As an aspiring graphic designer, you might be wondering how long does it take to learn graphic design? especially when you have no prior or basic knowledge of graphic design. If you are just starting up your design career from ground zero, and you don’t want to regret taking the wrong road in learning graphic design, I believe the information below will properly guide you.
While this is a great question to ask oneself, it is also unfortunate that so many people who thought graphic design is hard to learn have finally given up on their ambition of becoming graphic designers.
Firstly, let us see why graphic design is important in various industries and the role it plays to keep any business soaring above its competitors.
Importance of graphic design in various industries
Most industries and brands today have relied on graphic design on several occasions as a means to put their product or service in front of their prospect. It is through graphic design that companies are able to transform their raw ideas into an understandable visual message that enables them to capture the attention of their prospects.
With the combination of various design elements, a graphic designer can create the appropriate visual message that can be conveyed to their prospects which could result in an actionable decision e.g. product purchase, email signups, product awareness, or informative content.
Graphic design helps create a powerful impression
With a great impression comes great customer conversion who later become brand loyalists. With the power of graphic design, you can give the customer the impression to pick you instead of your competitors, and through branding, you can build a healthy business that gets a good amount of impression and customers’ trust.
With a combination of various design elements like fonts, images, text, color, and shapes, graphic designers are able to create a visual representation of your company (branding), which can be memorable and trusted by customers.
Imagine how big companies like Apple, Nike, windows, and Coca-Cola would have been perceived by customers if they hadn’t given good impressions to customers. They achieved success because they utilized the power of design in their products.
Creating brand identity
It is through graphic design companies and brands that create a unique brand identity that customers use in identifying them when they see their products among other products in the market.
Graphic designers use basic graphic design elements to strategically create a memorable visual identity that helps a brand stand out.
A brand visual identity comprises a logo that is made up of color, text, and imagery that encompasses the goal, value, and what the brand stands for. Companies spend millions just to get this right with the help of professional graphic designers.
Effective communication
Remember the old adage that says “a picture speaks a thousand words”? Graphic designing proves that to be true. Graphic design as means of visual communication can make information more exciting and fun to digest.
Information that is purely textual-based can turn off the reader and make him or her lose interest, using graphic elements to pass your information helps the reader to understand the information easily.
Ease of communication extends beyond just using just infographics, posters, flyers brochures. Visual communication can also be found on contemporary devices like digital screens etc.
Builds credibility
Any brand that is aiming to achieve the best result from its business journey should be built on trust. There are millions of businesses out there doing the same business as yours but clients want who they can trust and rely on.
Among five visitors that come to our site, two will subconsciously love your brand because of the look of your site. Authencity should be set as a high priority because using original design content to design your brand gains you a higher level of trust.
That’s why when hiring a designer to design your brand, you should be on the lookout for graphic designers who make the graphic design mistake of using stock images or design templates that are commonly used by millions of users. Always consider investing in a professional designer that will design your brand visual specifically for your business.
The designer should be able to visually represent the standard of the business through quality graphics that can’t be found anywhere.
Showcases professionalism
The various touchpoints of your brand should impress positively to your existing and potential customers to be professionally made. Most customers confess they’d want to do business with only brands that appear legit.
Logo, packaging, leaflet, and business card are essential parts of your brand that validates your brand professionalism. These substantial parts of graphic design carry much weight to how people perceive your brand, so you should invest well in a good designer.
How long does it take to learn graphic design?
Graphic design is a discipline that requires a considerable amount of time to understand. The question shouldn’t be how long it takes to learn graphic design, rather it should be how much time, and effort are you willing to invest to learn graphic design.
Graphic design is a process that requires one to apply the various compulsory design prerequisites.
Graphic designers whether self taught designers or college degree holders must pledge to the theories and principles that guide how one should achieve a professional-looking design.
However, learning basic graphic design skills like learning how to use various Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator tools can take up to 1-2 weeks. While learning and applying the principles & theories, and also mastering graphic design could take 2-4 years.
That being said, the question of how “How long does it take to learn graphic designer?” can also be influenced by some factors. Every human is born different and we all learn and grasp things differently. Here are some factors that influence how fast you can learn graphic design:
- Familiarity with designing software
- Prior designing knowledge
- Time and effort
- Understanding design theories and concepts
- How
- A natural knack for creativity
These factors hugely influence how fast or slow one can learn graphics within a given period of time.
How long does it take to get a graphic design degree
The duration of a graphic design degree program differs depending on the educational institution and the specific program you choose. Generally, a graphic design degree can be obtained in approximately 2-4 years.
Associate Degree
An associate degree in graphic design typically takes around two years of full-time study to complete. This program provides a foundation in design principles, software skills, and basic graphic design techniques.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in graphic design usually takes about four years of full-time study to finish. This program offers a more comprehensive education in graphic design, including advanced design concepts, typography, illustration, branding, web design, and interactive media.
However, it’s important to note that the actual duration can vary depending on factors such as the number of credits required, the availability of courses, whether you study as a full-time or part-time student, and if you have a carryover credit from previous education.
How to learn graphic design quickly
Understand the fundamentals
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the basic design principles, such as composition, color theory, typography, and visual hierarchy. Study design concepts and learn how to effectively apply them in various situations.
Study design software
Graphic design often involves using software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Most times, graphic designers usually work with multiple software. You can pick one or two of these tools and invest quality time in learning their features and functions.
Online tutorials, courses, youtube videos, and official documentation can be helpful resources for mastering these programs.
Study design theory and history
Gain insights into the history of graphic design and the influential designers and movements that have shaped the field. Understanding the evolution of design will provide you with a broader perspective and inspire your creativity.
Learn from online resources
Take advantage of the numerous online resources available for learning graphic design. Websites, blogs, YouTube channels, and online courses offer tutorials, tips, and design inspiration. Explore platforms like Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud for tutorials and community forums.
Practice regularly
Design is a skill that improves with practice. Challenge yourself by taking on various design projects help in honing your skills, even if they are just personal projects or mock assignments. Experiment with different styles, techniques, and mediums to enhance your skills.
Seek feedback
Share your work with others and seek constructive feedback. Join design communities, forums, or local meetups to connect with fellow designers and professionals. Feedback from others can help you identify areas for improvement and gain valuable insights.
Build a portfolio
As you gain experience and create designs, you should build a portfolio that shows a compilation of your best work. A portfolio is crucial for securing freelance work or applying for design positions. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your range of skills and abilities. how long it takes to learn graphic design
Stay updated
Graphic design is a field that constantly evolves with new techniques, trends, and technologies. Stay updated by following design blogs, attending conferences, participating in workshops, and exploring new design software or tools.
Collaborate and network
Engage with other designers and professionals in the industry. Collaborate on projects, join design communities, and attend design events or meetups. Graphic design networking can lead to valuable opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to different perspectives.
Keep learning
Design is a lifelong learning process. Continuously seek out new challenges, experiment with different styles, and explore new areas of design. Stay curious, be open to feedback, and embrace growth opportunities.
Factors Influencing how long it takes to learn graphic design
Here are various factors that influence how long it takes to learn graphic design:
Individual learning styles and capabilities
Not everyone is privileged to have the best suitable learning opportunity. Every graphic designer today has totally different ways that they approached design.
While there are learning options, some designers may decide to learn through college degree design courses. You can begin attending lectures that are that set up with a course curriculum while some designers will attempt to take matters into their own hands by becoming self-taught graphic designers.
Self taught graphic designers can decide to learn graphic design through listening to podcasts, youtube, and online courses and practicing and try recreating already created designs.
However, how fast a designer is able to grasp design lessons plays a significant role in determining if he or she would learn faster and be ahead of others. People learn design in weeks, some learn in months while others take years to master graphic design.
Previous design or art-related experience
How long it takes to learn graphic design as a beginner can be determined by the level of prior knowledge you have about graphic design. Familiarity with formal design software, theories, and concepts can help fasten the learning process.
If you have made designs with other design software similar to the industry standard design software like adobe photoshop and adobe illustrator, you will notice some familiar tools and terms alike. e.g brush, selection tool, opacity, adjustments, and so many others.
Commitment and dedication to learning
Learning Graphic design demands an absolute commitment and dedication to learning and mastering the tools, concepts, and principles of graphic design.
As a beginner, learning how graphic design works and also having a good eye for design begins with making out quality time daily or weekly will improve and make you learn design quickly.
Whether you are self taught graphic designer or a college holder, You can map out a timetable on how to study and practice topics and areas of design that interest you so much. Those areas that you feel would be easy for you to understand and grasp quickly.
A good rule of thumb is, to begin by learning the basic principles and elements of graphic design
Available resources and learning opportunities
Having access to graphic design resources will quicken your learning speed and also help you achieve the graphic design you seek for. Resources like fonts, images, color palettes, and templates are needed to create design products.
There are sites that offer free and paid graphic design resources to graphic designers. graphic designers can learn by using free resources like images and design templates for their design projects.
But when you do, make sure the resources you make use of are copyright free or else you need to pay for them before using them to avoid copyright infringement.
Levels and time estimates in learning graphic design
| Learning Level | Description |
| Beginner Level | – Introduction to graphic design concepts and principles |
| – Learning basic design software tools and techniques | |
| – Acquiring fundamental design skills and typography knowledge | |
| – Creating simple design projects and practicing design basics | |
| Intermediate Level | – Advancing design skills and exploring more complex techniques |
| – Developing a deeper understanding of color theory and layout | |
| – Gaining proficiency in industry-standard design software | |
| – Undertaking more challenging design projects and client work | |
| Advanced Level | – Specializing in specific areas of graphic design (e.g., branding, illustration, web design) |
| – Mastering advanced design techniques and innovative approaches | |
| – Building a professional portfolio showcasing expertise | |
| – Keeping up with industry trends and evolving design practices |
Strategies and tips in learning graphic design
Setting realistic goals and milestones
Setting clear and achievable goals is essential in any learning process, including graphic design. By defining what you want to achieve, you can outline a roadmap for your learning journey. Realistic goals help you stay focused, and motivated, and measure your progress along the way.
