How to become a graphic designer

Love bringing creative ideas to life? Obsessed with cool visuals? Sounds like graphic design might be your thing! But you might be asking, “How do I become a graphic designer?”. Don’t stress, we’ve got all the insider tips to help you turn your passion into a career. 

What is a graphic designer? 

Graphic designers are the creatives behind all the visuals you see everywhere, from ads and branding to websites and apps. They use typography, images, colours and layouts to bring ideas to life and communicate messages visually. Graphic designers are needed everywhere – marketing, entertainment, publishing, education, non-profits… you name it, they’re in it. 

What does a graphic designer do? 

Graphic design is all about visually communicating ideas in a clear and engaging way. But what does that look like in practice?  

• Creating visual content: Graphic designers conceptualise and develop designs, transforming ideas into visuals that capture attention. 

• Communicating through design elements: Typography, colour, images and layout are the building blocks of graphic design. 

• Collaborating with teams and clients: This helps to understand project requirements, align on creative direction and deliver designs that meet expectations. 

• Iterating and refining designs: The design process involves creating multiple drafts, gathering feedback and revising to ensure the final design aligns with the project’s objectives. 

• Building brand identities: Graphic designers play a key role in branding, helping to establish a brand’s look and feel. 

• Designing layouts for different formats: Everything from website layouts and social media graphics to magazine spreads, brochures and posters. 

• Using design software: To bring their ideas to life, designers use tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. 

How to become a graphic designer 

Now that you know what they do, you might be asking yourself, “How do I become a graphic designer?”. So, let’s break down the steps – here’s how to become a graphic designer! 

Step 1: Build your skills & training 

There’s no single path when it comes to figuring out how to become a graphic designer – everyone’s road looks a little different. Whether you prefer structured learning, self-paced study or a mix of both, there are plenty of ways to develop the right skills to become a graphic designer. Let’s take a look at your options and what makes each one worth considering. 

Formal education (best for a strong, well-rounded foundation) 

If you want to figure out how to become a graphic designer, studying graphic design, visual arts or a related field at a college or university is a good option. Design courses at SAE University College provide a structured, hands-on learning experience that prepares you for industry demands. 

Why choose this? 

• Comprehensive learning: Develop skills in all aspects of graphic design. 

• Expert guidance: Get feedback from industry professionals. 

• Networking opportunities: Connect with classmates, mentors and industry professionals, which can open doors to job opportunities. 

• Recognised qualification: Boost your credibility and give you an edge in the job market. 

• Industry experience: At SAE, you’ll work on practical projects. 

Short courses & certifications (best for targeted skill-building)  

If a full degree isn’t your thing, short courses, workshops and certifications (online or in-person) can help you sharpen specific skills that will show you how to become a graphic designer. 

Why choose this? 

• Flexible learning: Study at your own pace, whenever it suits you. 

• Skill-focused: Perfect for learning specific software or design techniques. 

• Budget-friendly: Generally, more affordable than a full degree. 

• Quick results: Great for upskilling or refreshing your knowledge. 

 Self-taught learning (best for independent learners) 

If you love figuring things out on your own, you can teach yourself how to become a graphic designer through online tutorials, books and hands-on practice. Many designers have built successful careers this way, but it requires a lot of discipline and self-motivation. 

Why choose this? 

• Complete control: Learn at your own pace and focus on what interests you most. 

• Affordable: Lots of free or low-cost learning resources are available. 

• Tailored learning: Choose exactly what to learn based on your goals. 

Step 2: Build your portfolio 

Once you’ve mapped out how you will be developing your skills and education in graphic design, it’s time to start putting together a solid portfolio. 

A portfolio is your visual resume – a collection of your best work that showcases your creativity, technical skills, and unique style. If you’re wondering how to become a graphic designer, building a strong portfolio is essential, as it helps potential clients and employers see what you can do. 

If you’re studying how to become a graphic designer at SAE, you’ll have a huge advantage when it comes to building your portfolio. You can include all the projects you create during your training, giving you a solid body of work to showcase by the time you graduate.  

Step 3: Gain experience and build your network 

The next step is to gain industry experience and expand your professional network. This is another reason why studying design at SAE can be a great pathway into the industry. Throughout your studies, you’ll work on a variety of projects that give you hands-on experience. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with industry professionals and form relationships that can help you transition from studying to employment.  

Beyond your studies, there are plenty of other ways to start building experience and networking: 

• Take on freelance projects: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and AirTasker can be great places to begin to find out how to become a freelance graphic designer.  

• Work on personal projects: Self-initiated projects are a great way to practice, explore your creativity and add to your portfolio. 

• Volunteer for non-profits or community organisation: This not only builds your skills but also shows your commitment to meaningful causes. Plus, it’s another way to grow your network. 

• Enter design competitions: Platforms like 99designs or DesignCrowd host challenges that help you sharpen your skills, gain exposure and potentially win client work. 

• Join online design communities: Platforms like Behance, Dribble and Reddit are great for sharing your work, getting feedback and connecting with other designers. 

• Attend industry events: Conferences, workshops and networking events can lead to valuable opportunities. 

• Join professional associations – Consider becoming a member of groups like the Australian Graphic Design Association or the Design Institute of Australia. 

Step 4: Choose your career path 

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make as you work out how to become a graphic designer is figuring out what kind of career path suits you best. But remember you don’t have to stick with just one path forever. Your career can evolve as you gain experience and figure out what works best for you. 

• Agency Work: A great choice if you enjoy working on a variety of projects, collaborating with a team and thriving in a fast-paced environment. 

• Freelance Work: Perfect if you want control over your projects and a flexible schedule. Just keep in mind that freelancing requires some business and marketing skills to succeed. 

• In-House Designer: Ideal if you prefer job stability, consistent work and getting deeply involved in a single brand’s design and strategy. 

Step 5: Consider further specialisation 

As you grow in your career, you might want to specialise in a particular area of graphic design. This can help you stand out and position yourself as an expert. Here are some options to consider: 

• Brand identity design  

• User Interface (UI) design  

• User Experience (UX) design  

• Motion graphics design  

• Packaging design  

• Environmental design  

• Illustration  

• Print design  

• Web design 

• Art direction. 

Each specialisation offers unique opportunities, so explore what excites you most and build your career in a way that suits your interests and strengths! 

Frequently asked questions about how to become a graphic designer 

What qualifications do you need to become a graphic designer? 

There’s no single qualification required to become a graphic designer, but you’ll need a mix of skills, experience and training. You could study a formal qualification like SAE’s Bachelor of Design & Visual Communication or opt for a shorter course like SAE’s Diploma of Graphic Design. Online courses and certifications are also great for learning specific software or design techniques. From there, you can build experience through freelancing, competitions, internships or volunteer work to strengthen your portfolio and industry connections. 

Is graphic design a good career? 

Graphic design is an awesome career if you’re looking for a creative job that keeps things fresh and exciting. With businesses and brands constantly needing visual content, skilled graphic designers are always in demand. Many designers work remotely or freelance, meaning you can have more control over your schedule and where you work. And if you’re wondering about the earning potential, the median salary for a graphic designer in Australia is $78,000 per year (according to Jobs and Skills Australia). So not only is it a creatively fulfilling career, but it also offers solid job prospects and room to grow. 

Is graphic design hard to learn? 

If you have an eye for design and a bit of technical ability, it’s something you can master. With the right course and teachers, it can be fun and exciting. Yes, there are technical skills, design principles and creative thinking involved, but if you’re open to learning, experimenting and improving, you’ve got what it takes. With the right mindset and guidance, graphic design can be an incredibly rewarding skill to develop. 

Want to become a graphic designer? 

Now that you understand the pathway for how to become a graphic designer, you might be ready for the next step. If you’re looking to turn your creativity into a career, SAE University College provides industry-focused courses, hands-on learning and expert mentorship to help you develop the skills and experience you need to succeed.  

Explore our design courses today and take the first step toward your future in graphic design!