If your goal is to become a graphic designer, get ready because this is the article you’ve been looking for. Here, I’ll explain EVERYTHING you need to know about becoming a graphic designer: where to start, what to study, where to train, and the paths you can take.
What does a graphic designer do?
Graphic design is often misunderstood as one of those “new” professions, like YouTuber or community manager. However, it’s a craft with a very long history.
No, not as old as “the oldest profession in the world,” but graphic design has existed for at least 140 years. It’s a discipline that evolved from the world of printing, typography, publishing, photography, and art, starting in the late 19th century.
But what is graphic design really? What does a graphic designer do? “A graphic designer uses colors, letters, and images to help people better understand things.” Simple, right?
This phrase explains that graphic design isn’t art, drawing, editing, or photography. It’s an evolution of all these elements, organized with a purpose: to explain something, communicate, identify, or sell.
Now, let’s move on to the key concept of this article:
How do you become a graphic designer?
Simply by thoroughly learning what’s contained within the definition I just gave you. It boils down to four fundamental points:
- Colors
- Letters
- Images
- Applying the above three to solve a specific problem
Learning and mastering these elements is all it takes to call yourself a graphic designer.
No, I’m not joking. Of course, when you delve into each of these points, you’ll realize that each one contains an entire world of knowledge. For example, under the word “letters,” you’ll find typography studies: understanding typographic rules, knowing what a font is, how to choose and combine them, and so on.
Becoming a graphic designer is about acquiring the necessary skills
In many parts of the world, graphic design isn’t a regulated profession like engineering, architecture, or medicine.
While some designers might wish for a professional association, I think this lack of regulation is a good thing for two reasons:
- It allows anyone to learn graphic design without being limited by mandatory training, restrictive laws, or other barriers. This makes graphic design more accessible and democratic.
- The absence of regulations fosters creativity. Graphic design remains free from rules or obligations that might stifle creativity, which is the main driver of this discipline.
Therefore, you don’t need a university degree to become a graphic designer, nor do you need to pass exams or hold certifications. You just need to master the four points mentioned earlier: colors, letters, images, and their practical application to solve problems.
Does that mean university is useless?
Not at all! If you choose wisely and approach it with the right mindset, university is probably the best option in 80–90% of cases.
A university program, typically three years long, provides the proper approach to the discipline. Being in a creative environment, sharing ideas, and receiving constant feedback are clear advantages compared to those who don’t pursue formal education. That’s why, when someone asks me if they should study for a degree, my advice is generally yes.
Is it impossible to learn graphic design on your own?
Of course not! Some of the most talented and successful young designers I know are self-taught. However, at the same time, I know university classmates with very limited skills who probably wasted three years of their lives earning a degree that didn’t help them much.
I’m somewhere in the middle: I studied at university, but it was a general design program, not specialized in graphic design. Therefore, most of what I know I learned as a self-taught designer.
The truth is that to become a graphic designer, the most important thing is to acquire skills and develop what I like to call “the right approach” to design.
How to study graphic design as a self-taught designer
There are countless online resources. For example, some blogs offers free content that covers 60–70% of the basic skills you need. The rest can be learned through online courses, books, and, most importantly, patience, consistency, practice, and experience.
The benefit of learning on your own is that you’ll have more time to take on practical projects and gain work experience early on, even if it involves less glamorous tasks. The biggest challenge, however, is the lack of a structured learning path, like the ones offered by well-organized university programs or online courses.
In summary
- Yes, it’s possible to learn graphic design on your own.
- Yes, it’s harder and you’ll likely have gaps in the basics.
The difference, regardless of your educational path, lies in the effort and curiosity you bring to the table.