Becoming a Graphic Designer: No-Degree Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

Graphic design opens a world of creativity, merging artistry with technology. This guide will walk you through how to become a graphic designer without a degree, focusing on practical steps you can take to build your skillset and career. We'll explore the software you need to learn, how to create a portfolio, gain experience, network with professionals, and stay updated on the trends and techniques in the industry.

1. Explore Creative Software

To kick-start your journey into graphic design, it's important to become well-acquainted with the creative software that industry professionals use. These tools are your bread and butter—your pencils and paintbrushes in the digital world. Let's delve into the main ones you should focus on.

Learn Photoshop

Photoshop is the Swiss Army knife of graphic design—versatile and powerful. With this tool, you can edit photographs, create digital artwork, design web elements, and much more. Here are a few key things you should focus on:

Mastering layers: Think of layers as transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. They allow you to work on different parts of an image without affecting the rest.
Understanding adjustment tools: These tools let you adjust the color and light in your images, giving you control over the mood and tone.
Getting a grip on selection tools: Selection tools let you isolate parts of an image to work on. They're a key part of Photoshop's flexibility.

Master Illustrator

Illustrator is another tool in Adobe's arsenal. It's vector-based, which means it creates graphics that can be scaled up or down without losing quality. This makes it perfect for designing logos, icons, and other scalable graphics. Here's what you should get to grips with:

Working with paths and shapes: Illustrator's power lies in its ability to create clean, precise paths and shapes. These are the building blocks of your designs.
Using the Pen tool: The Pen tool is Illustrator's magic wand. It lets you draw curves and straight lines with precision.
Managing colors and gradients: Colors bring your designs to life. Illustrator has powerful tools for managing colors and creating gradients.

Navigate InDesign

InDesign is Adobe's layout powerhouse. It's used for creating multi-page designs like magazines, ebooks, and brochures. Here's what you should focus on:

Controlling text and typography: InDesign offers powerful tools for controlling text layout, alignment, and typography.
Mastering page elements: You'll use page elements like text boxes, images, and shapes to build your designs.
Understanding page layout: Good design is as much about where things are as what they are. InDesign's layout tools help you place everything just right.

Remember, becoming proficient at these tools takes time and practice. So, start experimenting and don't be afraid to make mistakes—that's how you learn. In the next section, we'll talk about how to showcase your skills and creativity by building a portfolio.

2. Build a Portfolio

Now that you're getting hands-on with the software, it's time to compile your work and create a portfolio. This is your visual résumé and a platform to showcase your skills. It's where potential clients or employers get to see your style, creativity, and what you're capable of.

Create Original Work

Original work is what sets you apart from other designers. It's a reflection of your unique style, creativity, and thought process. Here are some tips:

Focus on quality over quantity: It's better to have a few excellent pieces than a large number of mediocre ones.
Show a range of work: Don't limit yourself to one type of design. Show that you can handle various forms such as logos, posters, web designs, and more.
Present your process: Don't just show the final product. Include sketches, drafts, and notes to demonstrate your creative process.

Showcase Client Work

If you've had the opportunity to work with clients, be sure to incorporate this into your portfolio. Client work demonstrates that you can meet briefs, work within deadlines, and deliver to specifications. Here's what to remember:

Get permission: Always make sure you have the client's approval before showcasing their project.
Explain the project: Include a brief description of the project, the client's requirements, and how you fulfilled them.
Show before and after: If applicable, show the design before your input and after, to highlight your impact.

Include Personal Projects

Personal projects play a crucial role in your portfolio. They demonstrate your passion and dedication. They also allow you to experiment and push your creative boundaries. Here are some pointers:

Follow your interests: Create projects around what you love. This could be anything from a favorite band to a social issue you care about.
Experiment: Use personal projects to try out new styles, techniques, or software. This shows your willingness to learn and grow.
Share the story: Personal projects usually have interesting stories behind them. Be sure to share these to connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Building a portfolio is a continuous, evolving process. As you grow as a graphic designer, your portfolio should reflect that growth. Now, let's move onto another key aspect of how to become a graphic designer without a degree—gaining experience.

3. Gain Experience

Designing in a vacuum won't help you grow. You need to step out, take on real-world projects, and learn from them. Here's how you can gain experience, even as you figure out how to become a graphic designer without a degree.

