How to Build a Design Career When You Aren't Trained in Graphic Design

This is the last of a series of articles on how to prepare for a graphic design career. In the last article we looked at a strategy for getting prepared for a design career while you are still in school.

Now we want to examine how those with no experience or training would get prepared for a career in design. I have to say that if you are a part of this group it will be a little more complicated
unless you have raw natural talent. However, there are some ways to get started.

1. You must love design. The design field is not all fun and creative. There's hard work, discipline, and commitment that's required. If you love design, you will be able to last. Count your costs. If you aren't aware of any, you need to do more research.

2. Do your own training. Pick up technical and software skills from places like Lynda.com or Creative Edge. And get some design understanding by subscribing to Before & After and participate in their forum. Or join a design organization like AIGA or Graphic Artist Guild. Even if you don't sign up right away, these sites have a ton of free information that you can use.

3. Consider getting training. A bachelors or an associates degree can cut your job-search stress in half. You will not only have something to put on your resume, but you can build a body of work and hone your skills while you are at it. A popular online program can include places like Full Sail University or Academy of Art University.

4. Consider freelancing. This works quite well if you are already naturally talented. However, as I mentioned above, the market can be a cruel place if you aren't. But if you have a thick skin, the patience, and a desire to grow, you can develop into a decent designer.

5. Get a mentor. I've mentioned this before in the last article. I think it may be more of requirement for those without any design training. Try contacting an accomplished designer and get practical advice. Many are glad to do so.

Photo courtesy stockimages of freedigitalphotos.net

Disclaimer of Endorsement:

Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the owner of this blog. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the owner of this blog of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein.