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A Step-by-Step Guide to Graphic Design for Non-Designers

Date published: April 30, 2019
Last updated: April 30, 2019

Graphic designs are in-demand because most businesses have websites and almost all marketing efforts are via online channels. Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring graphic designer, or want to gain or improve your designing skills, this guide will give you an introduction to graphic design, an idea how graphic design works, and how to be good at it. 

Step 1: Read and Watch Online Tutorials

The best way to learn a skill is to read and watch how it’s being done. You’ll find a lot of resources online that can help you gain knowledge and skills in graphic design, such as blogs, video blogs, and website articles by trusted and reputable graphic design platforms. You can do this step in your free time using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

Here are some suggested topics when searching for graphic design online tutorials:

  • Basic concepts of graphic design
  • How to create simple graphic designs using free tools
  • Famous graphic designers and sample works
  • DIY graphic designs 

Step 2: Take Free Online Graphic Design Courses

The exciting thing about graphic design is that you can learn it for free. You don’t have to spend a single penny to take courses. This introduction to graphic design from HubSpot Academy is just an example. There are plenty of free online courses aspiring designers can explore. .

Students and aspiring graphic artists alike can highly benefit from free online graphic design courses as they can learn about basic graphic design principles, color theory, image balance, composition, and typography among others. Some online courses even offer tutorials about specific graphic design programs and how they can be used effectively. 

Step 3: Practice Graphic Designing

Now, it’s time to test your graphic design skills for the actual work. Start practicing using templates and basic tools. Once you get the hang of it, you can use other complex tools. If you want to be good in graphic design, you should practice a lot, and you can use free software to accomplish this step.

Whether you need infographics along with a good landing page builder, or you want to create a Facebook ad post for your new product, learning graphic design can save you money. So, dedicate a specific time to practice what you’ve learned on tutorials and video blogs to make your designs appealing and effective. If you’re an aspiring graphic artist, it’s also beneficial to practice while watching how a professional graphic artist does it (via YouTube videos).

Here are some of the examples of graphic design software:

  • Inkscape: It’s a free powerful vector graphics tool that is open source, which can be an alternative to Adobe Illustrator, and is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
  • Krita: This free software has plenty of templates and drawing aids, applicable for non-designers. It was specifically created by professional artists to make graphic design accessible to all. It includes smooth shapes, layer masks, vanishing points, and advanced functions.
  • Canva: It’s a famous graphic design platform for non-designers because you can choose a template and other elements to create beautiful designs for invitations, social media posts, and infographics among others.
  • GIMP: This incredible tool is excellent if you’re working with photos because it’s packed with customizable tools for photo editing. It’s a perfect tool for compositing or digital painting, too.

Step 4: Show Your Designs to Family and Friends

Once you have learned how to create graphic designs by using templates, and you have a few ones to share, let your family and friends know about it. You can start designing birthday invitations for your sister’s next party or simple infographics for your aunt’s convenience store or art craft shop. By doing so, you’ll get a grasp if people like your designs or you need improvement.

Here are some other ways to display your work:

  • Post it on social media, like your Facebook or Instagram account.
  • Print out sample cards and distribute in a family gathering, trade fair, or your next night out with friends.
  • Create a website and upload all your designs.

Note: It’s good to invest in a high-quality smartphone or tablet with intuitive interface applicable for drawing or graphic designs so you can create customized graphic designs. 

Conclusion

Graphic design is now made easier than ever. Even if you’re a non-designer, you can create stunning masterpieces by taking online courses, knowing what tools to use, and practicing a lot. You can also become a good graphic designer in the future with constant practice. Most importantly, you don’t have to hire a graphic designer every time because you can do the job well as a professional can.

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