Do you have an interest in graphic design, but don’t know where to start and launch a career in this industry? Well, you are not alone. Graphic design is can be an exciting career as long as you are passionate and have a creative mind. There are numerous opportunities in this field, but it has its fair share of challenges as well, including steep competition.
There are many paths to consider when it comes to taking a career in graphic design and there’s no ‘’one true route’’. It all comes down to working hard, seizing opportunities and tackling every project with determination and passion.
For a chance to snag one of the hottest jobs in graphic design today, visit our dedicated design jobs board. The page is constantly updated with the latest opportunities in the industry. Just makes sure that you have a portfolio that is solid enough to give you a competitive edge.
That being said, here are some tips to launch your career in graphic design:
Acquire Formal Studies
You will come across many people claiming you don’t need to go to school to become a successful graphic designer. While this is true, acquiring formal education will make it easier for you to penetrate the industry. And it’s not just about landing a job, a solid foundation in both theory and practice will come in handy when you get a serious project.
Acquire Software Skills
Most of the formal graphic design courses do not heavily focus on specific software skills. That’s because they lean more towards understanding core and timeless principles and concepts as well as developing problem-solving skills. On the contrary, software packages are always changing, making it hard for academic institutions to keep up.
Regardless of the learning path you take, it is imperative to practice what you learn. Ensure something concrete in your portfolio including projects that you have worked on in the past.
Get into Freelancing
Once you have graduated and are up to date with the appropriate software, you should start hunting for a job. However, this can take time and instead of hoping for a reply inviting you for an interview, consider looking for gigs as a freelancer. There are creative recruitment agencies in London. You can also freelance work there.
Tackling real-world projects will help translate your theoretical knowledge into more substantial practical skills. It will also help solidify whatever you have learned. In addition, this experience will give you an advantage during interviews and help you earn some money as you wait for a job.
Get an Internship
The more experience you have in graphic design, the better. Getting an internship in a good studio can provide invaluable experience that will come in handy throughout your career. You will gain more knowledge and experience in how to design organizations operate and have a better understanding of how to handle workloads and client requests.
Consider Working for Charity
Networking is just as important in the graphic industry as it is in other industries. A great way to network and add solid work to your portfolio is by offering your skills to charity organizations. Of course, doing good work for a good cause will give you a sense of satisfaction, and motivation, but it may also act as a path to landing a good job. This can be in the profit or non-profit organizations.
Build and Nurture a Relationship with Peers
In many industries, people view their peers as competitors, but in the design world, that could not be further from the truth. Having supporters and collaborators will help catapult your career so make an effort of nurturing a network of peers.
With these tips, you should be able to take the right path to a successful graphic design career.