7 Steps to Be a Graphic Designer Without Degree

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

If you're fascinated with colors, fonts, and creating compelling visuals, you might find yourself asking, "how can I become a graphic designer without a degree?" The good news is: it's entirely possible! Here, we'll walk through seven clear steps to kickstart your journey into graphic design—no degree required. Let's dive in.

1. Kickstart Your Learning

The first step to become a graphic designer without a degree is to kickstart your learning. The world of graphic design may seem vast and daunting, but don't fret—you can master it step by step. Here's how:

Teach Yourself the Basics

Start by teaching yourself the basics. You don't need to enroll in a pricey art school to learn design principles. Instead, look for online resources to learn about color theory, typography, and layout design. Remember: practice makes perfect.

Learn from the Masters

Observing the work of successful graphic designers can be a great way to learn. Designers like Paula Scher, Milton Glaser, and Stefan Sagmeister can inspire you with their unique styles and techniques. Analyze their work—what makes it stand out? This can help you understand what resonates with viewers and what doesn't.

Online Courses and Tutorials

There's a wealth of online courses and tutorials available that can help you learn graphic design. Websites like Udemy, Skillshare, and Coursera offer a variety of courses, from beginner to advanced levels. Don't forget YouTube tutorials—they're a goldmine for learning new skills and techniques!

Practice, Practice, Practice

Finally, remember that becoming a skilled graphic designer takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't create a masterpiece right away. Keep designing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep learning. Soon, you'll find your unique style and start creating designs that truly reflect your creativity.

2. Dabble in Design Tools

Now that you've kickstarted your learning, it's time to get your hands on some design tools. As a graphic designer, these tools will be your best friends. But which ones should you learn? Here's a list to help you get started:

Adobe Creative Suite

The Adobe Creative Suite is the holy grail for most graphic designers. It includes powerhouse tools like Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics, and InDesign for layout design. You don't have to master them all at once—start with one and gradually learn the others.

Canva

Canva is a fantastic online tool for beginners. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to create stunning designs without needing any prior knowledge. You can use it for creating social media graphics, presentations, posters, and more.

Sketch

Sketch is another powerful tool, especially for user interface design. Although it's only available for Mac users, it's worth dabbling in if you're interested in designing apps or websites.

Procreate

If you're more into digital drawing and painting, Procreate is a must-try. It's an iPad app that packs a punch with a wide range of brushes and features. It's great for sketching, painting, and even creating animations.

Remember: these tools are just that—tools. They're there to help bring your ideas to life, but they can't replace creativity and a solid understanding of design principles. So, don't just focus on mastering the tools—keep honing your design skills too!

3. Build a Portfolio

After you've spent some time dabbling in design tools, you'll want to show off your skills. That's where a portfolio comes in. It's a collection of your best work, and it's often the first thing potential employers or clients look at when considering you for a job. Here's how you can start building your portfolio:

Choose Your Best Work

First things first: you need to pick your best work. Resist the urge to include everything you've ever designed. Instead, focus on pieces that showcase your skills and creativity. Remember, quality trumps quantity!

Include Personal Projects

If you're wondering how to become a graphic designer without a degree and without professional experience, personal projects are the answer. They show your initiative and passion for design. So, start a project that excites you — it could be anything from a redesigned logo for your favorite local business to a series of posters for a fictional event.

Create a Website

You'll need somewhere to showcase your work, and a personal website is a great solution. It's a professional way to present your portfolio and tells potential clients that you're serious about your work. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your web design skills!

Keep it Updated

Don't just set it and forget it. Make sure to regularly update your portfolio with your latest and greatest work. It'll show that you're constantly improving and committed to your craft.

Building a portfolio may seem like a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in your journey to becoming a graphic designer without a degree. It doesn't have to be perfect from the start — the important thing is to get started and keep improving!

4. Network with Professionals

Now, you might be thinking, "I'm learning how to become a graphic designer without a degree, where do professionals come into it?" Well, networking is an important part of any career — and graphic design is no exception.

Attend Industry Events

Industry events are a great way to meet other graphic designers, learn about the latest trends, and get your name out there. Look for design conferences, meetups, and workshops in your city. Don't be shy; introduce yourself and ask questions. You never know who you might meet!

