focused on practical skills.

Bootcamp courses can be found both online and in person. Many bootcamps offer job placement assistance, which can be a great way to jumpstart your career.

Independent Study

If you have some previous experience with graphic design or related software programs, you may be able to learn on your own through independent study. There are many resources available online, such as tutorials, video lessons, and forums where you can ask questions and get feedback from other creative professionals.

In addition, there are many books available that cover the basics of graphic design. However, it's important to note that independent study can be more challenging than taking classes or attending a bootcamp since you won't have structure or guidance from an instructor.

A Closer Look at Graphic Design Software

If you're looking to make a quick switch to a graphic design career, you'll need to learn some software programs. Here's a look at three of the most popular:

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a widely used program for creating and manipulating images. It can be used for both digital photographs and illustrations. Photoshop offers a variety of features, such as layers, selections, and color correction.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is another industry-standard program often used to create vector graphics, logos, and illustrations. Vector graphics are comprised of points and shapes that can be scaled without losing quality. This makes them ideal for print design projects.

Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a page layout program commonly used in the publishing industry. It can be used to create documents such as magazines, newspapers, and books. InDesign offers features such as text wrapping and automatic page numbering.

Why Is a Graphic Design Portfolio Important?

A graphic design portfolio is important for two reasons: it shows your skills and helps you get hired.

When prospective employers look at your portfolio, they're not just looking at the quality of your work—they're also looking to see if your style is a good fit for their company. Therefore, it's important to include a variety of projects in your portfolio that demonstrate your range as a designer.

It's also important to keep your portfolio up-to-date with your latest work. Employers will be interested in seeing your most recent designs, and it's also a good way to show that you're keeping up with current trends.

What You Should Know About Starting a New Graphic Design Career

The BLS anticipates that the demand for Graphic Designers will rise by 3% from 2020 to 2030, equating to around 23,000 new job openings each year. These statistics show that there is no better time to start a career in graphic design.

While the field of graphic design is constantly changing and relatively competitive, it is possible to learn fundamental skills and start building a portfolio of work in just a few months. Once you have a strong portfolio, you'll be well on your way to landing a great job in the field.

If you’re ready to sign up for classes and take the first step towards your new career in graphic design, try searching for graphic design bootcamps in your area to get started.