Teach Yourself Graphic Design - A Self-Study Course Outline

8/3/2019 Teach Yourself Graphic Design: A Self-Study Course Outline
Unlimited asset downloads! From $16.50/m 
Advertisement
DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION > DESIGN THEORY
Teach Yourself Graphic Design: A Self-Study

Course Outline
by Sean Hodge 28 Jun 2011
Length: Long Languages: English
Design Theory Inspiration Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design

Fortunately, it isn't required to go to design school in order to be a graphic designer. A

good foundation in graphic design history, theory, and practical application will help you
hit the ground running. There are plenty of resources available in which you can learn
graphic design on your own. Don't set your expectations to high at first, as it will take
enthusiastic study for years to become great. You can do it though!
https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/teach-yourself-graphic-design-a-self-study-course-outline--psd-3520 1/27
If you would like to learn graphic design from the ground up, through self directed study,
then this article lists some great resources that will get you started with your design
education. Also, even if you do go to design school, at least three-fifths of your education
will be through self directed study anyway.
Before we jump in, note that this post is brought to you by Envato Market. If you’d like to
earn a solid side income from your design skills, you can sell graphics of all types or
learn to build site themes. It’s a great way to get some real experience in the
marketplace. In this article, we mention additional paths to explore earning an income
with your design skill, after you've mastered the basics. You can also offer your skills as
a designer on Envato Studio.
Now, let's get to it!
1. Understanding the Principles and Theory of

Graphic Design
There are a few graphic design principles that effect every project you'll create.
Understanding these principles conceptually and learning to apply them practically will
formulate the foundation of your graphic design education. Let's take a look at the basic
areas you should study to get a solid footing in graphic design.
Shape, Spacing, and Rhythm
I remember first learning these basic design principles, and they seamed so foreign at
first. It took me quite some time to get comfortable with these techniques. In school we
did a beginner project that consisted of drawing triangles, just to communicate emotion
through placement, shape and spacing alone. Below are some good resources on these
principles.
The Principles of Design by Joshua David McClurg-Genevese
What is Graphic Design? Overview, Basics of Design Principles, and Design

Elements
Color, Texture, and Imagery
Understanding the basics of color theory is important and getting a feel for how to work
with colors. Color can make areas of a design pop off the page or recede into the
background. The use of texture can enhance the feel of a design. In print design texture
can be the actual feel of paper or other materials. Imagery can also blend in with texture
and is loaded with colors. Learning how to balance these is a delicate craft that will take
some practice to apply well. Here are some resources on using color, texture, and
imagery in graphic design:
Principles of Color Design by Wucius Wong

Texture in Graphic Design
The Basics of Graphic Design
Working with Type
Your ability to use type is one of the things that differentiates graphic design from other
visual professions. A big part of graphic design is understanding typography, developing
your knowledge of typefaces, and how to apply them in your design. This will be a
constant study throughout your career. Here are a few great resources on type:
Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works by Erik Spiekermann and E.M
Ginger
Typography Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Using Type in Graphic Design by
Timothy Samara
A Typographic Workbook: A Primer to History, Techniques, and Artistry by Kate Clair
and Cynthia Busic-Snyder
Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students by
Ellen Lupton
2. Standing Strong with a Historical Graphic Design

Grounding
Philip Meggs book (see below), is a must have for every graphic design. You should read
it from cover to cover. Also, as you go through spend time researching areas that interest
you the most. Pick at least three areas to go into detailed study with and learn as much
as you can about them. One area of interest for me is the Bauhaus, which was a graphic
design and craft school founded in the early twentieth century. I find the subject
captivating, probably because it combines so many of my passions: art, design, history,
and education.
Meggs' History of Graphic Design by Philip B. Meggs and Alston W. Purvis

History of Graphic Design
Advertisement
3. Internalize the Graphic Design Process,

