What You Need To Become A Graphic Designer

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INTRODUCTION

Some years ago I made the decision to start making designs professionally to make some "easy money” and that set me on the path to an interesting journey. If you are reading this then I assume that you have also embarked on that journey as well or at least you are considering it. Graphic design is all about communication, that should be at the back of your mind whenever you are creating a piece of design; know that it has to be functional, understandable and of course aesthetic. Getting started you probably don’t have enough money to get some of the best hardware and software just yet so you will need to know what is really necessary for now and then get more later in your career. Now let's get started.

 

DEVICES USED FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN

A computer, a tablet, or even just your mobile phone, all these are viable tools to work with in the 21st century so do not limit yourself. Use what you have now and get the money to upgrade. You have to learn the basics of design, understanding what makes a graphic design good and what to avoid. And also when using mobile phones avoid using templates if you really want to improve your skills. This is because templates won’t really teach you how to create a design but rather limit you to just editing already-made designs.

 

Computer: if you decide to get yourself a computer then here are some of the key things to consider when buying a system for graphic design:

1.   RAM: The first laptop I used had 2GB of RAM and it was able to run some software for me though not very smoothly but I could definitely get the job done. RAM determines how many programs a computer can run at the same time without slowing it down. The size of the programs also matter as some may take up more RAM than others. Check the minimum RAM requirements for any software before you get it to ensure everything runs smoothly for you. If your system has more RAM then good for you. Go for at least 4-8 GB of RAM if you have the money.

2.   STORAGE: the amount of space you have on your hardware also determines how smoothly your design software will run. It also helps to reduce crashes when working on a project. And of course you need the space to save your work.

3.   PROCESSOR: another very important thing to consider is the type and speed of your processor. Getting a system with the latest or at least more recent processor is highly recommended.

4.   VIDEO GRAPHICS CARD: probably one of the most important things to consider especially if you intend working with 3D elements. A system with more video RAM will produce better results and can handle more advanced software much better. Make sure you update your display adapter to the latest version for this to function properly.

 

Tablet: this is one tool I haven’t used personally yet but I have watched a few videos of people working with tablets and they produce some decent results as well, especially in digital arts and illustrations. The iPad is often recommended when it comes to tablets due to its functionality and the software available on the platform. Most professionals use Procreate to create on the iPad.

 

Mobile phone: you can actually get a few things done using your mobile phone these days. You need to get the right software to combine and create your desired designs. I have been testing out different software on android for years now and they have some potential if you really take your time to learn how to use them properly. This is not a replacement for your computer but if it is all you have for a start then you are good to go, don’t limit yourself. Check out some good mobile apps for graphic design here

 

SOFTWARE USED FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN

Open Source/ Free Graphic Design Software

These are Software you can install and use without paying any money. They are also optimized for low end computers and so run more smoothly.

1.   GIMP: considered as a Photoshop alternative with tools for image manipulation, editing and digital art.

2.   Inkscape: this is a vector tool just like illustrator and CorelDraw and can be used to make logos. Personally I use this program a lot these days.

3.   Krita: this is more for drawing and animation but with lots of tools similar to Photoshop it can be included in your workflow.

4.   Scribus: a free publishing software which is often recommended by graphics designers as an alternative to InDesign.

 

Industry Standard Graphic Design Software

If you plan to someday work professionally in a design agency then these are the software you simply cannot go without learning.

1.   Photoshop: The most popular and powerful design software out there. You just have to learn how to use this software as a graphic designer. Used for image editing, photo manipulation, digital arts and lots more.

2.   Illustrator: The standard tool used by top design institutes to make logos and other vector graphics.

3.   Adobe InDesign: Used to make books and other publication designs.

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