Becoming a graphic designer without any prior experience can seem to like a daunting task. However, with dedication, hard work, and the right resources, anyone can become a successful graphic designer. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps that will help you build the required skills and knowledge to excel in this field.

Step 1: Learn the Basics

Before diving into the wide-open ocean of graphic designing, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the basics. Start by researching the different elements of design, such as color theory, typography, layout, and composition. This foundational knowledge will help you create effective designs that convey your message.

Additionally, it’s important to have a basic understanding of design software. Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are the industry standards and are necessary tools for any graphic designer. Learning how to use these tools is crucial to create professional-level designs.

Step 2: Understanding the Best Software and Their Importance

As previously mentioned, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential tools for any graphic designer. Each program has its unique features and applications, and it’s requisite to understand which software is best suited for different plan projects.

Photoshop is primarily used for editing and manipulating images and creating digital art. Illustrator is ideal for creating transmitter artwork such as logos and illustrations, while InDesign is used for page layout design such as magazines, brochures, and books.

Having a deep understanding of these software programs is crucial for becoming a successful graphic designer.

Step 3: Understanding Basic Colors Theory

Understanding color theory is the fundamental aspect of graphic design. The color theory involves the study of the effects of color on human behavior and emotion. Learning how to utilize color in effect can make or break a design.

As a graphic designer, it’s important to understand color schemes and how to use them to produce a visually appealing design. The color theory includes concepts like complementary colors, analogous colors, and monochromatic color schemes. Mastering these concepts will take into account you to create designs that paint a picture of the wanted emotion and response from the viewer.

Step 4: Establish Your Skills through Online Courses

There are numerous online courses available that can help you develop your skills as a graphic designer. Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera offer a wide range of courses, and there a good number of YouTube channels sharing informative tutorials for the basics of computer graphic design to high-tech topics like branding and UI/UX design.

Here is a list of some of the best YouTube channels for graphic design Tutorials

• Will Paterson (English)
• Arnau Ros (English)
• Satori Graphics (English)
• GFXMentor (Urdu, Hindi) 
• Rajeev Mehta (Urdu, Hindi)
• PiXimperfect (Urdu, Hindi, English)

Step 5: Practicing

As with any skill, practice is necessary to rise as a graphic designer. Start by creating designs for imaginary clients, practicing different design techniques, and experimenting with different software programs.

It’s also important to get feedback from different designers and clients. Critique and feedback can help you identify areas where you can improve and develop your skills further.

Step 6: Don’t be Afraid to Work for free at the Start to Build Your Portfolio

Building a portfolio is essential to finding success as a computer graphic designer. However, starting out, it can be challenging to find paying clients without any experience. One way to build a portfolio is to offer your services for free or at a low rate to friends, family, or local businesses.

Working for free or at a reduced rate provide valuable experience and helps you build a portfolio of work to showcase to potential clients. Remember, earning a good amount is important, but at the start earning should not be your goal. Working for free at the start can pay you well in the future.

Step 7: Internship

Internships are a fantastic way to gain real-world experience in computer graphic design. Many companies offer internships to students or recent graduates, but even out if you don’t fall into either of these categories, there are still opportunities for you to become an intern. Look for companies or design studios that offer internships and reach out to them with your portfolio and a personalized message explaining why you’re interested in interning with them. If you’re accepted, you’ll gain valuable experience working with professionals and creating designs for real clients. Additionally, internships can often lead to full-time job offers, making them an excellent way to jumpstart your graphic design career.

Step 8: Freelancing

Once you’ve gained enough experience through your education, online courses, internships, and practice, it’s time to focus on freelancing. Freelancing is a first-class way to establish your portfolio, gain experience workings with clients, and earn money, by doing what you love. Start by creating a website or online portfolio showcasing your best work and services. Reach out to potential clients, such as small businesses or startups, and volunteer your services. Set fair prices and establish undefined expectations for the see to ensure a positive working relationship. As you gain more experience and clients, you can start to increase your rates and spread out your services. Also, offer your services on different freelance marketplaces such as Fiverr, Upwork, Linkedin, WorkChest, Freelancer, Guru, and 99designs.