Conceptual Solutions, Real World Experience, and
Creative Application
Graphic designers solve visual problems. The key to teaching yourself graphic design is
to understand the process of solving a visual problem. This means you'll benefit from
tackling design briefs. You'll learn to apply the skills you study by solving fictitious
design problems to begin with and as you advance tackling real world problems and
working with clients.
Visual and Conceptual Problem Solving
Visual and conceptual problem solving is the core of what we do as graphic designers.
Clients come to us with a brief, which is a problem that needs to be solved. A new
company may need to enter a specific market and come to you for a comprehensive
identity solution. Or you may work at a newspaper and have to lay out a page to deadline.
The problems are endless and your job is to solve these issues.
What is a visual concept? Well it's more than a pure visual solution. It's a unification of a
graphic and an idea, which is placed in context to solve a problem. Let's look at the
example of a logo. It's a visual mark, which represents the idea of a company, presented
in the context of all the company's identity, marketing, and history. Let's look at some
resources for developing your visual and conceptual problem solving skills for graphic
designers. Keep in mind though practicing your craft will help build your visual problem
solving skills.
Visual Literacy: A Conceptual Approach to Graphic Problem Solving by Judith Wilde

and Richard Wilde
Graphic Design: The New Basics by Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips
The Design Process
Learning to research, create thumbnails, refine sketches, work up visual solutions in

programs, and present to clients are just some of the basics of the design process. Every
subset of design may have a slightly different procedure, and your working methodology,
or a company you work for may implement things in a somewhat unique way in their
production environment. Even so, the basics remain the same. Get familiar with the
design process from start to finish, and work on getting faster and better at each stage
of the process on each project you work on.
Design Evolution: A Handbook of Basic Design Principles Applied in Contemporary

Design by Tim Samara
My logo design process by David Airey
The Role of Sketching in the Design Process by Sean Hodge
Real World Graphic Design Application
A business card, like a canvas, has boundaries. A book has specific dimensions and
technical print limitations. These type of practical and technical limitations are an
important part of practicing the craft of graphic design. Work to learn about these
technologies and build up your knowledge through real projects. You'll learn a whole lot
about print by having to get a big project printed on a budget. Also, keep in mind that
creative solutions are often driven within contained creative environments. Part of the
fun of graphic design is solving technical problems with creative solutions.
Working Within Limitations to Achieve Great Designs by Sean Hodge

Basic vs Applied Research in Graphic Design by Michael Kroeger
4. Consider Advanced Study and Development

Advanced study can take many different paths for each designer. You may become
interested in a related field, and then mold your graphic design education to apply to that
field. However, every graphic designer will benefit from advanced study and planning.
Of course, there's no limit to the depth you can study on any subject of graphic design.
Grid Theory, Graphic Information Design, and Career Planning are just a few areas to
focus on. You could certainly go much deeper in other areas as well.
Grid Theory
Many areas of graphic design incorporate grid based solutions. In many ways, grid
theory is advanced principles of spacing, flow, and rhythm, though applied to real
projects, like laying out an entire book or website. Putting together any multi-page
document will likely benefit from a grid, as it makes the design feel cohesive. Below are
some resources to get started with grids.
Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type by Kimberly Elam
Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop by Timothy
Samara
Graphic Information Design
While many of the principles of graphic information design are similar to graphic design,
it takes on a more technical and practical approach to visual problems. Rather than
looking at the concept on a billboard, a graphic information designer might analyze the
proper font size to use for traffic passing the billboard at 40mph, so as to have maximum
impact. It's a blend of scientific research and practical application to visual design.
Edward Tufte has written many good books on the subject, and I recommend you read
them all. They are elegantly written, the layout of the books are beautiful, and the
principles taught have strong, illustrative examples.
The Work of Edward Tufte

Envisioning Information by Edward Tufte
Planning Your Career
Spend some time getting acquainted with the graphic design landscape and plan your
career. Graphic design is a large discipline, which is directly involved in numerous
occupations. Learning the potential of the field will help you decide what you want to
focus on. You may be attracted to print design, advertising, interface design, or another
graphic design or related field.
Graphic Design: A Career Guide Edited by Sharon Helmer Poggenpohl

