Rule of the thumb says that if you want to become a Graphic designer, find the desired program and enroll in a university but modern education is expensive and not everybody is lucky to have the required cash. For the less fortunate souls, the option of becoming skilled in designing is also available right from home however it is important to adopt a structured approach. Even people without formal education can achieve success by following this guide.

Stage 1 – Getting Started

Before starting with the learning program, let us understand what is a graphic design and the functions of the designer.

i. What Is Graphic Design and What do they Do?

Graphic design is a process of communicating to the target customers with the help of visuals like images. You can find pictures everywhere in the real world with the beautiful ones attracting the attention of the people. Similarly, in the world of business, the designer needs to create images that convey the message in a powerful way to the target customers.

The primary function of the designing professional is to adhere to the requirements of the customers.

Establishment of the timelines to achieve the milestones in graphic designing tasks

Professional should think creatively before designing the images and logos. The focus is to improve the visibility of the clients business.

Once the ideas are finalized, they have to be presented to the clients for approval.

A designer should be well versed with new technological tools such as computer aided design, Photoshop and much more.

ii. Have a Specialization

As a beginner, you can get overwhelmed with the technicalities of the graphic design. It is not possible to become a specialist in a month however you can follow certain tips to become a seasoned professional.

Whenever you come across an attractive design on the internet, add it to your social media account. Analyze the picture closely and find the idea it imbibes. Pay special attention to the theme and try to emulate the same in your work. By collecting different samples of graphic design, you may discover own style.

iii. Set Up Your Work Place

To start with, you should have a pen and paper to create design themes. After lots of hits and trials, you can have the ideal picture or logo that can be uploaded on the computer. In addition, make sure you have an office table to practice the different art forms.

iv. Have the Right Tools

Some of the technological tools that can be handy include Adobe Photoshop, illustrator and dream weaver. They are applications with amazing capabilities to instill life in the dead graphics. Since such programs are costly, you can initially try the free ones such as scribes and Inkscape

v. Build Your Website

A beginner can only become a specialist by working on the dummy website. You can implement the concepts that you have learned while acquiring specialization. Sometimes practical applications of the concepts are different and require tweaking so that they can be used in the real world.

vi. Write a Killer Resume

Since you have a little bit of expert, create a resume that enumerates your skills as a graphic designer. Make sure to include the technological tools you have used on the website project. It may help the employers to comprehend the degree of your skills.

Stage 2 – Marketing and Promotion

i. Find Your Niche

Well, you have become a graphic designer but in what niche you are interested? There are different categories such as advertisements, web designing, multimedia and much more.  Select the area that you want to excel in before proceeding ahead with the job.

ii. Network Online

In order to find the clients, you can set up your own website or join some others that provide design work regularly. Create an account and upload a portfolio to improve the visibility to the prospective employers.

iii. Send Out Emails

You can send emails consisting of sample work and also the expertise you have in the technology domain.

iv. Get Referrals

Recommendation from the previous clients would help you to successfully bid for the design projects.  The employers can comprehend the skills and capability to execute the complex project.

v. Attend Offline Events

You can also attend technology exhibitions and conferences to network with the design companies. By continuous interaction, you may get required exposure along with the projects that you are looking for.

vi. Become an Expert

Only regular practice can make a novice an expert, therefore work on as many projects as you can. More experience means better chances of gaining more projects.

vii. Work on a Small Project for Free

If you are a novice, the chances are that people may not trust you with the designer project. So, for the sake of experience, you can take up the task for free. You might not be paid any money but it would provide valuable expertise to hone the skills.

viii. Accept Criticism

Accept the feedback whether good or bad from the clients and try to rectify the mistakes. You can become a good designer only after plugging all the loopholes.

Stage 3 – How Much Designers Make?

i. How to Set Your Rates

A junior level designer can set up a price of 10$ per hour however it can rise with experience. Top quality professionals demand as much as 30$ on an hourly basis. The trick is to work on the complex project and iron out the chinks in the armor.

ii. Submit a Proposal

Create a business proposal detailing the tools that would be used to complete the project and the associated quotations. It should be impressive, simple and easy to understand.

iii. Follow Up

Follow-up is essential in present time to ensure that you are ahead of the competition. It also improves the chances of getting the project.

Wrapping Up

A beginner can become a professional only by honing the technical skills and adopting effective marketing strategies. Initially, you may have to slog however with experience, the payouts increase and so the rewards. By undertaking complex projects, one can enhance the skills and improve the chances of making as many clients as possible.

Sarah is an experienced WordPress developer, working at WordSuccor Ltd. She provides Custom WordPress Design Services and has a team of expert designers to assist her in every project. Get in touch with her now for any assistance regarding Web Design and development.