Do you dream of telling stories with the right mix of images, words, and designs? Do shapes, colours, and textures intrigue you? Do you have a talent for creating visually appealing graphics? A career in graphic design would put all of that to good use. But how to become a graphic designer?

Becoming a graphic designer can be a rewarding career path for those who have a passion for art and design. With the rise of digital technology, the field of graphic design has expanded to include a wide range of industries and specializations, from branding and advertising to web and app design.

In today’s world, as the importance of graphic design is becoming more pronounced, the demand for good graphic designers is ever-increasing.

If you’re wondering how to become a graphic designer, this blog is just for you. It takes you through all you need to know to start building your career. Follow this graphic design roadmap to success!

Steps to Become a Graphic Designer

If you’re interested in pursuing a graphic designer career, here are some steps you can take to get started:

Get an Education in the Field

Even though formal education is not strictly required for a career in graphic design, the competitive edge it gives you is undeniable. A degree program in graphic design or related courses can provide you with a solid foundation in design theory and give you access to resources such as professors, classmates, and design equipment.

It will also add enhanced graphic design skills to your repertoire. You’ll become proficient in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Additionally, you will also gain a strong understanding of design principles, such as colour theory, typography, layout, and composition.

You can opt to enter the domain of graphic design right after you complete your 12th grade. There is immense potential for success if you follow the right graphic design pathway.

How to Become a Graphic Designer After 12th Grade?

After you finish school, you can choose to pursue a certificate, diploma or undergraduate course in graphic design. Research colleges and pick one that aligns with your goals and budget.

To that end, check out the list of courses offered by the JD Institute of Fashion Technology. The four-year undergraduate course in Graphic Design is an intensive, well-rounded programme designed to equip you with creative thinking mechanisms. By the end of the course, you will acquire graphic designer qualifications able to establish yourself as a professional in the graphic design sphere.

What Subjects are Needed to Become a Graphic Designer?

There are no specific requirements as such in terms of subjects to study in school to become a graphic designer. Students from any stream background, including Science, Commerce and Arts, can choose to pursue an undergraduate degree in graphic design in college.

However, the candidates must have completed their schooling from a recognised board to be eligible for admission. Also, the aggregate marks in 10+2 must be over 50%.

Build your portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your best design work that showcases your skills and style. Start building your portfolio by creating projects for yourself or friends and family. This can include creating logos, designing business cards, or developing branding for a small business. Make sure to document your work and showcase it on a website or an online platform such as Behance or Dribbble.

Gain experience

Experience is key to building your career as a graphic designer. Look for internships or entry-level positions at design firms, advertising agencies, or in-house design teams. This will allow you to learn from experienced designers, work on real-world projects, and build your network.

Network and market yourself

Networking is essential in the graphic design industry. Attend events, conferences, and meetups to meet other designers and industry professionals. Share your portfolio with potential clients or employers and create a professional website or social media presence to showcase your work and skills.

Stay updated

As a graphic designer, it’s essential to stay up to date with the latest design trends to keep your work fresh and relevant. Here are some tips on how to keep up with design trends:

• Follow design blogs and social media: Follow popular design blogs, social media accounts, and online communities to learn about the latest design trends and techniques.
• Attend design conferences and events: Attend design conferences, workshops, and events to learn from industry experts and connect with other designers.
• Read design publications: Read design publications like Communication Arts, Print Magazine, and HOW Magazine to stay up to date on the latest design trends.
• Use design trend resources: There are several design trend resources available, like Behance’s trend reports, 99designs’ design trends blog, and Shutterstock’s creative trends report.

In Conclusion

So, now you know how to become a graphic designer. Although it takes time and effort, it is well worth it. As a career, it has infinite growth potential. With constant skill-building and creative stimulation, the sky’s the limit!

You also have a wide range of options to choose from in terms of the working environment. Be it professional sports, the healthcare sector, or the publishing industry, graphic designers will always be needed to captivate and engage the audience.

In this age, with the rise of automation and digitalisation, design shows no signs of going out of style. This is the best time to step into the world of design and channel your creative talents.