25 Graphic Design Career Preparation Tips
Becoming a Graphic Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design, 2nd Edition by Steven D.
Heller, Teresa Fernandes, and Steven Heller
5. Learn from Professional Graphic Designers

Aside from studying graphic designers throughout history, you'll also benefit by studying
contemporary designers whom you identify with. A couple designers I found inspirational
while I was in design school were David Carson and Carlos Segura. Both of these
designers utilize typography in intuitive, innovative, and illustrative fashions. They helped
encouraged me to get expressive with my use of type, spacing, and texture. While the
approach they practice in design isn't appropriate for every project, it certainly helped
develop my graphic range and ability to think illustratively through graphic design.
You may fall in love with some other approach to design. Also, you'll go through
numerous phases, where you'll be attracted to something else in design. This is part of
what's great about the field; it's so diverse. Don't be afraid to emulate designers
approaches on some projects. It's a good way to learn. Then you'll move on to something
else and it will become part of your collective design experience.
The End of Print: Graphic Design of David Carson by Lewis Blackwell and David
Carson
16 Great Graphic Design Blogs and Sites by Danny Outlaw
6. Developing Your Pro ciency, Intuition, and Flow

Part of becoming a good graphic designer is becoming one with your tools. If you can
wield a pencil, and quickly sketch down conceptual solutions, then you're a more
proficient designer. Of course, when working within programs the same thing applies. If
you're a logo designer, the better you know Illustrator, the better a designer you'll be.
That's one of the reasons why sites like Vectortuts+ are so useful.
Being proficient with your tools helps you to be able to enter an intuitive flow like state
when working, but it's more than that. The better you know design, your medium, your
chosen field of focus, your toolsets, and your workflow, the easier it will be to sink into
that space where decisions come easily and time disappears. This flow state is a big
reason why people choose any art related field, like graphic design; they enjoy being in
the flow of creating and working visually.
Tuts+ - Power Up Your Skill Set

Core Principles for Rapidly Attaining Creative Flow by Sean Hodge
7. Put Together Your Portfolio and Blog

Make sure to create a portfolio (a home base with your own url), and blog regularly on
what you learn as you grow as a designer.
Three things help get you hired as a graphic designer (in order of importance): your
portfolio, your demonstrated experience, your ability to communicate your knowledge on
graphic design. You build all three of these over time. It's not something that happens
overnight.
Your portfolio is your most important tool in marketing yourself as a graphic designer. It
demonstrates your abilities to practically apply your skills. When interviewing it also
holds some of the greatest weight in you being hired.
Experience takes time to grow. Someone that has worked in the field for years, run an
agency, or worked with large known companies has a tremendous leg-up in the industry.
Don't get discouraged though, everyone started from ground-zero to begin with.
One of the greatest skills one learns in design school is how to talk and write about
design. It's not just being able to create something that looks cool, but being able to
critically analyze a problem, apply a proven workflow to solving it, and communicate the
process. In the field, this will equate to needing to sell your solutions to clients or bosses.
Or when interviewing, describing how you solved a design problem.
Writing articles for your blog is a great place to practice discussing graphic design, and
how you've solved specific design problems. It also, in itself, demonstrates your
knowledge in the field. Don't be afraid to add case studies to your blog, even for personal
projects, as it's a great way to build this analytical skill set. Through self-study, use your
blog to write articles as you learn about design. This serves as a good substitute for
assignments you would receive in a design class, and will compliment the design
projects you do.
12 Steps to a Super Graphic Design Portfolio

Creating A Successful Online Portfolio by Sean Hodge
10 Steps To The Perfect Portfolio Website by Lee Munroe
8. Participate in Online and Professional Graphic

Design Communities
Becoming involved in the graphic design community and professional associations will
increase your connections in the industry and knowledge of the field. Also, attend
conferences and network whenever possible.
Join Professional Associations
A great way to learn about the workings of the graphic design profession is to join
professional organizations. They run conferences, produce articles, books, and other
resources. Some of these organizations work to improve the profession as a whole by
lobbying and other activities.
AIGA
Graphic Artists Guild
Becoming Part of the Graphic Design Community Online
Aside from professional communities, there are loads of communities on the web that
you can participate in. Below are some graphic design forums you may want to
participate in.
How Design Forum

