As a Graphic Designer, you'll need to have significant experience working with graphic design programs and be able to produce the kind of work employers want for their projects. Here, we delve into the necessary education, experience, skills, and tools needed to enter this creative field, and the potential routes to gain these, such as through a degree program or a specialized training program like a bootcamp.
To succeed as a Graphic Designer, you’ll need to start with a solid background in design principles, like typography, composition, and textures. Knowing how these factors work together will help you design images that appeal to the widest audience possible. Graphic Designers should also be familiar with various software programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. Most available positions require experience with at least one of these programs; many require all three.
Since it’s becoming more common for designers to create images for the web, learning some basic coding skills in HTML and CSS can also be beneficial. Other required skills will depend on the specific designs you create in your role. For example, designers who want to focus on improving the user experience of a product will need to be proficient in using programs like Adobe XD or Figma.
Outside of the technical demands of a career in graphic design, an ideal candidate will also possess several soft skills. Creativity likely goes without saying, but creativity is about more than enjoying and creating art in all its forms; it’s also a skill that needs to be honed. Many creative professionals will complete brief, daily exercises to ensure they’re practicing creative strategies and keeping their skills up-to-date. Graphic Designers should also have excellent communication skills; not only is their work designed to communicate with an audience, but they also frequently work in large teams and need to balance multiple stakeholders' requests as they fine-tune their designs.
