How to Become a Graphic Designer

Thinking about becoming a graphic designer? You’re not alone—and for good reason. Graphic design is one of those creative careers that blends art and problem-solving, letting you build visual stories for brands, businesses, and causes you care about. But how do you actually get started?

Whether you’re fresh out of school, stuck in a job you don’t love, or just finally giving your creative side a shot, here’s a straightforward guide on how to become a graphic designer—even if you have zero experience.

1. What Does a Graphic Designer Actually Do?

Graphic design is much more than just making things look pretty. A graphic designer is someone who communicates ideas visually. This could be through branding, logos, packaging, posters, websites, social media graphics—you name it.

You’ll use tools like typography, layout, colour, and imagery to solve real-world problems and bring ideas to life. It's a mix of creativity, logic, and (yes) a bit of technical know-how. As a deisgner, the role goes way beyond the basic desinging though. There are lots of elemets to consider. Firstly, there is research, whether that is research into your client, what they do, their industry etc. or just keeping up to date on recent design trends and looking for inspirtation, reseach is a big part of the job. There is also client communication, and that will be important in an employed and freelance role.

2. Learn the Basics of Graphic Design

If you’re new to design, start by learning the foundations. The best graphic designers have a solid understanding of:

• Typography

• Colour theory

• Composition & layout

• Visual hierarchy

• Branding & identity

  
  

Don't be intimidated by the list even if you don't know what half of it means. There are lots of resources you can use to familiarise yourslef with these concepts adn learn pretty quickly. You don’t need to spend thousands on a degree (unless you want to). There are plenty of free and affordable resources online—YouTube, Skillshare, Coursera, and even TikTok can teach you a lot. Resources like Youtube are compeltely free and you can learn a lot. You can gete more formal style instructional videos as well as lots of videos of designers goign through their process. This can be so helpful to see how professionals are approaching different projects.

3. Get Comfortable With Design Software

Every graphic designer needs to know their tools. At the very least, try to get familiar with:

• Adobe Illustrator (for logo design and vector work)

• Adobe Indesign (for print work like brochures etc.)

• Adobe Photoshop (for image editing and graphics)

• Figma or Canva (for web and digital design)

  
  

You can start with free trials, student discounts, or even free tools like Photopea or Gravit Designer if you're on a tight budget. What matters most is practising regularly. Ultimately though, you will need to famialirise yourself with Adobe Suite as this is what all agencies use, so you will need to knwo your way around before applying for jobs. Whilst it can be pricey, it is definitley worth the price.

4. Build a Portfolio (Even Without Clients)

This is key. Your portfolio is your ticket to real design work, so make it strong—even if it means creating mock projects. Redesign a logo for a local café, create branding for a fictional event, or build an ad campaign for a cause you care about.

Try to show a variety of styles and formats—logos, posters, web design, social media content, etc. If you can, show your process: how you got from concept to final design. That’s what clients and employers love to see.

Try experimenting with a range of styles and make sure you cover the basics like logo desing, flyer design, brochures, business cards etc. The best way to do this is to creat passion projects and develop the full branding for each one. This ensures you are creating a range of designs and it can help you figure out what you prefer to work on. There is a big difference between branding and web design fro example, and not all designers love to work on everyhting and that is okay. In fact, it can be really useful to niche down your services, espeically if you are looking to freelance.

👉 Want some inspo? Check out my graphic design portfolio for real-world examples.

5. Put Yourself Out There!

Now it’s time to be seen. Create an online presence by uploading your work to places like:

• Behance

• Dribbble

• Instagram (yep, even that works)

• Your own website or portfolio site

  
  

And don’t be shy—reach out to people. Join Facebook groups, Reddit communities, or Slack channels for creatives. Many graphic designers find their first gigs through word-of-mouth or local connections. It’s not all about huge job boards.

6. Start Freelancing or Apply For Entry Roles Once you’ve got some work to show, and feel confitent (you probably won't ever feel 100% confident so don't be afraid to take the leap) start applying for junior design jobs or freelancing gigs. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can be hit or miss, but they’re a good place to practise and earn some experience. Don't be discouraged if you're not getting jobs right away. Freelancing sites can be so competitive that even agencies can struggle to get regualr work from them. If you are strugling, try local Facebook groups or reach out to people directly.

You can also offer design services to local businesses (think restaurants, cafés, salons) or reach out via Instagram or email. Keep it friendly and human—people respond to real conversation, not pushy sales. If you are trying tou build your portfolio still, you can offer a discount or free services to businesses to help build your portfolio with real-life examples.

7. Keep Learning and Evolving

Graphic design trends, tools, and platforms are always changing. So keep learning, trying new styles, and building your skill set. You never really stop being a student in this field—and that’s part of what makes it fun.

Whether you're into logo design, branding, print work, or digital content, there’s room for your style and voice in the industry.

Becoming a graphic designer doesn’t happen overnight—but it also doesn’t require a fancy degree or expensive gear. What it does take is consistency, curiosity, and a genuine interest in visual storytelling.

Start small, stay curious, and keep creating. And when you're ready to level up or need a bit of guidance, feel free to get in touch. At Next Chapter Creative, I help creatives and businesses build bold, thoughtful branding—and I’d love to hear about your journey. We are also alwyas happy to speak with new creatives and offer tips and advice, so don't be shy.