Find Out How to Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree

To get into graphic design, individuals usually prefer the traditional bachelor's degree. While a traditional graphic design degree offers a structured learning environment and valuable mentorship, it's not the only path to a fulfilling career in this exciting field. You must have certain skills and a passion for learning. Here are some of the alternatives for becoming a graphic designer: 

Hone Your Skills

You must have excellent graphic design skills to stay ahead in the design sector. There are various ways of honing your skills, mentioned below:

• Online Courses: You can pursue online courses to polish your skills. These courses should focus on design principles, software proficiency, and specific design specializations.
• Design Books and Resources: Invest in design books and online resources. Explore classic design theory texts alongside practical guides on specific software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. 
• Personal Projects: Develop personal design projects that explore different styles and challenge you to learn new skills. Create mockups for brands you admire, design posters for fictional events, or redesign your favorite app's interface. These projects not only hone your skills but also serve as valuable portfolio pieces.

Build a Portfolio

Your portfolio is a crucial asset. It's a showcase of your design skills, creativity, and design process. Start building your portfolio early, even if it includes student projects or personal design explorations. Over time, focus on incorporating high-quality, diverse pieces that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and versatility as a designer.

Gain Experience

Actively seek opportunities to gain practical design experience. Here are some ways you can gain experience:

• Freelance Projects: Approach local businesses or startups and offer your design services for a freelance project. This allows you to build your client portfolio and gain valuable real-world experience.
• Design Competitions: Participate in online or local design contests. This will help you showcase your skills, receive valuable feedback from industry professionals, and potentially win recognition that can boost your credibility.

Continuous Learning and Networking

The design industry is constantly evolving. You can stay ahead of the curve by attending design workshops, conferences, or webinars. Connect with other designers through online communities and design forums. Networking helps you get potential job opportunities and allows you to learn from experienced professionals and stay updated on the latest design trends.

Apply for Entry-level Design Jobs 

Once you've honed your skills, built a strong portfolio, and gained some practical experience, you can apply for entry-level graphic design jobs. Highlight your transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and time management, in your cover letter and resume.

You can make a successful graphic design career by learning the essential skills and knowledge required in this sector. Online courses are a good way to do that. Here is the list of top graphic design courses:

• Icon Design Masterclass: Learn Icon Design Principles by Eduonix: The Icon Design Masterclass: Learn Icon Design Principles course covers the theory behind icon design. It will help you begin your journey into the design world. At the end of this course, you will learn how to use different tools and services, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop Creative Cloud.
• Workbooks 101: Create an amazing workbook for your students by Skillshare: The Workbooks 101: Create an amazing workbook for your students course will teach a 6-step process that will help you create workbook content. This class focuses on creating printable PDF workbooks that can be used as more than just learning materials.
• Whimsical Text Effects in Adobe Illustrator - A Graphic Design for Lunch Class by Skillshare: The Whimsical Text Effects in Adobe Illustrator - A Graphic Design for Lunch Class course will teach you how to create whimsical text effects in Illustrator. You'll learn how to add whimsical patterns to text, how you can add multiple stokes, and how to use the Touch Type Tool. You’ll also learn how to solve common problems when formatting text. 
• What makes a good logo? - create the best logo for your client with Inkscape by Skillshare: What makes a good logo? - create the best logo for your client with Inkscape course covers the theory and creative process of logo design, from the initial client brief to finding ideas and creating sketches to the presentation of the final design. The course is divided into 2 parts. The first focuses on logo design theory and process. The second part focuses on Inkscape logo design - with all the practical tips.  
• Learn Sketch to Design Apps from Scratch by BitDegree: The Learn Sketch to Design Apps from Scratch course will teach you to build an app from the ground up with Sketch. You will get valuable information, resources, and skills to become an app designer. This course will also discuss how to build a nice landing page where you’ll show your app and get people’s interest.
• Learn How to Make a Character in Blender: A Simple Blender Tutorial by BitDegree: The Learn How to Make a Character in Blender: A Simple Blender Tutorial course will teach you how to create a low-poly character in Blender with the help of a professional digital artist. You will learn all the crucial elements of 3D modeling. You will learn to use different tools to create objects and shapes, then tie them together to create characters, clothing, and accessories, all in 3D!
• How to Make a Building in Blender: Blender for Beginners Course by BitDegree: The How to Make a Building in Blender: Blender for Beginners Course will teach you how to create 3D models in Blender. You will have an understanding of how this tool works, and you'll have done 32 Blender projects for beginners. In this course, you will move from the basics of how to make a building in Blender to actual 3D modeling.
• Introduction to Blender LiveLessons by O’Reilly: The Introduction to Blender LiveLessons course will teach you how to manipulate objects. It will explain how to create your own models, unwrapping, shading, and more in Blender Render as well as Cycles. It will also briefly explain animation and rigging. 
• Ideas from the History of Graphic Design by Coursera: The Ideas from the History of Graphic Design course covers four major periods or themes in the history of West European design. You will explore the history of design, how it became a well-respected practice, and the ways designers solved specific design problems. 
• Graphic Elements of Design: Color Theory and Image Formats by Coursera: The Graphic Elements of Design: Color Theory and Image Formats course will focus on examining and exploring different types of images and graphic elements. It will also discuss different types of images used in print and digital design projects. The course will teach you how to examine logo design to identify the best images and graphic elements that can be used for corporate branding.

The journey to becoming a Graphic Designer is an exciting and rewarding one. With dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, you can build a successful career in this dynamic field. By mastering essential skills, building a strong portfolio, and actively seeking opportunities, you'll position yourself as a valuable asset to any design team.

Remember, the design world is constantly evolving, so continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends are crucial. This article has covered how you can become a graphic designer without a degree.

Ready to take the next step? Careervira offers various graphic design courses to help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to launch your design career. Enroll today!