9 Tips for Getting Started in Graphic Design

Creative entrepreneurs & people looking to start in a great career most check best beginner tips for getting started in graphic design

By Claudio Pires
Updated on February 24, 2023
9 Tips for Getting Started in Graphic Design

Creative entrepreneurs and people looking to start in a great career field should consider graphic design. Graphic design is a constantly changing field, but there’s one thing that remains true, is that when you commit to being a lifelong learner, there will always be someone who can use your skill. Check the best beginner tips for getting started in graphic design.

There are many paths to becoming a graphic designer; some people go to school for it, and others teach themselves by creating projects for fun. Regardless of where you start down this path, though, here are some basic tips to help you get started in graphic design.

Get to Know Your Creative Tools

Whether you use Adobe Creative Tools or choose to try something like Affinity instead. It’s important to get to know the ins and outs of your creative tools.

You’ll learn how to better manipulate images, how to add elements. So, how to make each component look the way that you imagine. Knowing your creative tools is a critical part of graphic design.

Learn Trends But Make Them Your Own Style

Graphic designers are the ones who make the design trends that you see. It’s important not to be a copycat but to look at those trends and reimagine them in your own way.

This will ensure that your designs look fresh and that you don’t get stuck in an outdated style. Learning from the trends is one of the best ways to understand what people want. So, why they buy your designs. You’ll be better equipped to do this once you learn the fundamentals and design basics.

Find Your Niche Getting Started on Graphic Design Creative Career

Finding the right niche takes a lot of practice. Maybe you love working with fitness experts, or you’d rather design logos for big-name companies. Finding your niche helps you to refine your skills either by using a specific design style or by working with a distinct population of businesses.

Practice Daily and Hone Your Skills

The more you practice, the better you’ll get. It’s unlikely that you can sit down on design software and create exactly what you want the very first time. Instead, you’ll get better as you practice using different techniques and creating new art each time you do.

Never Stop Learning

Learning is a lifelong process, and there are always new things to learn, even if you are one of the best graphic designers. You should never stop learning in your field. There are courses to take, conferences to attend, and so much more when you are getting started in graphic design.

Stay in Touch With the Industry Getting Started on Graphic Design Creative Career

You’re not alone in your graphic design journey. There are experts in the field who love to share their knowledge. Staying up to date with the industry is one of the most important things you can do to keep your skills sharp and your design portfolio fresh.

You can do this by scouring design blogs, learning ideas from other designers, and even going to new courses and conferences.

Become Part of the Design Community

Community over competition is a big theme in business. There truly is room for everyone at the table. By joining a local meetup or design guild, being part of a design community can help you make friends in the industry and network.

Collaborating is great because designers love sharing leads they don’t have the bandwidth for with other designers they know, like, and trust.

Create a Portfolio Getting Started on Graphic Design

An amazing portfolio will take you further than a degree ever will. You can pass all your classes but have mediocre work. When you’re going into a field like graphic design, employers and potential clients will always want to see your work.

You can show it off on social media, on a blog, or even in a private folder that you share with prospective clients.

Gain Experience Through Freelance Work

Work as a freelancer for a while, even if it means doing more mundane tasks at first. The best way to learn graphic design is by doing it. You can learn a lot from books and tutorials, but there’s no substitute for hands-on experience.

So if you want to become a graphic designer, heed the advice to freelance for a handful of clients. You’ll learn so much about the client relationship, communication, and more that cannot be taught following the tips for graphic design beginner to start a new creative career.

Claudio Pires

Claudio Pires is the co-founder of Visualmodo, a renowned company in web development and design. With over 15 years of experience, Claudio has honed his skills in content creation, web development support, and senior web designer. A trilingual expert fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to his work. Beyond his professional endeavors, Claudio is an active YouTuber, sharing his insights and expertise with a broader audience. Based in Brazil, Claudio continues to push the boundaries of web design and digital content, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.