You The Designer Forums
Getting Critical Feedback Online and Promote Your Work
Interaction and critique is really important to your growth as a graphic designer. If you're
not in design school, then you need to find other places that people will tear apart your
work, and that you can develop your own critical eye. The best thing for a young design is
to have someone tell them why something they made isn't well designed, and what they
might do differently. This prepares you for clients doing this (gives you a thicker skin),
and it helps you grow with your visual and creative problem solving abilities.
I don't know of the perfect place on the net to find this, but try different online
communities or forums. And if you can find a mentor, even someone with just one or two
more years of experience than you, who is willing to critique your work, this can be
invaluable. Try some of the places mentioned below and search further.
Aside from your main portfolio, it also helps to have satellite portfolios, which are
submitted to portfolio communities, and where you can get feedback on your work. They
are also great places to promote your work and gain new clients. Below are some
communities to explore.
DeviantArt
Behance
Coroflot
Flickr
9. Keep in Mind that Graphic Design as a Discipline

Doesn't Exist in Isolation
Any study of graphic design will include some connection to related disciplines. Studying
art and illustration will help develop your ability to create graphics. Studying Marketing
will help you place your conceptual solutions within the context of business and
consumer needs. Also, graphic design is often a part of the foundational study for related
disciplines. You'll be a much stronger web designer, if you have a solid graphic design
education for example.
Seth Godin's Blog

Fundamentals of Illustration by Lawrence Zeegan
Basics Illustration: Thinking Visually by Mark Wigan
The Fundamentals of Creative Advertising by Ken Burtenshaw, Nik Mahon, and
Caroline Barfoot
10. Finding Work as a Freelance Graphic Designer

Aside form landing a job directly, freelancing is a career path available for designers.
There is work out there for almost all skill levels. You'll need to work at building your
portfolio, negotiating, and your business skills.
There are numerous communities and resources online that can help you grow as a
freelance graphic designer, and freelancing is a great way to get a broad set of graphic
design projects under your belt. It's a great way to grow your skills and learn through real
projects, as you study independently.
10 Great Places to Find Graphic Design Jobs

Freelance Switch Job Board
11. Evaluate if Self Study or Graphic Design School

is Right for You
After evaluating the above steps, do some research on schools, and consider the best
course of study for you. Not everyone has the financial ability or desire to go to college.
Fortunately, it isn't a prerequisite to becoming a professional designer. The biggest
resource in landing a job is your ability to demonstrate your skills, done through your
portfolio, and in interviews your knowledge and passion should show.
Going to design school is great, but if you're diligent you can learn graphic design
through independent study. Keep in mind, I'm not saying don't go to college, as that
decision is up to you (I went to Undergraduate school and I took some Graduate
courses). Also, you may be in a position that you're studying something else, but are
passionate about graphic design. Plenty of great designers started in other fields or
learned on their own.
Even while I was in design school, some of the greatest lessons I learned came from
doing projects on my own, studying online, and books. A good teacher can be a great
resource though and I appreciate all those that helped me learn while I was in school.
If you do plan on going to design school, then spend some time deciding on the right
school for you. What school fits your budget, goals, and ability to attend. You may want
to consider online professional programs as well. Or for the brave of heart, do it without
formal schooling.
Graphic Design Schools
Choosing a Graphic Design Degree

A Brief Guide To Design Education by Adam Richardson
7 Tips for Getting Into Graphic Design School
Putting it All Together

