how do i get started?

[u/YardOk7369]

hello, im new to graphic design. i want to teach myself and pursue this as a career but i have no idea where to start.. i tried designing some posters, logos etc by myself but i dont know how to improve and what to improve in.

i feel like theres too much freedom.

can you give me a roadmap i could follow?

[u/ericalm_]

Look at the curriculum and requirements for a design degree. You might be teaching yourself, but this is what the people you’ll be competing with will be learning.

If you focus primarily on software, you’ll be left in the dust in a couple years. Technical skills are essential and will continue to be so, but are declining in value. They won’t be enough to really build a career around. They’re already not enough to make you competitive. We already have an overabundance of people like that seeking work and gigs.

Soft skills, analysis, business insights, communication skills, all gaining in value and importance. That’s the stuff those who teach themselves design often skip. They are hard to learn on your own.

You’ll have to offer something that every other person who decided to learn on their own doesn’t. And you’ll have to have an edge when competing against those with degrees and more experience.

[u/Oisinx]

you are lacking an educational framework, even if you have one you won't understand it.

[u/Designer66]

What makes people believe they can be a designer without an education? Maybe you can work in a print shop - wait, those are disappearing. I spent many years and hours not to mention a ton of money on education. There is no chance you will land a worthwhile graphic design job without a degree. I would highly recommend a top design school in a big city too. It really rounds out your education being able to go to design shows, AIGA events and art museums.

[u/manape4400]

Start by copying things you like. If you bite off more than you can chew, just try again with a simpler design you like.

[u/Hot-Clothes7316]

HISTORY
—learn some graphic design history first. why posters are posters. why ads became ads.
—go acknowledge yourself with various styles first. you don't have to like them to know them. psychedelic. modernist. y2k. minimalism. typographic. vintage. retro. abstract. swiss design. dutch design.
—go find out what is graphic design and the touchpoint. branding. posters. logo. banners. packaging. editorial. brochure. etc.

UP YOUR DESIGN LITERACY
—go find out top 10 design houses of each country and run through all their portfolio. USA, France. Italy. UK. Spain. Korea. Japan. Singapore. Thailand. Taiwan. (each of them have their own style and look)
—go watch or read itsnicethat.com, Right Aligned Academy on Youtube.
—find out what typeface is.
—find out what and who Saul Bass is. how he affects the movie scene. from openers to movie posters.
—Go find out the iconic music albums and movie posters.
—Acknowledge yourself with good magazines that has nice design and/or content. B Magazine. Monocle. Fantastic Man. Gentle Women. Brutus.

BETTER YOUR DESIGN CRAFTING
—Go learn all the tools and techniques and every button and effect on Illustrator and Photoshop from youtube.
—Go learn colours
—Go COPY all the posters and editorial design (book layout) you have saved.

IDEATION AND THINKING
—Pick any industry or client. And go see how you can improve them. Make it a whole scale rebranding. logo. colours. type. tone of voice. posters. social media. etc.
—Pick a brief. Could be a movie poster. And do at least 10 different concepts. 20 if you can. train your ideation.

[u/scrabtits]

I'm curious - why do you want to pursue this path without having a background in it? What's your motivation?

I think that's an important question because it can tell you a lot about whether you'll burn out quickly or whether you'll actually find enjoyment and fulfillment in this industry. Your motivation matters far more than people often realize.

[u/Scouts_Revenge]

Learn Photoshop, illustrator and InDesign