If you want to become a graphic designer, there are a few ways to acquire the necessary skills. You can go to school for graphic design, teach yourself through online courses or get on-the-job training through internships. You can also do a significant amount of self-study and practice and teach yourself how to use the common tools and software you’ll need as a graphic designer.

Education

The best way to become a graphic designer is to go to school for it. You can do this through a four-year university, two-year community college, or certificate program. Some high schools even offer graphic design classes so you can take advantage of those if you’re still in high school.

If you can’t afford or attend a traditional college or university, there are plenty of online options you can choose from. You can search platforms like Graphics Monsters Uganda Academy or Udemy, look for online programs offered by four-year institutions, or watch tutorials on YouTube.

Whichever school or learning platform you choose, make sure you’re learning the graphic design skills you need for the industry you prefer to work in. What you need to work in online media might be different than what you need to work in publishing.

Tools

To work as a graphic designer, you’ll need to know how to use design programs from the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and products like the Apple Pencil. You’ll also need a reliable computer or tablet, Wi-Fi, and know how to find images, fonts, and create color swatches. Having a basic understanding of coding and programming language is helpful as well.

If you work a traditional job, they might require you to know how to use other software or equipment, but if you work for yourself, you have more autonomy in what you choose. And if you’re just starting out, you can use web-based programs like Canva or PicMonkey to familiarize yourself with the basics of graphic design.

Experience

If you go to school or receive formal training, you’ll have an easier time getting experience as a graphic designer. Your coursework should teach you how to create multiple kinds of images in a variety of different mediums. This could include logos, book covers, infographics, or business cards.

You might also be able to secure an internship that provides you with direct hands-on experience designing images for clients. That internship might even lead to a job. Your school’s career resource center can help you look for a post-college job or your instructors might also have connections you can take advantage of.

Getting Experience Without a Degree

If you’re self-taught in graphic design, you’ll probably have to work a little harder at developing a portfolio. The first step is to become proficient at online design programs like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop and do things like hand lettering or build color palettes.

Once you can create basic logos and other designs, consider offering your services on sites like Fiverr or reaching out to business owner friends to see if you can do some design work for them for free or reduced cost.

You can also use some of your own projects to build your graphic design portfolio. For instance, if you have a blog, design some infographics, Instagram images, or refresh your logo. If you write books, design your own cover. If you belong to a church group, book club, or sports team, offer to create T-shirts, water bottles, or even Facebook images to promote the group’s events.

There are plenty of places and opportunities to build your skills and graphic design portfolio, even if you don’t have a degree. Remember to market yourself to your network and look for even the smallest opening to practice your skills. Post about it on social media, especially LinkedIn.

Portfolio

Whether you have formal training or are self-taught, you’ll need a portfolio that showcases your work. Your portfolio will give prospective clients or employers an idea of your ability to design eye-catching, creative, and unique images.