A Complete Guide to Starting Your Journey as a Graphic Designer

Graphic designing has become a lucrative career option, offering the flexibility to work from home and the potential to earn a handsome income. I started my graphic design journey as a teenager in high school and have grown into a professional designer. If you're a college student or just graduated and are curious about exploring this field, this blog will guide you through everything you need to know about graphic design.

From essential design elements to salary insights, fields of work, and tips for getting clients, this guide is packed with practical advice to kickstart your graphic design career.

                                              Graphic design tools and workspace for beginners.

My Journey Into Graphic Design

I discovered graphic design during my teenage years when I first learned that people make money designing posters from home. Like any ambitious student, I wanted to try my hand at it.

It all started in 2017 when I bought my first PC during high school. Initially, I was drawn to photo editing and spent hours watching YouTube tutorials. That’s how I came across Photoshop, downloaded a trial version, and began exploring its features. Over time, I delved into banner and poster designing, again using tutorials as my guide.

YouTube became my virtual classroom, teaching me color theory, typography, and design basics. Some of the best channels for learning graphic design include:

• Satori Graphics
• Flux Academy
• Will Paterson

This free resource was enough to lay a solid foundation, proving that you don’t necessarily need expensive design courses to start.

Essential Design Elements

To create impactful designs, mastering these five design elements is crucial:

1. Color Theory: Understanding how colors interact and convey emotions.
2. Typography: Choosing fonts and arranging text to deliver a message effectively.
3. Alignment: Ensuring elements are visually connected and balanced.
4. Contrast: Creating emphasis and ensuring designs stand out.
5. Hierarchy: Guiding the viewer’s eye through the design in the intended order.

Skipping these basics is a common mistake for beginners. Learn them well, and you’ll have already mastered half of graphic design.

                                                     Five Elements of Graphic Design

Fields in Graphic Design

Graphic design offers diverse opportunities. Some popular fields include:

1. Brand and Identity Design
2. Web and UI/UX Design
3. Print Design
4. Packaging Design
5. Social Media Design
6. Illustrations

You can specialize in one field or combine multiple based on your interests. Personally, I work across four fields: packaging, UI/UX, branding, and social media design.

How Much Can You Earn as a Graphic Designer?

Graphic designer salaries in India vary depending on your specialization:

• General Graphic Designer: ₹5–10 LPA
• UI/UX Designer: ₹10–15 LPA
• Brand and Identity Designer: ₹15+ LPA

Freelancing can be even more lucrative, allowing you to work with international clients who often pay higher rates. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer make it easy to find such opportunities.

Best Tools for Graphic Design

While tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and CorelDRAW dominate the industry, you can also use free alternatives like Photopea, a web-based Photoshop alternative. Remember, it’s your design skills—not the tools—that matter most.

Building a Portfolio

A portfolio is your professional showcase, and platforms like Dribbble and Behance are excellent for creating one. Share your work consistently to attract clients.

How to Get Clients

Finding clients is crucial for freelancing success. Here are some proven methods:

1. Freelancing Platforms: Use websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.
2. Cold Emails: Pitch your services to companies, agencies, or brands via email.
3. Social Media: Share your work and process breakdowns on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Tips for Freelancers

As a freelancer, you’re your own boss, which means you’ll handle everything from accounts to client communications. Learn skills like creating invoices and drafting contracts to streamline your workflow.

Graphic designing is a rewarding field with endless opportunities for growth. With dedication, continuous learning, and a strong portfolio, you can achieve success in this creative domain. Start by mastering the basics, and don't shy away from experimenting and sharing your work.

Remember, freelancing offers immense flexibility and income potential, so take the leap if it aligns with your goals.

Thank you for reading! For more tips and tutorials, follow me on Instagram. Happy designing!