Incorporating practice and hands-on projects
Graphic design is a skill-based discipline that requires practice to improve. Actively engaging in hands-on projects allows you to apply the concepts and techniques you learn.
Practical experience enhances your understanding, develops your creativity, and hones your technical skills. The more you practice, the more confident and proficient you become.
Seeking feedback and learning from experienced designers
Feedback is invaluable in the learning process. Sharing your work with experienced designers or mentors allows you to gain insights, constructive criticism, and suggestions for improvement. Learning from their experiences and expertise can accelerate your growth and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Additionally, engaging with a design community or joining relevant online forums can provide you with a supportive network and opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Importance of continuous learning
Graphic design is a dynamic field that evolves rapidly due to changing technologies, design trends, and user preferences. Constantly learning is pivotal to staying updated with the latest tools, techniques, and industry standards.
It involves exploring new design concepts, staying informed about design trends, and expanding your skill set. By dedicating time to ongoing learning, you can maintain your competitive edge, adapt to industry changes, and push the boundaries of your creativity.
Conclusion
Graphic design is a fun-filled course that requires absolute commitment and dedication to sufficiently understand and also master the processes that will make you become a good designer.
As you progress through various concepts and theories, whether as a college student or as a self taught designer, you will run into challenging times but in the end, those challenging times will develop for the better.
That is why you should have a goal that will always act as a stimulant that will always motivate you to keep practicing. So, whatever level of knowledge you have, how long it takes to learn graphic design depends on your dedication and commitment to learning graphic design.
Wherever you are in the world today, nothing stops you from becoming the dream designer you want to become. The Internet has made resources available for us online.
Stay awake if you must, burn the candles if you must, takes courses online if it demands, and trust me, it doesn’t matter how long it will take you to learn graphic design but in the end, it will be worth it.
Frequentky Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn graphic design at home?
It takes 1-2 weeks to learn the basics principle at home and how to use the various design tools.
During this time you need to immerse yourself in learning the basic principles of design e.g. contrast, hierarchy, space, balance, emphasis, proportion, and repetition.
After learning the basic principle of graphic design, you can advance to practice how to apply them effectively to your design projects. Honestly, this takes time to master, especially when you are s self-taught designer learning graphic design online.
Can I learn graphic design in 2 months?
Yes, you can learn graphic design in 2 months as long as you are committed and dedicated to learning every single day.
Taking an online course from Udemy or Coursera or enrolling in a graphic design BootCamp in 2 months.
These learning options can teach you graphic design with a course curriculum just like the one in college and can even you a certificate right from your home.
After a successful course you can begin an inline portfolio where you can exhibit your design skills for clients to see and earn you jobs.
Can I learn graphic design on my own?
Yes, graphic design can be self taught. There are many famous self-taught graphic designers that took learning into their own hands.
As an aspiring self-taught graphic designer regardless of the amount of free resources available online, the question of “how long does it take to learn graphic design online” will cross your mind often.
All that you need is persistent practice in applying the principles of graphic design, studying color theory, and practicing typography.
You can also learn so many vital skills by listening to podcasts and watching youtube videos, and taking courses online.
Additionally, as a self-taught graphic designer, it is advised you have a mentor that you can look up to. Having a professional design mentor will help you mimic the style and concepts he or she applies.
What should I first learn for graphic design?
As a beginner, you should begin by first learning the fundamental principles of graphic design, how to effectively put together fonts, colors, emphasis, and layout scale to create visually appealing and well-structured designs.
Secondly, you should begin getting familiar with the various tools and their functions in the graphic design software of your choice. There are various design softwares like adobe photoshop, adobe illustrator, and Indesign.
These design software are basically the industry standard software used by professional designers and can be purchased or used under a free trial version that lasts for a few days. After the trial expires, you will have to pay a premium fee to use the software again
Is Graphic Design A dying Career?
No! Graphic design is not a dying career, in fact, the demand for graphic design is high and presently experiencing rapid growth.
Research found that between 2021 and 2031, the job market for graphic designers in the United States is expected to grow by just 3%. Over that time, the industry is predicted to gain a net of 6,800 jobs.
Additionally, graphic design is also evolving into a more sophisticated discipline since the introduction of AI. With AI, the hectic job of the graphic designer will significantly lessen and tasks will be time efficient.
Is Graphic Design Hard to Learn?
The difficulty of learning graphic design can vary depending on the individual and their prior experience, skills, and dedication to learning.
However, it is generally considered that graphic design can be challenging to learn due to the combination of technical skills and creative problem-solving involved.
It requires learning various software tools, understanding design principles, typography, and color theory, and developing an eye for aesthetics. With practice, perseverance, and a passion for design, it is possible to learn and excel in graphic design.