Good luck with learning graphic design. Keep in mind, an undergraduate course takes
numerous years to complete, and some even go on to grad school, so don't set your
expectations to high in the beginning, whether you attend school, or go it independently.
It's OK if it takes even years to master graphic design. Just study, grow as a designer,
don't give up, and you'll get there. Be sure to have fun along the way, or else what's the
point!
Besides, by the time you're a great graphic designer, you'll probably be interested in
learning something else. That's just the nature of things, right!
Feel free to link to your favorite graphic design resources (books, articles, and others), as
their is an endless amount of great material to get started with, and then to advance your
skills as you grow!
You can earn a solid side income from your design skills, by selling graphics of all types
or building site themes. It’s a great way to get real experience. Or check out our series
that explores careers in design and illustration, which is a great next step after reading
this introduction to studying graphic design.
Advertisement
Sean
Hodge
Sean Hodge
Tuts+ Business Editor (Orlando, FL)
Sean is the Business Editor at Tuts+. You can visit his site Creatro or follow him on
Twitter @seanHodge where he chats about the business of creativity.
 seanhodge
 FEED  LIKE  FOLLOW
Weekly email summary

Subscribe below and we’ll send you a weekly email summary of all new Design & Illustration tutorials. Never
miss out on learning about the next big thing.
Email Address
Update me weekly
Advertisement
Translations
Envato Tuts+ tutorials are translated into other languages by our community members—you can be involved too!
Translate this post
Powered by
Native
255 Comments Psdtuts+ 

1 Login
 Recommend 12 t Tweet f Share Sort by Best
Join the discussion…
LOG IN WITH
OR SIGN UP WITH DISQUS ?
Name
steven jenkins • 7 years ago

why can't you teach yourself graphic design? you can for everything else in life. if you have enough
diligence and patience you can learn any skill by using any resources you have available to you. a
good friend of mine, and an incredible accomplished designer taught himself and he's doing very
well. or did you go to design school, pay out your ass, are still paying off a loan, have no career,
and want to shit on other peoples dreams because you fudged yours?
85 △ ▽ • Reply • Share ›
Mason Gentry > steven jenkins • 4 years ago

Totally agree! Although I think your point about "diligence and patience" is something many
beginners don’t consider. If anyone can buy the same books that they use in school, why
aren’t design schools out of business?
Many people prefer going to a physical university because it takes less discipline than
teaching yourself. Once you get yourself to class, you sort of hand yourself over to the
teacher. They’re in charge. This frees up your mind to focus on the material.
But when you teach yourself, you’re the student AND the teacher. You have to come home
each night after a long day of work and be willing to learn the material. And not just study it,
but practice it. Over and over. Because you won't get good at design by reading about it. It’s
not a subject like psychology or history. It’s more like pottery.
Also teaching yourself through blog posts and books will create a curriculum that can be
confusing. Each author has their own goals. Sometimes they’re writing for beginners. Other
times they’re writing for professionals. For each thing you read, it’s up to you as the
beginner to figure out where you fit in. It can be tiring. That’s why it takes discipline. You’ll
get there eventually but your progress will look like a messy squiggly line.
g y y p g y q gg y
It’s definitely possible though! Btw if anyone is interested I’ve written a lot about this stuff.
Click my profile for more info.
3△ ▽ • Reply • Share ›
Tiana > steven jenkins • 2 years ago

Totally agree. I'm debt free and started my own design business being self-taught. Just
takes commitment and perseverance. AND not being lazy :)
learngd.com
△ ▽ • Reply • Share ›
m • 7 years ago
what software should i invest in to tech myself graphic design? Specifically digital art/designing
graphics for websites?
Santos Covarrubias Jr > m • 6 years ago

I just wanted to share that Adobe Creative Suites 2 (although outdated) is available for free.
Including Indesign, Go Live, Premiere and illustrator. Google Adobe CS2 free or
https://www.adobe.com/cfusi...
Create an account and even though it will say that these software products are for previous
owners of Adobe, you can download it anyway. Free beats buying the current package for
$$$ while you learn.
CobraSaint
(self taught Graphic Designer)
Emmanuel Mtewele > Santos Covarrubias Jr • 5 years ago

I have an idea on drawng picture but am not good on mixng colour so how can i
succed on graphic design
Nelson • 7 years ago

