Here's how you can kickstart a career in graphic design without formal education.

To kickstart a career in graphic design without formal education, consider taking online courses from platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare, where you can learn at your own pace and choose courses tailored to your interests and skill level. Additionally, leverage free resources available on YouTube and other platforms to supplement your learning and gain practical insights from experienced designers. Focus on building a strong portfolio showcasing your skills and creativity, and seek feedback from peers and mentors to continually improve. Dedicate time to regular practice, stay updated on industry trends, and network with other professionals to expand your opportunities in the field.

Graphic design principles: Start by understanding the fundamentals of graphic design, such as color theory, typography, composition, and layout. These principles are the foundation for creating visually appealing and effective designs. Design resources: There are a wealth of free and paid resources available online and in libraries to learn design basics. These include online courses, tutorials, ebooks, and design blogs. Here are a few to get you started: Skillshare (online design courses) Lynda (online learning platform with design courses) Futur (design blog with articles and tutorials)

From my personal experience, just Google it. Whether it’s learning how to use the tools in your design software or how to price your services, always be willing to go out and learn from others how have been there and done that. You can take online courses to speed up the process or just look up tutorials on YouTube. If it’s something specific, nine times out of ten, you will find a forum that answers those questions. Challenge yourself and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there so others can see what you can do. This is a highly competitive field and it’s always changing with new trends, so try to stay up to date on those as well. Follow other designers on social media to get ideas, and inspiration. Don’t copy, innovate your designs.

Quality over quantity: Don't just throw everything you create on your portfolio. Focus on showcasing your best work that demonstrates your skills and design sense. Variety is key: Include projects that represent different design styles and applications (e.g., logos, social media graphics, website mockups). Presentation matters: Create a professional and user-friendly portfolio website or online presence (e.g., Behance profile) to showcase your work. Here are some additional tips for building your portfolio without client work: Personal projects: Design logos, posters, or social media graphics for fictional companies or events. Design challenges: Participate in online design challenges on platforms like Dribbble to get feedback and exposure.

Connect with designers: Join online communities for graphic designers like Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, or design forums. Engage with discussions, ask questions, and share your work for feedback. Follow design influencers: Follow established graphic designers and design studios on social media to stay updated on industry trends and learn from their work. Freelance platforms: Consider creating profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find freelance design projects and connect with potential clients. Be upfront about your experience level when applying for projects.

Industry standards: Learn the industry-standard design software programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. There are many free tutorials and online courses available to help you get started. Free alternatives: Explore free and open-source software options like GIMP (image editing) and Inkscape (vector graphics) to practice your skills and build your experience. Practice consistently: The more you practice using design software, the more comfortable and proficient you will become. Dedicate time each day or week to work on design projects and experiment with different tools.