How to become a graphic designer – Essential skills

Being a graphic designer requires a specific set of skills. These can be anything from knowing how to use certain computer programs to being creative and strategic. It’s important to have a good handle on these essential skills because they’re crucial for your everyday tasks.

Here are key skills that can contribute to a thriving career in graphic design.

• Design principles
  A strong understanding of design principles is essential for strategically conveying intended messages through visually appealing and well-structured designs.
• Typography
  Understanding the principles of typography is crucial for creating effective and aesthetically pleasing designs.
• Colour theory
  A solid grasp of colour theory helps in creating designs that evoke the right emotions and convey the intended message.
• Layout design
  Knowing how to arrange visual elements on a page or screen for optimal impact is essential.
• Software proficiency
  Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or other industry-standard tools is a must.
• Digital skills
  With the rise of digital media, understanding web design, user experience (UX), and interactive design is increasingly important.
• Marketing knowledge
  Understanding basic marketing principles can enhance a designer’s ability to create designs that align with the client’s goals and target audience.
• Adaptability
  The ability to adapt to new design trends, technologies, and client preferences is important for staying relevant in a constantly evolving field.

• Creativity

  Graphic designers need a strong creative flair to develop unique and visually appealing designs.
• Communication

  Graphic designers often need to convey complex ideas visually, so the ability to communicate through design is vital.
• Strategy

  Strategic thinking in graphic design involves understanding how design elements convey meaning effectively while meeting standards, including research, brainstorming, idea development, and evaluation.
• Attention to detail

  Graphic designers must pay meticulous attention to details to ensure the accuracy and quality of their work.
• Problem-solving

  Graphic designers encounter challenges in their projects, and strong problem-solving skills can help overcome obstacles and create innovative solutions.
• Time management

  Meeting deadlines is a critical aspect of the profession, so effective time management is essential.
• Collaboration

  Graphic designers often work in teams, so the ability to collaborate with clients, and other creatives is valuable.

To develop your design skills, you can find online courses, platforms, video tutorials, books, communities and everything you might need to help you get better at using design software and understand design fundamentals.

Here’s a list of my favourite learning platforms:

• Domestika – is an online learning platform for creatives that focuses on creative skills such as design, photography, illustration, and animation.
• Udemy – is another online learning platform with corses about almost everything. This platform is very useful to learn how to use design softwares.
• LinkedIn Learning – is the online learning platform and mobile app that provides courses focusing on software, creative, and business skills.
• The Futur – is an online education platform loaded with content, courses, and useful tools for young creatives. They also have YouTube channels The Futur and The Futur Academy with free content to help creatives making a leaving doing what they love.
• Youtube – it’s not technically a learning platform but it can be used for so much more and for free. Youtube has: tutorials about almost everything with every design software; channels like PiXimperfect, Dansky, and Tutvid known for providing valuable design content; design experts sharing their tips and processes; videos about design fundamentals, specific techniques or design playlists.

Continuously updating and expanding your skill set will help you thrive in this dynamic field.

Have a look at my book list to find out my updated list of recommended books about design, marketing, business, and life, that every designer should read.