Graphic designing is the art of creating visual content to communicate messages, ideas, and emotions. Professional graphic designers use elements like typography, images, colors, shapes, layouts, etc., to convey information and attract attention. However, you shouldn’t let these terms bother you as anyone can learn graphic designing skills as long as they have a passion for creativity and aesthetics.
In this blog, we will cover some of the basics of graphic designing for beginners and provide some tips to help you get started with your own graphic design projects.
What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is the process of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content. In today’s world, graphic design can be used for various purposes, such as:
Branding: Creating logos, icons, and other visual elements that represent the identity and values of a company, organisation, or individual.
Marketing: Designing flyers, posters, brochures, banners, and other promotional materials that persuade and inform potential customers or clients.
Web Design: Developing websites, apps, and other digital platforms that are user-friendly, functional, and attractive.
Editorial Design: Producing magazines, books, newspapers, and other publications that are readable, engaging, and appealing.
Packaging Design: Crafting labels, boxes, bottles, and other containers that showcase the features and benefits of a product.
Illustration: Drawing or painting images that illustrate a concept, story, or message.
Graphic designing for beginners can be done using various tools and software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Sketch, Canva, etc. However, this form of art, just like any other, is not just about the tools; it is also about graphic designing basics, like the principles and elements that guide the design process.
Also Read: How to Become a Freelance Graphic Designer in India?
What are the Principles of Graphic Design?
The principles of graphic design are the rules or guidelines that help designers create effective and harmonious compositions. Some of the main principles of graphic designing for beginners or professionals include:
Alignment: The arrangement of elements along a common line or edge to create order and balance.
Contrast: The difference(s) between elements that create visual interest and emphasis.
Hierarchy: The arrangement of elements according to their relevance to create focus and clarity.
Repetition: The use of similar or identical elements to create consistency and unity.
Proximity: The placement of elements close to each other to create a relationship or connection.
Balance: The distribution of elements to create a sense of stability and equilibrium.
White Space: The empty space between or around elements that creates breathing room and negative space.
What are the Elements of Graphic Design?
The elements of graphic design are the basic components or building blocks that make up a design. These are the first concepts that you need to get familiarized with soon after you begin researching how to learn graphic design for beginners. Some elements of graphic design include:
Line
Shape
Color
Texture
Typography
Image
Space
Also Read: How to Pick the Right Design Degree Course for You?
How to Learn Graphic Design?
If you want to learn graphic designing for beginners, all you need to have is a curiosity for visual communication and a willingness to experiment with different tools and techniques. Of course, having some basic knowledge of the principles and elements, as well as some inspiration from other designers always helps.
Here are some steps on how to learn graphic designing as a novice:
1. Explore Different Areas of Graphic Design and Find Your Niche
The first step to learning graphic designing for beginners is to research – browse online portfolios, blogs, magazines, books, etc. to see what kind of graphic design appeals to you. You can also look for examples of graphic design in your everyday life, such as logos, posters, websites, etc. Try to identify what makes them effective or ineffective, what you like or dislike about them, and what you can learn from them.
Conversely, you could also sign up for a full-time graphic design course at LISAA School of Design to dip your toes in many different areas of graphic design, while meeting all the steps that we’re going to discuss hereafter.
2. Learn the Basics of Graphic Design Software
Choose one or more software that suits your needs and preferences (Starting with free or low-cost options like Canva or GIMP is advised). You can also use online tutorials, courses, graphic designing books, etc. to learn how to use the features and functions of different software tools or applications.
Once you’ve gotten fluid with these economic tools intended for graphic designing for beginners, you can look into investing in more professional ones like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
3. Practise Your Skills by Doing Projects
You can create your own projects based on your interests or goals, follow briefs from online platforms like Behance or Dribble, or just follow your curriculum which is bound to have a number of projects depending on the graphic designing course duration. Of course, the more initiative you show, the more practice you get. Try to challenge yourself by doing different kinds of projects with different styles and techniques.
You can also join online communities or forums where you can get feedback and advice from other designers.
4. Build and Showcase Your Portfolio
The next important step in learning graphic designing for beginners is to create an online portfolio using platforms like Behance or Dribble where you can upload your projects and share them with others. Other options to tell your story, showcase your work, and reach a wider audience include:
Personal website or blog
Instagram
Pinterest
Having a portfolio will also help you a lot in securing admission to professional graphic design courses like the ones offered by LISAA School of Design.
Conclusion
Graphic designing is a valuable and in-demand skill that can open up many rewarding and fun opportunities for you in the creative industry. If you want to learn graphic design, you need to have a passion for visual communication, a willingness to learn and practice, some basic knowledge of the principles and elements of graphic design, as well as some tools and software needed to create your designs. However, if you lack any of the requirements bar the first two, fret not, as LISAA School of Design offers a number of courses tailored to teach graphic designing for beginners.
By following the steps we have outlined in this blog post, you can start your journey as a graphic designer and create amazing visual content.
FAQs
- What are the basics of graphic design for beginners?
The basics of graphic design for beginners deal with understanding the different elements, principles and types of graphic design.
- What are the 10 basics of graphic design?
10 of the basic principles of graphic design are color, contrast, hierarchy, alignment, space, unity, texture, shape, typography, and balance.
- How do I teach myself graphic design?
There are many ways to teach yourself graphic design, like taking help and inspiration from online sources like blogs, websites, courses, books and communities.
- How to do graphic design step by step?
To do graphic design step by step, the first thing you need to do is learn about the types of graphic design and figure out what suits you, then you can learn about the basics, like elements and principles and then familiarize yourself with the various software for graphic design. Finally, practise your skills.
- Which courses by LISAA School of Design teach graphic designing for beginners?
Two courses by LISAA School of Design deal with teaching graphic design for beginners – the Diploma in Graphic Design, and the Bachelor’s Degree course in Graphics, UI/UX, Illustration & Web Design.