Becoming a graphic designer without a degree?
I've recently decided to move from copywriting into graphic design and illustration as my main thing. I was constantly drawing as a kid and it feels like coming up for air to be back doing it. I know I've got a lot of challenges ahead, but I feel good and I'm determined. My goal is to work in book cover design.
I'm working on ideas, learning Adobe Indesign and Photoshop, and Illustrator, reading as much as I can, doing linkedin and skillshare courses. However, I can't afford to do another degree, I already have a degree in Creative Writing.
Do you think it's still possible to make it?
Replies13
- When I was a child, I used to stay long hours in agencies to learn graphic design after school. I started to learn when I was 14 years old(1999). There was no google, no Udemy or Domestika, no youtube. Now it's passed almost more than 20 years. And all is easier to learn now. I recommend Domestika for creative stuff learning.
- Hi Sean,100% you can make it if your portfolio and work ethic are stong! Being a copywriter in the past will provide a huge boost as it demonstrates a capability of a level of creative thinking. I didn't attend university and it's not been an issue – I just had to put the work in in a different way and my portfolio stoof up for itself after a few years.Good luck!Katie
- Hi Sean. A degree can help, but is definitely not a must. Your creative writing expertise will come in super handy as there aren't a lot of creatives out there who can master both sides. You have the right attitude by soaking up as much knowledge as possible and teaching yourself. I could recommend start building your network now and get in touch with other book designers whose work you admire. Aside from getting more insights and advice, it will create a great pool of contacts to reach out to again when you are ready to start your new career path. All the best!
- Thank you all for taking time out to comment and give your thoughts, it’s all helpful and reassuring. Hope you’re all well
- I did an online course with Shillington Education. They offer either full time or part time courses. They aim to have you industry ready by the end. It is an intense course but well worth the investment in time and money
- I had a mentee who was a cinematographer.They wanted to transition into graphic design.I set them a task to design a timeline:Map out art movements from the last hundred years then plot notable graphic designers along that line.It was a quick introduction to:- History of art and design- Visual organisation of information- Professional design softwareThey came back with a solution that I’d imagined.A week later they came back with a new layout that made more sense to them.My takeaway:It’s not always about the bigger picture, sometimes it’s about a bigger frame.Is it possible to make it? Absolutely.
- I loved my degree and I learned a lot so I would recommend it for anyone but you absolutely don't need a degree to be a graphic designer. If anything, I think some really successful designers don't have any 'institutional' training. Sometimes the best way to learn is to listen and watch others so it sounds like you are doing all the right things. One thing I learned from my degree was how to think more conceptually, meaning we had 'crits' where basically the tutor would ask you - why have you done this and why have you done that. Each decision had to have a reason and not just because it looks nice :) Really helpful! So if you can, maybe go to creative webinars or workshops, meet people virtually and maybe create a little community where you can bounce ideas off each other or even just support each other by having a chat about how things are going. As a copywriter you might already have these relationships with other creative people. Some good places might be events on here, Creative Mornings, Creative Edinburgh (or the equivalent for where you're based), Creative Entrepreneurs Club. I hope that helps. Look forward to seeing what you create!
- Hey Sean! 100%! Specialy since you're already in the industry and probably have a decent network. It might require a little bit more motivation or perseverance because you have to forge your own learning path but that's more achievable than ever thanks to the internet.Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need some advice.Best of luck!
- the degree basically an assurance, that you are able deliver projects in time ..apart from that its just a generic jack of all trades master of none time consumption
- @Kevin Banks thank you Kevin that’s uplifting and reassuring. Appreciate you’re thoughts and your time. Hope you’re well.
- @Charles Sladdin thanks for that super positive answer Charles, hope you’re well. Be great to chat more sometime
- A design degree is helpful but not required. However, you will need passion, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to ask a lot of questions. Apply what you learned in your Creative Writing course to your picturemaking and make the work personal and fun for you to produce. Network with other designers to pick up tips and tricks and ignore any morons who doubt your career path. Answer to no one but your own heart.
- Hi Sean,Absolutely! I haven’t got a graphic design degree in any format, but I taught myself. If you’re committed to learning and practicing you’ll make it I’m sure ☺️Best of luck!Charles
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