Hi guys, I would really like to thank everyone of the writters of the articles contained in this
wonderful website. I'm an aspiring graphic designer who can not afford to go to Design school, but
thanks to you and your great work, I have my own lectures, textbooks and class all in one. May
God bless you and your work. Thanks again.
Steve Hunt • 6 years ago • edited

What is perhaps being overlooked here is that the instruction offered (by definition) determines that
this is not autodidactic (teaching yourself). I have taught Graphic Design (undergrad and postgrad)
for 15 years and I would advocate that if a learner is motivated and has the right 'method', then
Graphic Design can be 'self taught' But please note that the 'method' required is the key and while
Graphic Design can be self-taught . But please note that the method required is the key, and while
this article goes some way, it is essentially superficial (dare I say predictable) and does not focus
on the most important aspects of said method. Although a cliché, learning to learn Graphic Design
is the required dose - my experience in Higher Education at institutions around the world tells me
this.
Let me offer you an exercise to start to test this method (this is not definitive).
1. Choose 5 of your favourite visual identity solutions / ads / package designs / typefaces etc (you
choose based on your goals) - just ensure all 5 are of the same ilk.
2. Place them in a hierarchical list 1 - 5 with 1 being 'best', 5 being 'worst'.
3. (now it gets interesting) Why is number 1 the best, and why is number 5 the worst? Quickly you
will realise the gaps in your knowledge, identify areas to learn about (no short-cuts here), and this
will lead to you identifying re-usable principles of design.
4. As you get to grips with this method, you hopefully will graduate to determining criteria for
evaluating your 'top 5', which extends your critical skills, and hopefully credibility. This type of
see more
Mike > Steve Hunt • 6 years ago

Isn't everything self taught in the end? as students, particularly in creative subjects, we pick
and choose the information, advice and critique werecieve whilst learning a design discipline
and ultimately it's those choices, and the method we develop ourselves which define us as a
designer.
I studied and teach Architecture at Undergraduate and Post Graduate level and I find my
role is more about encouraging and steering individual discovery, development and self-
critique than generating lists of goals and pressing home a design agenda.
'Give up now' is a bizarre statement for any professional teacher of anything to say in any
scenario.
Mike
karley-Marie > Mike • 4 years ago

As a previous CGD student... Yes, everything is pretty much self taught, with a bit of
motivation from the teacher. My school though I dumped 30,000 into it, I taught
myself more via website, online courses especially w3 school, with web design, more
than my teacher taught me. But thanks to me teaching myself and not being
completely told what to do, I find that im much more creative in my own way rather
than learning someone elses way and being stuck in that mindset.
But unfortunately it also means you dont always get the proper lessons, and you're
stuck filling in the blanks and have no idea what to do the majority of the time .
Mita > Steve Hunt • 6 years ago

I really liked what you wrote here, do you still teach...I have some questions....
gear • 8 years ago

"Plenty of great designers started in other fields or learned on their own"
- made my day, and yeah, it's never too late and some skilled graphic designers here probably can't
accept that self-taught zerglings are far more creative than them (if that is the case). They probably
want to be on top just because they have a degree on graphic designing and specifically don;t like
to hear people claiming that they're graphic designer just because they know photoshop. All I want
to say is that dont' take life too seriously, after all, no one has ever come out of it alive.
Hoang • 6 years ago

I am looking for an online course about graphic design. Does any body know where to find a good
school to follow? I am not American citizen.
Commenter • 6 years ago

Wow what a great article! I started out self-taught, because I didn't want to move to attend school
for what appeared to be a minimum wage job in my little town. By continuing to do my own designs
for personal projects, and working as an administrator at several employers, I kept participating in
design tasks - a newsletter here, somebody's photo portrait there, fixing or re-do'ing a logo
occasionally...it was all good practice because I applied what I had learned previously from books
at the library. Then I started taking art classes as electives in university, for a social science degree.
Now I can combine all of my experience to produce work that is professional, to job tasks that
graphic designers don't get hired for because the administrator (me) does it. That has been an
interesting experience and I'm just getting started! I keep learning more and more design, drawing,
and software as I go, and it is paying off. The key for me has been to apply myself, professionally
and consistently,
aj • 8 years ago
I totally agree with this article. I've heard stories from so many people who have dished out
thousands of dollars and later on comes someone with an incredible portfolio who never set foot in
a classroom. That's what I love about Art. What's the point of going to Harvard or whatever top
school in the world if at the end, you're portfolio isn't good and you simply don't have good art.
Someone commented earlier on here saying nothing beats a university and looks better in a
resume? I'll tell you one thing, an artist doesn't think that way. Pablo Picasso has such an
impressive resume and attended an ivy league education right. It's not his resume for what hes
remembered for.
Denis Marsili • 6 years ago

