How to be a graphic designer without school? Recently, there are many people asked us the same question. There are a lot of people who want to be graphic designers but don’t want to go to school for it. I was one of those people. I’m not saying that going to school for graphic design is a bad idea, but it’s not the only way to become a graphic designer. Here are 10 tips on how to become a graphic designer without going to school:
1. Find a Mentor
One of the best ways to learn anything is to find someone who already knows what they’re doing and learn from them. If you can find a mentor who is a graphic designer, that would be ideal. A mentor can provide guidance and advice that can help you avoid making common mistakes. They can also introduce you to new techniques and software that you may not be familiar with.
Another benefit of having a mentor is that they can help you network. Connections are important in any field, but especially in graphic design. A mentor can help you meet other designers and professionals who can give you advice and help you land gigs. Overall, having a mentor is a great way to learn more about graphic design, make connections, and avoid making common mistakes. If you’re serious about becoming a designer, find a mentor and start learning!
2. Read Books and Blogs on Graphic Design
If you want to be a self-taught graphic designer, you need to educate yourself on the subject. Read books and blogs on graphic design. There are a lot of great resources out there. This will help you to learn about the different aspects of graphic design, and to get an idea of what it takes to be a successful designer. Additionally, reading about graphic design will help you to understand the different software programs and tools that are available to designers, and how to use them effectively.
3. Take Online Courses
There are a lot of great online courses you can take to learn graphic design. If you want to be a self-taught graphic designer, you need to put in the work and take some courses. Online courses are often more affordable than traditional schools. They are also more convenient, since you can study at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Additionally, online courses can be just as effective as traditional schools in terms of providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful graphic designer. So, if you’re considering a career in graphic design but don’t want to go to school, taking online courses is a great option. You can get the education you need without breaking the bank, and you can learn at your own pace and on your own time.
You can check the online graphic design courses through Udemy. Udemy is an online learning platform that offers courses on a wide range of topics, including business, technology, design, and personal development.
4. Join a Graphic Design Community
Graphic design is a field that is constantly evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends and technologies if you don’t have a solid community to rely on. Joining a graphic design community is a great way to stay current on the latest industry news, learn new tips and tricks, and network with other designers.It’s important to surround yourself with other designers, whether they’re online or in person. There are a lot of great online communities you can join, like Artmeet, Behance, and Dribbble. Here are just a few of the benefits of being part of a graphic design community:
Stay up-to-date on industry news and trends
When you’re part of a community, you have access to a wealth of information and resources. You can stay up-to-date on the latest industry news, trends, and technologies, and you can learn about new products and services that can help you in your work.
Learn new tips and tricks
One of the best things about being part of a community is that you can learn from the collective experience and expertise of its members. You can pick up new tips and tricks, and learn about different approaches to graphic design.
Network with other designers
A community is also a great place to network with other designers. You can connect with designers from all over the world, and you never know when one of those connections might come in handy.
Get inspired
When you’re surrounded by other creative people, it’s easy to get inspired. Seeing what others are doing can push you to try new things and experiment in your own work.
Besides that, you can also join local Singapore’s Graphic Designer Community on Facebook, like Singapore Graphic Designers and Singapore Freelance Designers
5. Follow Designers You Admire
Follow designers you admire on social media and see what they share. There are many designers present themselves through Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. By following the work of designers you admire, you can learn a lot about the industry and what it takes to be a successful designer. Additionally, you can get inspiration for your own work and see what is possible in the field of graphic design.
Here are some of my favourite graphic designers:
Jess Nyberg – Youtube
Will Paterson – Youtube
Dena Nguyen – Youtube
6. Participate in Design Contest
Design contests are a great way to push yourself and improve your skills. They’re also a lot of fun. There are always new challenges popping up, so you’ll never run out of things to do. It is not only will you get the opportunity to showcase your work, but you’ll also get feedback from other designers. Design contests are a great way to network with other designers and to see what other designers are doing. It’s also a great way to get your work in front of a larger audience. And, if you win, you’ll get some great exposure for your work.
Currently, Artmeet has not yet launched the contest platform in Singapore. However, we did it in Artmeet Malaysia. Stay tuned with us, and we will launch it in Singapore as soon as possible!
7. Create Your Own Projects
In addition to participating in design challenges, you should also create your own projects. This is a great way to get real-world experience and practice what you’re learning. Creating your own projects is a great way to learn because you can experiment and try new things without the pressure of school. You can also take your time to learn new techniques and master them before moving on to the next project.
Additionally, working on real-world projects will give you the opportunity to put your skills to the test and see what works and what doesn’t. So, if you’re interested in becoming a graphic designer, don’t feel like you need to go to school. Just start creating your own projects and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a great designer.
8. Get a Job in a Related Field
If you want to be a graphic designer, it helps to get a job in a related field. This can be anything from working in a print shop to being a web developer. It gives you real-world experience that you can use to build your portfolio. Additionally, working in a related field can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful graphic designer.
You can find graphic design jobs through Artmeet. There are more than hundreds of companies hiring graphic designers.
9. Intern with a Graphic Designer
If you can’t find a job in a related field, another option is to intern with a graphic designer. This is a great way to learn about the industry and get some experience under your belt.
10. Be Patient
Becoming a graphic designer takes time. It’s not something you’re going to learn overnight. Be patient and keep at it. If you keep working at it, you’ll get there eventually.
Conclusion
You can learn the basics of graphic design on your own, or through online courses and tutorials. You can also look for entry-level jobs in the graphic design field, which will give you the opportunity to learn from more experienced designers. With hard work and dedication, you can become a successful graphic designer without a formal education.