Graphic design is one of the most creative industries, offering diverse career paths and the chance to create visuals that influence people’s opinions and actions.
A graphic design course can unlock exciting opportunities to apply your skills and collaborate with other creative professionals, including designers, writers and photographers. Developing foundational knowledge of the creative industries is essential to launching a successful career in graphic design.
Let’s dive into the world of design, exploring the best ways to become a graphic designer.
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
Graphic designers help brands communicate their ideas and messages visually to an audience. By combining various creative elements, including typography, images and animation, graphic designers create designs that align with an organisation’s goals, audience and overall vision.
From drafting visual concepts to presenting final designs, graphic designers have the creative scope to produce dynamic designs.
Graphic designers must be comfortable using design software and specialised tools to create digital drafts and designs in addition to designing physical materials, including packaging and advertisement billboards.
Why Become a Graphic Designer?
There are many reasons to become a graphic designer, including creative freedom, job satisfaction and diverse career opportunities.
The graphic designer career path provides ample opportunities to showcase and express creativity across various industries. Graphic designers explore design tools, styles and techniques daily, allowing them to develop new skills regularly.
The demand for creative professionals continues to grow as organisations and brands worldwide recognise the importance of visual communication. The rise of advanced technology has also increased the need for graphic designers to harness innovation and maintain an organisation’s relevance in the evolving business landscape.
A career in graphic design offers the opportunity to collaborate with other creative professionals and pursue diverse career opportunities across various industries. The rewarding nature of the roles also appeals to those aiming to pursue a design career.
What Skills and Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Graphic Designer?
Individuals require various skills and characteristics to become a graphic designer. Completing a graphic design course can also help creative professionals pursue a successful career in the design industry.
So, how do you become a graphic designer? Let’s break down the requirements:
Skills and tools – Some essential skills for graphic designers include creativity, visual and verbal communication, attention to detail and time management. Creative professionals must also have good knowledge of design tools and software, including Adobe Creative Suite.
Qualifications – Many creative professionals pursue a graphic design course to develop an in-depth understanding of design principles. A graphic design course also helps professionals expand their network to enhance their career prospects. Professionals have many study options, including online graphic design courses offering flexibility and global accessibility.
Transitioning into graphic design – The creative industries are unique because many professionals can turn their hobbies into careers. Those looking to transition into a graphic design career from an unrelated field can develop key skills and learn the basics by pursuing a graphic design course. Building a portfolio, gaining practical experience and networking with creative professionals will also help with the transition into a graphic design career.
Five Steps to Become a Graphic Designer
Follow these five steps to pursue a career in graphic design, from completing a graphic design course at university to developing a strong portfolio.
- Learn graphic design theory and fundamentals
Creative professionals must develop a foundational knowledge of the design industry before enrolling in a graphic design course. Learning about design principles and typography theories while experimenting with graphic design tools will help professionals crack the graphic design job market.
- Enrol in a graphic design course
A graphic design course introduces creative professionals to the skills required to pursue a successful graphic design career. Whether an online graphic design course or an on-campus degree, professionals can choose an option that works for them.
- Learn industry tools
Graphic designers must be comfortable using various design tools and software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Experimenting with advanced design tools prepares individuals for various graphic designer career paths.
- Apply your graphic design skills to real projects
As you develop key graphic design skills, it is essential to apply them to projects. Professionals can apply technical skills, including typography, image editing and motion graphics, to real projects and personal work.
- Build your graphic design portfolio
Every graphic designer needs a strong portfolio that highlights diverse skills and depth of work. Many creative professionals build their portfolios during graphic design courses and add to them throughout their careers. A portfolio should demonstrate a professional’s design skills and interests.
Pursue a Graphic Design Course at Arden University
So, now you know how to become a graphic designer, it’s time to find the perfect graphic design course.
Arden University offers a BA (Hons) Graphic Design course for creative professionals aiming to advance their careers in the ever-evolving design world. Arden’s online graphic design course is tailored to the latest industry demands and equips learners with the professional, creative and practical skills to thrive in the creative industries.
Join a supportive and inclusive university built for the modern world by enrolling in Arden University’s BA (Hons) Graphic Design course today.
FAQs
Are online graphic design courses effective?
Yes, online graphic design courses are an effective way for creative professionals to study alongside their careers and access high-quality training from anywhere in the world.
Is graphic design a growing field?
Graphic design is a diverse field with various specialisations focusing on specific areas of design, including print, animation and advertising. The digital areas of graphic design are booming, offering a positive career outlook for creative professionals as more companies invest in design.
How important is a portfolio for a graphic designer?
A portfolio is essential for creative professionals. It showcases a wide range of skills and interests and highlights diverse projects. A portfolio demonstrates your strengths to potential employers or clients, which is essential for your career.
What are the key graphic design tools I should learn?
Those aiming to become graphic designers should prioritise design tools and software like Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Experimenting with advanced design tools prepares individuals for various graphic designer career paths.
What career opportunities are available for graphic designers?
A career in graphic design offers diverse career paths for creative professionals with a passion for visual communication. Some of the most popular roles individuals can pursue after a graphic design course are graphic designer, brand strategist, animator and art director.
