Get Started with Graphic Design
The design industry is a dynamic world where software, trends, and tools are constantly evolving and changing. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, reliable resources are invaluable.
Here are my favorite graphic design resources to help you get started in Graphic Design and stay relevant and inspired.
Industry Resource Guide
The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines has been known as the industry bible by all design professionals, from graphic designers and illustrators to web designers and animators. It’s a fantastic resource for all things design-related, including pricing your services, trade practices, and copyright laws. There are also sample contracts, forms, and other reference documents.
Additionally, this handbook offers a comprehensive industry tour and may enlighten you to expand into unfamiliar areas. Finding multiple revenue streams for your skills is a piece of advice from many successful artists. This handbook can help guide you as you navigate the world of design.
Professional Graphic Design Software
The top three software programs professional graphic designers use are Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign from Adobe. They all have specific functions in the design world, and for many professional graphic designers, it’s worth being familiar with all three.
Despite the industry uproar in Adobe switching to a subscription-based model, I’m enjoying the benefits of always having all my Adobe programs up to date, with the added benefits of a vast font library and additional benefits to paid versions of Fresco and Adobe Express in my Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.
Non-subscription alternatives exist for these programs, such as Affinity Photo, Designer, and Publisher, but I would avoid free programs if you want to be a professional graphic designer. Your software is a necessary investment, being the tool of your trade. But not everyone needs to start with every program, and not all professionals need to use all these programs. Learn and adjust as you grow your skills; eventually, you will find what works best for your workflow.
Continuing Education
Previous generations of artists and craftsmen would apprentice under experts to improve their skills. We are fortunate to live in a time where we can find mentors no matter where we live. Artists and design professionals are opening up online memberships, teaching classes, and creating high-quality content, even for free, sharing knowledge based on years of experience. The creative world has been developing a “community over competition” mindset as more designers share their expertise.
The online learning platform Skillshare is an excellent place to learn all types of art and design skills. I highly recommend starting with Lindsay Marsh’s classes for a comprehensive Graphic Design education. Some other fabulous Skillshare instructors are Martin Perhiniak, Daniel Scott, and Aaron Draplin. And you can easily search for specific skills or software programs you want to learn. (You can use this link to sign up for a free one-month trial of Skillshare– affiliate link).
Conclusion
A crucial part of your growth and development will be to stay updated on your software, industry trends, improved workflows, and technological advances like AI. Many ways I do this include podcasts, design books, YouTube videos, and following designers on social media and their email newsletters.
Having a guidebook, professional software, and a go-to place to learn new skills gives you a good foundation as you explore the endless possibilities of Graphic Design.
