Ever dreamed of becoming a graphic designer but didn’t want to spend years in school or empty your bank account on fancy design programs? You’re not alone. The good news is that you can learn graphic design online, right from your laptop, without a college degree or breaking the bank. Intrigued? Well, let’s dive into how to become an online graphic designer without going to school.
Why You Don’t Need a Design Degree to Be a Graphic Designer
Once upon a time, if you wanted to be a graphic designer, you had to enroll in a prestigious art school, study color theory until your eyes bled, memorize obscure design rules, and graduate with student loan debt that could rival a mortgage. Not anymore.
Here’s the thing—most businesses and entrepreneurs don’t care where (or if) you went to design school. They care whether you can design eye-catching graphics that make them or their brand look amazing. And guess what? That’s something you can learn on your own.
If you have an eye for creativity and the right tools at your disposal, you can build a successful career in graphic design without spending years in a classroom. Instead, you can self-teach the skills you need, practice your craft, and start working on real projects today.
What You Need to Get Started as an Online Graphic Designer
Before you panic and think you need a high-tech, ultra-expensive setup, let’s clear that up. You don’t need much to get started:
- A computer (desktop or laptop—it doesn’t have to be fancy)
- Graphic design software (preferably easy to use and not requiring a PhD in Photoshop)
- A willingness to learn, experiment, and have fun
That’s it. No complicated software manuals, no four-year degree, no selling your soul to student loans.
Choosing the Right Graphic Design Software
One of the most intimidating parts of graphic design is the software. If you’ve ever opened Photoshop and immediately closed it because it looked like an alien control panel, I feel you.
Luckily, you don’t need to start with complex professional tools to create professional-looking designs. A much easier (and sanity-saving) approach is to use The Graphics Creator software, which is beginner-friendly, yet powerful enough to make stunning designs.
The beauty of The Graphics Creator is that it provides templates to help you kickstart your creativity while allowing full customization. So, if you’re feeling creatively stuck, you can tweak a template instead of starting from scratch.
Download and Set Up Your Software
The first step toward your graphic design journey? Grab your free trial of The Graphics Creator and install it. Follow the instructions, log in, and boom! You’re officially on your way to becoming a graphic designer.
Learning Graphic Design on Your Own
Now that you’ve got your tools ready, it’s time to learn how to use them to create jaw-dropping designs. And nope, you don’t have to spend months reading a dry textbook. Instead, learning graphic design is best done through hands-on practice and fun, engaging tutorials.
Your First Design Class (Spoiler: It’s Not Boring)
Forget the classroom-style lectures. The best way to learn graphic design is by watching and doing at the same time.
Start with the 9-part video tutorial series that walks you through all the basics of The Graphics Creator. Each short video will teach you essential skills like how to use text, colors, and images to create professional graphics.
And the best part? You can pause anytime, rewind if necessary, and go at your own pace.
Practice Makes a Graphic Designer
Once you’ve watched the tutorials, it’s time to start designing. Don’t aim for perfection—just create.
Practice by designing mock social media posts, business logo ideas, or even just fun graphics for your own use. Need inspiration? Check out the Laughingbird Software template collection for quick-start ideas.
Building Your First Portfolio (Even If You Have Zero Clients)
One small hurdle—most clients want to see a portfolio before hiring you. So how do you build one if you’ve never had a client? Easy!
- Design fake ads for imaginary businesses (your dream client deserves a sample, right?).
- Redo designs of existing brands as a fun challenge.
- Create social media graphics for friends, family, or small businesses that could use some help.
Before you know it, you’ll have a portfolio filled with polished work to show off.
How to Make Money as an Online Graphic Designer
At this point, you’ve got the skills and the portfolio. Now it’s time to turn those designs into dollars.
Where to Find Your First Paid Clients
You don’t need a fancy job posting to start making money. Try these options:
- Freelance job sites: Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and 99designs are great for beginner designers who want to build experience while getting paid.
- Social Media Groups: Small business owners in Facebook groups often need affordable design work.
- Local Businesses: Check with local cafes, boutiques, and small businesses that need graphics for promotions or social media.
Becoming a Better Designer Every Day
Like any skill, graphic design gets better with practice. But aside from experimenting, there are a few extra ways you can continue improving:
- Join the Creatorpreneurs Facebook group and connect with other designers.
- Keep up with design trends and fresh ideas by reading Laughingbird Software’s blog.
- Watch more tutorial videos and expand your skills.
FAQs: Everything You Wanted to Ask About Becoming an Online Graphic Designer
Do I need to be good at drawing to be a graphic designer?
Absolutely not! Most modern graphic design involves working with fonts, colors, and layouts, not hand-drawn illustrations.
How long does it take to become a graphic designer?
You can start creating professional designs in just a few hours. Mastering the craft takes practice, but you don’t need years to get started.
Can you be a graphic designer with no experience?
Yes! Everyone starts somewhere. Tools like The Graphics Creator make it easy to dive in, even if you’re a total beginner.
Is graphic design a good career for remote work?
It’s one of the best! Many companies need online visuals, and freelance designers often work entirely remotely.
What’s the fastest way to learn graphic design?
By doing! Grab The Graphics Creator, follow the tutorials, and start designing right away.
Ready to Become a Graphic Designer? Start Now!
You don’t need a degree. You don’t need expensive software. You just need a creative spark and the right tools.
Start by grabbing your free trial of The Graphics Creator, watch the tutorials, and get to work building your online graphic design career. Who knows? You might just become the go-to designer that businesses and brands can’t get enough of.
