Are you interested in becoming a graphic designer but don’t know where to start? You may be wondering if it’s possible to become a self-taught graphic designer with no experience. The answer is yes! At Shillington, we know a thing or two about graphic design education so we’re going to show you, with the right resources, guidance and dedication, anyone can learn how to start a new creative career.

If you’re looking to make your mark in the world of design without spending the time and money on college, there are several routes available that will help you gain valuable skills and knowledge. From exploring free online tutorials and taking advantage of helpful video courses to signing up for comprehensive training programs like Shillington’s Graphic Design Course—there are plenty of ways for aspiring designers to sharpen their creative skillsets. In this article, we’ll discuss seven key steps on how to become a successful graphic designer with no experience.

1. Understand the Role of a Graphic Designer

Graphic design is a fascinating career that has grown in popularity and importance over the years. Put simply, it refers to the art of visual communication that combines images, typography and other design elements to convey a message or create a visual identity for a brand or product. At its core, graphic design is all about problem-solving through creativity and innovation. But its benefits go far beyond just aesthetics.

Effective graphic design can help businesses establish a strong brand identity, differentiate themselves from competitors, and ultimately, drive sales. It also has the power to evoke emotions, inspire action, and even change perceptions. As such, it’s no wonder that graphic design is such an essential tool for businesses and organizations across industries.

2. Learn the Fundamentals of Graphic Design

Graphic design is an incredibly versatile field that requires both creativity and technical skills. Many people find themselves drawn to graphic design because they have a natural creativity or a passion for design. As a self-taught graphic designer, understanding the fundamentals of this field is crucial. While graphic design encompasses a broad range of styles and techniques, there are certain key principles that underpin all good design.

From color theory and typography to layout and composition, mastering these fundamentals will help you to create visually compelling and effective designs that stand out from the crowd. So whether you are just starting out in graphic design or looking to brush up on your skills, taking the time to understand the fundamentals is an investment that will pay off in spades.

3. Consider Taking a Course

Graphic design is a fascinating field that can be both rewarding and challenging. If you are looking to become a graphic designer, either improving your existing design skills or embarking on a totally new creative career path, you might want to consider taking a certified course.

One option to explore is the Shillington online graphic design course. Shillington’s teachers, who are practicing graphic designers, teach a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from the basics of design theory to the all important graphic design portfolio. Best of all? You don’t need any design experience to study at Shillington so it’s perfect for people who want to learn graphic design with no experience. With a graphic design certificate from Shillington, you could open up exciting new opportunities in a dynamic and growing industry.

4. Learn Graphic Design Software and Programs

Are you interested in becoming a graphic designer with no experience? If you want to learn graphic design, you’ll have to make sure you’re learning graphic design software and programs. Start with Adobe, one of the most popular software companies for design programs, and look into essential graphic design tools Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Another essential tool to learn is Figma, a great program for digital design and collaboration. When you’re just starting out and have no experience, taking the time to learn graphic design software and programs is a good way to open up a world of creative opportunities.

Shillington’s graphic design course is the perfect way to learn these programs—yes, all four of InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Figma—even if you’re a complete beginner and haven’t even opened them before.

5. Network with Other Graphic Designers

If you’re new to the world of graphic design and feeling a little overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remind yourself that everyone starts somewhere. One of the best ways to jumpstart your creativity and get inspired is to look to other designers for guidance. Look for designers who have a style that speaks to you and start following them on social media.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to them for advice or feedback—many designers are more than happy to offer support to newcomers in the field. You can also attend design seminars and conferences to connect with other designers in person. The design industry is a close knit community, so if you’re thinking of becoming a graphic designer with no experience, it’s well worth meeting and chatting with some of your peers, who will also be able to help you throughout your career.

6. Start Practicing with Simple Projects

If you’ve always wanted to get into graphic design but feel intimidated by the lack of experience, it’s time to start practicing with some simple projects and briefs. The good news is, you don’t need a degree or expensive software to start. With a computer and an internet connection, you can find a variety of free resources to start practicing. Look for tutorial videos and articles that break down different techniques and tools.

Another great way to get started is by taking on briefs or design challenges from websites like Briefbox or 99designs. These projects can give you a taste of real-world design problems and help build up your portfolio. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and experiment—the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your design skills. Though, if you want to get a real taste of what it’s like to work on briefs in the design industry then Shillington’s graphic design course is the number one choice—throughout the course you’ll work on over 25 briefs, including packaging design, digital design and more.

7. Build Your Graphic Design Portfolio

Now you’ve got some graphic design experience under your belt, you’ll need a portfolio. Your graphic design portfolio is your key to the industry. It’s a place to showcase not only your work, but also show what you can do and all the skills and knowledge you have learnt—no matter how you have learnt them. It’s also the first glimpse that potential employers or clients will have of your work so it’s important that it reflects not only you as a designer, but also you as a person.

The best way to build your portfolio? Shillington’s graphic design course! All Shillington graduates leave the course with a polished, professional portfolio that they can start using to apply as soon as they finish the course—so you can start earning as soon as possible.

Becoming a graphic designer with no experience is possible, and there are plenty of ways to get started. Taking the time to learn essential design software like Figma, networking with other designers in your field and taking on simple projects can help you build up your portfolio quickly. For those who want an immersive learning experience that will give them real-world client briefs and industry knowledge, Shillington’s graphic design course offers students everything they need for success. Learn more.

https://blog.shillingtoneducation.com/graphic-designer-no-experience/