Find Internships

Internships offer a wealth of experience and a sneak peek into the industry. They expose you to the work environment, design processes, team dynamics, and client interactions. Here are some tips for finding internships:

Search locally: Look for design studios or advertising agencies in your city that offer internships.
Go online: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn can be excellent resources for finding internships.
Use your network: Reach out to professionals you know in the field. They might have leads or even offer you an internship.

Volunteer for Projects

Volunteering allows you to use your skills for a good cause while gaining experience. Here's how:

Look for local opportunities: Nonprofits, schools, or local businesses often need graphic design help but can't afford professional services.
Go virtual: Platforms like Catchafire match professionals with nonprofits that need their skills.
Offer your services: If you know an organization that could benefit from your skills, don't hesitate to offer your help.

Join Design Competitions

Design competitions can be a great way to challenge yourself. Winning or even participating in these can boost your confidence and make a great addition to your portfolio. Here's how to get started:

Search online: Websites like DesignContest and 99Designs host competitions regularly.
Check design magazines: Publications like HOW or Print also feature competitions.
Enter student competitions: If you're still in school, there are competitions specifically for students, like the Adobe Design Achievement Awards.

Remember, the aim is to learn and grow, not just to win. Now, let's move onto another crucial step in becoming a graphic designer without a degree—networking with professionals.

4. Network with Professionals

One of the best ways to learn, get advice, and find opportunities is to connect with those who've already walked the path you're taking. Networking is not about collecting contacts; it's about planting relations. Here are some ways to start building your network as you navigate how to become a graphic designer without a degree.

Attend Design Conferences

Design conferences can be a goldmine of learning and networking opportunities. You can meet experts, attend workshops, and even showcase your work. Here's how to make the most out of these events:

Choose the right event: Some popular ones include the Adobe MAX, AIGA Design Conference, and the Design Thinkers Conference.
Prepare beforehand: Know the schedule, plan which sessions to attend, and prepare questions or talking points for networking.
Follow up: If you made any connections, don't forget to follow up with a friendly email or a LinkedIn request.

Join Design Communities

Being part of a design community can provide support, inspiration, and opportunities. They're also a great place to ask questions and share your work. Here's where you can start:

Check online communities: Websites like Behance, Dribbble, or Reddit's /r/graphic_design offer vibrant communities.
Look for local groups: Meetup.com can help you find local design groups. Check if your city has a local AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) chapter.
Join professional organizations: Associations like the Graphic Artists Guild offer resources and networking opportunities.

Social media platforms can be a great place to connect with professionals and stay updated with industry trends. Here's how:

Follow industry leaders: People like Paula Scher, Erik Spiekermann, or Aaron Draplin share insights and inspiration.
Join groups: LinkedIn and Facebook have numerous graphic design groups where members share resources and advice.
Participate actively: Share your work, comment on others' posts, and engage in discussions.

While networking can open doors, staying informed and updated will ensure you're ready to walk through them. Let's look at how to do that.

5. Stay Informed and Updated

Graphic design is a field that's always evolving. The best way to stay relevant and competitive is to keep learning and adapting. Here's how you can stay informed and updated on your journey to becoming a graphic designer without a degree.

Follow Design Blogs

Design blogs are a treasure trove of inspiration, tips, tutorials, and industry news. Here's a tip to get the most out of them:

Select the right blogs: Some top picks include Creative Bloq, Canva's Design School, and Abduzeedo.
Set a reading schedule: Carve out some time each day or week to catch up on your reading.
Apply what you learn: Try to implement new techniques or ideas in your projects.

Design magazines can provide in-depth insights and keep you updated with trends. They also offer a nice break from screen time. Here's how:

Choose the right magazines: Some popular options include Print, Eye, and Communication Arts.
Don't just read - analyze: Look at the layout, typography, and color schemes. What works? What doesn't?

Learn New Techniques

As you continue learning how to become a graphic designer without a degree, don't forget to keep adding new techniques to your skill set. Here's how:

Take online courses: Websites like Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera offer courses on everything from typography to UI design.
Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you get. Try different styles, tools, and mediums.
Stay updated with software: Adobe and other design software often release updates and new features. Make sure you're not missing out.

Remember, the key to becoming a successful graphic designer is to keep learning and adapting. Whether it's mastering a new software or learning about color theory, every bit of knowledge and skill you gain will bring you one step closer to your goal. Good luck on your journey!

If you're considering a career in graphic design without a formal degree, check out the workshop 'Working a Day Job While Pursuing a Creative Life' by Grant Snider. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to balance your creative pursuits with a day job, allowing you to thrive in the world of graphic design without a degree.