How to Become a Designer: A Practical Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 10 min read

So, you want to learn how to become a designer? You've come to the right place! In this practical guide, we'll walk you through the process step by step, starting with understanding design basics and choosing your design path, all the way to finding a job and continuing your education. Let's dive in!

Understanding Design Basics

Before you can become a designer, you need to get a grasp on the fundamental concepts that make up the world of design. Let's explore the principles of design, elements of design, and color theory, which are the building blocks of any design career:

Principles of Design

The principles of design are the guidelines that help you create visually appealing and effective designs. Understanding these concepts will allow you to create more engaging and successful designs. Here are the key principles:

Balance: Distributing visual elements evenly to create a sense of stability.
Contrast: Using different visual elements to create interest and draw attention.
Emphasis: Highlighting a specific part of a design to make it stand out.
Movement: Guiding the viewer's eye through the design using visual elements.
Proportion: Creating a sense of harmony by using elements that relate to each other in size and scale.
Repetition: Repeating visual elements to create consistency and unity.
Unity: Ensuring all parts of a design work together to create a cohesive whole.

Elements of Design

The elements of design are the basic building blocks used to create any visual composition. Mastering these elements will give you the foundation you need to work in any design field. The main elements of design include:

Line: The most basic element, used to create shapes, patterns, and textures.
Shape: A closed line that forms a recognizable object, such as a circle or square.
Color: The hue, saturation, and brightness of an element, which can evoke emotions and create mood.
Texture: The surface quality of an element, such as smooth, rough, or patterned.
Space: The area around, within, or between elements, which can create depth and dimension.
Value: The lightness or darkness of a color, which can add contrast and emphasis.

Color Theory

Color theory is a fundamental aspect of design, as it helps you understand how colors work together to create visual harmony and evoke emotions. To become a proficient designer, you should be familiar with the color wheel, color schemes, and the psychological effects of colors. Here's a brief overview:

Color Wheel: A visual representation of colors arranged in a circle, showing the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
Color Schemes: Combinations of colors that work well together, such as complementary, analogous, or monochromatic schemes.
Psychological Effects of Colors: The emotions and moods associated with different colors, which can influence a viewer's perception of a design.

Now that you have a solid foundation in design basics, it's time to explore the different design paths available to you and choose the one that best fits your interests and skills.

Choosing Your Design Path

There are many different design fields to choose from, each with its own unique set of skills and opportunities. To determine which path is right for you, consider your interests, strengths, and career goals. Here's a closer look at some popular design paths:

Graphic Design

Graphic design is all about creating visual content for print and digital media. As a graphic designer, you'll work on projects such as logos, advertisements, packaging, and more. If you enjoy combining text and images to create visually appealing designs, graphic design might be the perfect fit for you. Some skills you'll need to develop include:

Typography
Layout design
Branding and identity
Illustration
Photo editing

Web Design

Web design focuses on creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites. As a web designer, you'll be responsible for the layout, color scheme, and overall look of a website. If you have a knack for making things look good online and enjoy solving problems related to user experience, web design could be your calling. Some key skills to learn include:

HTML and CSS
Responsive design
Visual hierarchy
User experience (UX) design
Wireframing and prototyping

UX/UI Design

User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are closely related fields that focus on creating intuitive and enjoyable digital experiences. If you're interested in understanding how people interact with technology and using that knowledge to create better products, UX/UI design might be the right path for you. Some essential skills to master include:

User research
Information architecture
Interaction design
Visual design
Usability testing

Interior Design

Interior design is all about creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces in homes, offices, and other settings. If you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating beautiful environments, interior design could be an excellent choice for you. Some important skills to develop include:

Space planning
Color and material selection
Lighting design
Furniture and accessory selection
3D rendering

Once you've chosen your design path, it's essential to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in your chosen field. In the next section, we'll explore various educational resources that can help you on your journey to becoming a designer.

Educational Resources

Now that you have an idea of which design path you'd like to pursue, it's time to start learning the skills you'll need to succeed. There are plenty of educational resources available to help you become a designer, ranging from online courses to design schools. Let's explore some of your options:

Online Courses

Online courses offer a flexible and affordable way to learn design skills at your own pace. Many platforms provide high-quality courses that cover a wide range of design topics. Some popular options include:

Udemy
Coursera
Lynda (now LinkedIn Learning)
Team Treehouse
General Assembly

These platforms offer courses on various design subjects, from graphic design fundamentals to advanced UX/UI techniques, so you can find the right course for your needs.

Design Schools

If you prefer a more structured learning environment, attending a design school might be the right choice for you. Design schools offer comprehensive programs that cover all aspects of your chosen design field. Many institutions also provide networking opportunities and career support to help you land your first design job. Some well-known design schools include:

Parsons School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design
California Institute of the Arts
Pratt Institute
Savannah College of Art and Design

Books and Blogs

Books and blogs can be valuable resources for learning design principles and staying up-to-date with industry trends. Many successful designers have shared their knowledge through books and blog posts, providing insights and practical advice for aspiring designers. Some popular design books include:

"The Elements of Graphic Design" by Alex W. White
"Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug
"The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman
"Seductive Interaction Design" by Stephen Anderson

Blogs are also a great way to learn from industry experts and keep up with the latest design trends. Some popular design blogs to follow include:

Smashing Magazine
A List Apart
Design*Sponge
Niice
Abduzeedo

With so many educational resources at your disposal, you'll be well on your way to becoming a designer. But learning the skills is only half the battle—you'll also need to showcase your work through a strong portfolio.

