Jumpstart Your Design Career: Learn, Create, Repeat

If you're here reading this, then you're fresh off the rank in the fun world of graphic design—and let me assure you, you're in for one heck of an adventure! Be it designing logos for international brand names, brilliant social media campaigns, or animation that freezes a person mid-scroll, you've come to the right place! 

As a fellow who's tread the same path, I know how daunting it gets at the start. But hold on—in my opinion, all you require is a clear map, the right materials, and a dash of enthusiasm. So, here's the ultimate beginner's checklist for graphic designers—everything you'll need to start on your path to creativity. 

Decide Your Learning Path 

Did you know that there are several entry points into the graphic design industry, depending on your goals, timeline, and budget? 

• Top University Degree in Graphic Design: If you're someone who appreciates structure, thorough knowledge, and long-term career development, a Bachelor of Graphic Design is a worthwhile investment. Prestigious colleges such as IDeA World College provide comprehensive programs that combine theory and live projects. 
• Best Graphic Design Certificate Course: Tight on time but high motivation? A graphic design certificate or graphic design certificate course can get you work-ready in a few months. They're perfect for fast upskilling or changing careers. 
• Best Graphic Design Beginner Classes: If you're just starting out, starter-level classes (quite a few of them are free or low-cost online!) are the perfect place to begin. These will give you a sense of the tools and methods used. 
• Top Graphic Design Courses After 10th: Yes, it’s never too early to start! If you’ve just finished your 10th grade and already know you’re destined for design, enrolling in graphic design courses after 10th is a smart move. In my opinion, the best path is the one that aligns with your personal learning style and life situation. 

Pick the Right Software 

You do not need to learn all the software, but these are some of the essentials you should get familiar with as a beginner: 

• Adobe Photoshop – Ideal for photo editing and digital painting.
• Adobe Illustrator – Ideal for logos, illustrations, and vector graphics.
• Canva – Extremely beginner-friendly and ideal for social media graphics.
• Figma – Favourite among UI/UX designers, yet perfect for collaboration. 

So, how do you become aware of that mindset? 

 Study design principles such as balance, contrast, alignment, and hierarchy. 

 Follow inspiring designers and agencies on Instagram or Behance. 

 Take time to analyze what makes a design work (or not). 

 Practice recreating existing designs to understand structure and flow. 

 Let me tell you, this observational learning can boost your creativity more than you’d expect! 

 Start Practising—Every Day! 

• Consistent practice is key. Start with simple projects like:
• Recreating social media posts
• Designing a mock logo for a fictional brand
• Creating birthday cards or posters for friends
• Sites such as Pinterest, Dribbble, and Behance are full of inspiration. And when you feel ready, share your own work. Other people's comments help you develop quicker. 

Create Your Portfolio 

Your portfolio is your design CV—it demonstrates your abilities, aesthetic, and potential. 

You don't have to have actual clients in order to create a fantastic portfolio. Create passion projects, rebrand existing brands, or do challenges from sites like Briefbox or Daily UI. 

Ensure that your portfolio: 

•  Tells a story about who you are as a designer
• Features 4–6 solid projects (quality, not quantity!) 

 Highlights your design process and thinking, not simply the end look 

Investigate Career Opportunities 

There is so much to graphic design. You may become: 

• A branding designer
• A UI/UX designer
• A social media graphic artist
• A motion graphics designer
• A freelance visual storyteller 

 Experiment with different mediums and styles during your early days—it will aid in finding what gets you most pumped up! 

Join Best Graphic Design Courses 

In my opinion, formal education can actually speed up your process, particularly when it involves industry exposure. If you're looking at a degree or diploma, some of the top graphic design colleges in India are: 

•  IDeA World College
• Pearl Academy
• MIT Institute of Design 

 And if flexibility is what you are looking for, there are a number of excellent graphic design online sites like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare that present excellent courses taken by industry professionals. 

Note: The views expressed in this article are of IDeA World College and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha