How to Become a Graphic Designer? Updated Guide 2024

Published: October 17, 2023

Graphic design is more than what meets the eye. It is used in different aspects of branding, from offline to online. As a proficient mode of visual communication, graphic design provides many learning opportunities for individuals.

The learning graph in the graphic design industry is huge. Once you start the course, you will learn too many things to learn. Are you planning to kickstart your career in graphic design? In that case, you must learn how to become a graphic designer.

Look at some of the fundamental points shared by our melbourne graphic designers that can help you become a graphic designer.

Learning Fundamental Design Principles

Graphic design is complex; there are different principles involved in it. To become a graphic designer in this sector, you must establish the principles accordingly.

Some of the major design principles that you need to be familiar with include:

• Balance and Alignment: As a graphic designer, you must be very careful with balance and alignment. This is one of the key rules that will help to foster loyalty. It would help if you were carefully balancing the elements.
• Contrast: You need to be familiar with the contrast of different colours. In graphic design, contrast is one of the most prominent aspects. This is one of the major elements that will help craft differences in design.
• Movement: The movement in different designs will play an essential role in crafting the perfect design. As an aspiring designer, you must know how to move the elements across the designs.
• White Space: Do you know white space is one of the most essential elements of graphic design? At BrandVillage, our designers are very careful of white space. Staying ahead of the audience becomes easier once you know how to use the white space.

Building a Strong Foundation

If you want to become a graphic designer, your prime focus should be to build a strong foundation. For example, if your base isn’t strong, it will become difficult for you to understand the advanced concepts. In the initial stages, your prime focus should be understanding colour theory, different graphic design styles, logo design file formats and more.

Free logo design and graphic design software can be crucial in building a strong foundation. If you are in the learning phase, you can start with Canva. The tools that you use for learning will have a huge impact on strengthening your foundation.

Mastering Graphic Design Tools

As a learning graphic designer, you should start with free graphic design tools and then move to the paid ones. The free graphic design tools include Canva, DesignWizard and more.

Once you have mastered free graphic design tools, your next step should be to learn advanced graphic design tools. Adobe has some of the best products for graphic designing, such as Illustrator and Photoshop. While learning these tools, you should learn how to handle pens, pencils, colours, erasers and more.

Developing Soft Skills

Apart from your technical skills, your soft skills are essential for graphic design. Time management, active listening, communication and strategy are the basic soft skills you must possess as a graphic designer.

You should carefully focus on honing your soft skills as much as possible. If you want to establish a successful career as a graphic designer, your primary aim should be to learn leadership. The basic soft skills development will also help you in multitasking. As a result, it would become easier to establish your career here.

Gaining Practical Experience

You need more than just learning through online and offline courses when you plan to become a graphic designer. It would help if you focused on gaining practical experience as well. As a beginner, you can become a full-time graphic designer with any agency or freelancer. Your freelance projects can help you earn hands-on experience in designing.

Your practical experience can form an essential part of your portfolio. It would help never to underestimate your practical experience’s importance. Moreover, it can also help you land a successful job.

Building Personal Brand and Portfolio

You can build your brand on social media platforms. It will be the social proof of your work, experience and excellence. The practical experience that you gain can be included in your portfolio. If you plan to grow your career in the graphic design field, you should build your portfolio by adding as much work as possible. Staying ahead and growing in the respective market can be a great sign.

Conclusion

Graphic design is one of the most in-demand industries. You must carefully craft your skills and hone your knowledge in this field. Taking baby steps towards your goal can help you establish your presence in the market. However, it would help if you let the clients know that you exist through your quality of work.

At BrandVillage: A Leading design agency in Melbourne, we have some of the best graphic designers from Australia who have practised and earned their reputation in the market. Reach out to us if you need excellent services.