Building Your Portfolio

A strong portfolio is essential for showcasing your design skills and attracting potential clients or employers. It's your chance to make a lasting impression and demonstrate your unique design style. Here are some tips on how to build a solid portfolio that will help you stand out in the competitive design industry:

Personal Projects

Personal projects are an excellent way to explore your creativity and develop your design skills. They allow you to experiment with different styles, techniques, and concepts without the constraints of client briefs or deadlines. Some ideas for personal projects include:

Redesigning your favorite app or website
Creating a logo or branding for a fictional company
Designing posters or album covers for your favorite bands or movies
Developing an original typeface or font

By showcasing personal projects in your portfolio, you can demonstrate your passion for design and your ability to think creatively.

Freelance Work

Freelance work can provide real-world experience and help you build a diverse portfolio. Many businesses and individuals are in need of design services, so there are always opportunities to find freelance projects. You can start by offering your services to friends or family, or reach out to local businesses and nonprofits. Popular freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs can also connect you with potential clients. As you gain experience, you'll be able to showcase a variety of projects in your portfolio, demonstrating your versatility as a designer.

Portfolio Websites

Once you've built up a collection of projects, it's time to create a professional online portfolio. A well-designed portfolio website makes it easy for potential clients or employers to view your work and learn more about your design style. There are several platforms that can help you build a beautiful portfolio website, such as:

Behance
Dribbble
Adobe Portfolio
Wix
Squarespace

Choose a platform that best suits your needs and make sure to keep your portfolio updated with your latest projects. Remember, your portfolio is a reflection of your skills and creativity, so make it visually appealing and easy to navigate.

With a strong portfolio in hand, it's time to start networking and making connections in the design industry.

Networking in the Design Industry

Networking is crucial for building relationships, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and discovering new job opportunities. Connecting with other designers, clients, and potential employers can help you learn from their experiences and expand your professional network. Here are some effective ways to network in the design industry:

Social media platforms can be powerful networking tools, allowing you to connect with designers from around the world. You can showcase your work, share insights, and engage with the design community on platforms like:

LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook

Be sure to follow design influencers, join design-related groups, and participate in discussions to expand your network and stay informed about the latest industry trends.

Design Events

Attending design events, workshops, and conferences is a great way to meet fellow designers, learn from industry experts, and discover new job opportunities. These events can range from local meetups and workshops to international conferences and design festivals. Some popular design events include:

AIGA Design Conference
Adobe MAX
HOW Design Live
DesignThinkers

Take advantage of these opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and learn from the experiences of others in the design industry.

Online Communities

Joining online communities and forums focused on design can help you connect with other designers, share your work, and receive valuable feedback. Some popular design communities include:

Designer News
Reddit's r/design subreddit
Designers Guild on Facebook
Behance and Dribbble for sharing your work and connecting with other designers

Participating in these communities not only helps you build your network, but also allows you to learn from others and stay informed about the latest design trends and techniques.

Now that you've built your portfolio and started networking, it's time to learn some useful job hunting tips to help you land your dream design job.

Job Hunting Tips

Searching for a job in the design industry can be both exciting and challenging. To increase your chances of landing your dream design job, it's essential to prepare effectively. Here are some practical tips to help you in your job search:

Creating a Resume

Your resume should showcase your skills, experience, and achievements in a clear and concise manner. Here are some tips to create an impressive resume:

Use a clean, professional layout that highlights your design skills.
Include details of your education, work experience, and design-specific skills.
Add a link to your online portfolio to give employers a quick access to your work samples.
Customize your resume for each job application, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the position you're applying for.

Interview Preparation

Being well-prepared for interviews can increase your chances of receiving a job offer. Here's how to prepare:

Research the company, its products, services, and design philosophy.
Review the job description and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the position.
Practice answering common design interview questions, such as "What is your design process?" or "How do you handle tight deadlines?"
Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer about the company, team, or projects you'd be working on.

Job Search Websites

There are many job search websites and platforms that can help you find design job opportunities. Some popular ones include:

Indeed
LinkedIn
Monster
Behance Joblist
Dribbble Jobs
AIGA Design Jobs

Regularly check these websites for new job postings and set up email alerts to stay informed about new opportunities that match your skills and interests.

Once you've landed your dream job, it's essential to continue learning and growing as a designer. Let's explore some ways to continue your education in the design field.

Continuing Education

As a designer, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, techniques, and tools. Continuing education can help you stay ahead of the curve and enhance your career prospects. Here are some ways to keep learning and growing as a designer:

Industry Trends

Staying current with design trends can give you insights and inspiration for your projects. You can keep up with the latest design trends by:

Following design blogs and websites like AIGA Eye on Design, Design Week, or Creative Bloq.
Subscribing to design magazines like Communication Arts, HOW, or Print.
Attending design webinars, workshops, and online events.

Skill Development

As the design industry evolves, so should your skills. Continuous skill development can help you stay competitive and open up new opportunities. Here are some ideas to help you develop your design skills:

Learn new design tools and software, such as Sketch, Figma, or InVision.
Expand your skillset by learning complementary skills like programming, marketing, or project management.
Practice your design skills daily through personal projects or design challenges.
Take online courses or workshops to learn from industry experts and gain certifications.

Design Conferences

Attending design conferences can be a great way to learn from industry leaders, network with other designers, and gain inspiration. Some popular design conferences include:

Adobe MAX
HOW Design Live
Interaction Design Association (IxDA) Conference
AIGA Design Conference
Typographics

By attending conferences, you can expand your knowledge, stay current with industry trends, and make valuable connections that can help you advance your career as a designer.

In conclusion, learning how to become a designer requires dedication, hard work, and continuous learning. By following the steps outlined in this practical guide, you'll be well on your way to a successful career in the design industry. Best of luck on your design journey!

If you're intrigued by the world of film production design and want to learn more about becoming a film production designer, don't miss Jessy Moussallem's workshop, 'How To Become A Film Production Designer'. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and techniques to kickstart your journey into the exciting world of film production design.