Join Online Communities

Online communities are a fantastic resource for learning, sharing, and networking. Websites like Behance or Dribbble are popular amongst graphic designers. They allow you to share your work, get feedback, and connect with others in the industry. Moreover, social media platforms like LinkedIn can also be an excellent way to connect with professionals and find job opportunities.

Collaborate

Collaboration is a natural extension of networking. Working on a project with another designer can help you learn new skills, get creative, and build strong relationships. It's a win-win!

Remember, networking isn't about getting something from others. It's about building relationships and contributing to the community. So, be generous with your time, knowledge, and support. It'll pay off in the long run as you're learning how to become a graphic designer without a degree.

5. Take On Freelance Projects

So you've learned some design skills, dabbled with the tools, and even started networking. Great job! But there's still one thing missing: real-world experience. That's where freelance projects come in handy when figuring out how to become a graphic designer without a degree.

Start Small

Don't worry if you're not landing huge projects right away. Start small. Even designing a logo for a local business or creating a flyer for a community event can provide valuable experience. Plus, it adds to your portfolio!

Use Freelance Platforms

There are numerous online platforms, such as Upwork and Fiverr, where you can find freelance graphic design work. These platforms can help you connect with clients from all over the world, working on a variety of projects. It's a great way to gain experience and increase your exposure.

Don't Work for Free

While it's tempting to take on free work to build your portfolio, remember that your time and skills are valuable. Don't undersell yourself. You deserve to be compensated for your work, even as a beginner.

Freelancing can be challenging, but it's also rewarding. It offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects. Plus, it's a great way to build your portfolio and gain real-world experience, a key step in learning how to become a graphic designer without a degree.

6. Keep Up with Trends

Your journey on how to become a graphic designer without a degree doesn't end once you've mastered the tools and taken on some projects. The world of graphic design is ever-evolving. New trends emerge, and old ones fade away. Staying current is crucial.

Follow Renowned Designers

One of the simplest ways to keep up with the latest trends is by following renowned designers on social media or design blogs. You might find inspiration in their work and see what's gaining traction in the design world. Remember, imitation isn't the goal here, but learning and evolving is.

Explore Design Websites

Websites like Behance and Dribbble showcase a vast array of designs from professionals worldwide. Regularly exploring these platforms can give you a sense of trending styles and techniques.

Participate in Design Communities

Join online graphic design communities or forums. They can provide a wealth of knowledge, feedback, and keep you updated on current trends. Sites like Reddit and Quora have active design communities where you can learn and share your work.

Remember, keeping up with trends is not about blindly following them. It's about staying informed and knowing when to incorporate them into your work to create fresh and relevant designs. It's an essential step in the journey of how to become a graphic designer without a degree.

7. Evaluate and Improve

Learning how to become a graphic designer without a degree is like cooking your favorite meal - it's all about refining the recipe. Just as you would taste-test and adjust the seasoning, the same principle applies to your design journey. Evaluation and improvement are key ingredients in your success recipe.

Seek Constructive Criticism

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback on your work. This can be from fellow designers, friends, or even clients. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights into areas you might need to improve on. Remember, don’t take the feedback personally—it’s not about you, but about making your designs better.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Every designer, degree or not, makes mistakes. The important thing is not to dwell on them, but to learn from them. Did a client not like your design? Take a step back, review their feedback and figure out what you could do better next time. It's all part of the process of becoming a successful graphic designer without a degree.

Keep Learning

The world of design is always changing, with new tools and techniques cropping up all the time. Never stop learning. Consider online courses, webinars, or even books on design. The more knowledge you acquire, the better your designs will become.

Remember, the path to becoming a graphic designer without a degree isn't always a straight line. There will be bumps and detours along the way. But with persistence, creativity, and a love for design, you can create a fulfilling career in graphic design. Good luck on your journey!

If you're interested in becoming a graphic designer without a formal degree, be sure to check out the workshop 'Working a Day Job While Pursuing a Creative Life' by Grant Snider. This workshop offers valuable insights and advice on how to balance a day job while pursuing your passion for graphic design, helping you build a successful creative career without a degree.