How to Become a Graphic Designer: Step-by-Step
All great designers start their career the same way – as a student. To become a successful graphic designer, you must build sought-after skills like drawing skills, knowledge of design theory, mastery of design softwares, etc. that potential employers and clients often look for in a professional graphic designer. Here is what you need to do to develop relevant skills for graphic designing:
Build Your Foundation
The best way to build a strong foundation in any discipline is through education. It never hurts to start early, especially when it comes to creative careers like graphic designing. A graphic designer must possess a strong sense of creativity, and originality, along with familiarity with computer graphics, animation and design softwares, and strong communication skills. Such skills can only be polished with rigorous training and practice. You can start building your graphic designing skills as early as high school as there are several introductory courses that you can take before joining a full-time undergraduate programme.
Earn Your Degree
There was a time when people could get into the profession merely on the basis of their creativity. However, the world has changed a lot over the years and now employers look for designers with a formal, well-rounded education in the discipline. Once you enrol yourself in a graphic designing course, you open up a world of possibilities. Your college years are a time where you can experiment and explore your creative boundaries and discover your niche. You can also take up internships and get a taste of how the industry works in the world beyond your classroom.
Build Your Portfolio
A compelling portfolio is any designer’s biggest asset when looking for a job. Your portfolio gives potential employers a glimpse into your abilities and demonstrates your range of skills and growth as a designer. Your college education and internships that you complete during that time can greatly contribute to your portfolio. All the projects and assignments that you complete for your programme and your internship, along with the work that you might have done during your own time can add value to your portfolio.
Explore Career Paths
Once your graduate from a reputable institute like Delhi’s Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), there would be some brilliant career opportunities in graphic design industry awaiting you, some of which include:
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Print and Publication Design
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Brand and Identity Design
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UI/UX Design
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Experience and New Media Design
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Design Research Strategy
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Photography, Film and Animation, etc.
You can later choose to go back to school and advance your skills and creativity and deepen your knowledge of the discipline by adding a postgraduate degree or its equivalent certificate, that can further advance your career.