Awesome article!! Thank you very much!!
BigsmellyEddie • 6 years ago

I like the look of it... but you're promoting teach yourself graphics design with a typo on the first
paragraph :D "Don’t set your expectations to high at first," that should be too.
Divine > BigsmellyEddie • 6 years ago

WOW! @BigsmellyEddie! Really? Out of all that you read, you see a TYPO? Excuse the
author for being human. LOL!
Crystal • 6 years ago

I believe that graphic design is a combination of arts and technology to communicate ideas.
Everyone has a right to learn how to design anything including web graphics. I am not a designer
by blood but now I already have learned how to do it. Thanks for the tutorials that I
YourWebGraphics provided. As a return or recognition, I have posted some of my work at
www.yourwebgraphics.com for free. :)
Johnathan Moore • 7 years ago

Thank u
barry brown • 6 years ago

Self study to learn graphics and all is not that easy as it seems.
jarneola • 6 years ago

hej there
Are there any good online courses around for learning graphic design? Which one can you
recommend? Thanks a lot!
Regards
Liz • 8 years ago

No! It's terribly unfortunate that anyone who can afford (or illegally download) Creative Suite can
set up shop and call themselves a graphic designer in this country. Just as the ability to use a saw
and reading woodworking blogs doesn't make you a great cabinet maker, neglecting a legitimate
education is why so many consider what we do a job, rather than a profession. I believe this
exposure to untrained "graphic designers" also accounts for why so many consider graphic
designers surface decorators.
There are far, far, too many things that you get from a design education that you cannot learn
without the personal interaction that a mentor can provide. I highly suggest that those who are
i t t d bit th b ll t fill t FAFSA di t i th ki d f d
https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/teach-yourself-graphic-design-a-self-study-course-outline--psd-3520
ti th t ill t l k 20/27
interested bite the bullet, fill out a FAFSA, and invest in the kind of education that will truly make
you a professional.
Pilar > Liz • 8 years ago

Stop being ignorant, Liz. If you want to define your success and ultimate destiny by what
school you went to, who's boring class you sat in, and the mounds of debt you've
accumulated you can. My success is defined by who I am.
I actually happen to be in school for Computer Science. BUT, if I decided to quit today, I
would still achieve that level of success and satisfaction that I want in life because that's just
who I am. I have drive, and at heart I'm a DIY, Create Your Own Way kind of person.
I am naturally talented in the arts. I draw, paint, sing etc. and I really do have a love for
digital art. In order to cultivate my skill I research, study, practice and teach myself art
concepts. Graphic Design is art. Either you're talented in it,or you're not. Either you have a
passion for it, or you don't. If you see that you are talented in the area you can choose to go
to school for it, or you can teach yourself. Neither is wrong. I've decided to teach myself,
and I don't plan to be formally educated in the subject either. Talent, time, effort, research,
and experience is all I need.
And who the heck said you only find mentors in college?? Liz, please take you and your
limiting beliefs elsewhere.
BTW, I think it's quite funny that anyone who sat up in a classroom can call themselves an
artist.
Kei > Liz • 8 years ago

Liz, your comment is irrelevant. because it is A LOT OF POPULAR, AND EVEN FAMOUS
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS AND NONE OF THEM WENT TO SCHOOL. COMPLETELY SELF-
TAUGHT.
BigSusie > Liz • 8 years ago

Liz, get over yourself!
Great graphic designers aren't worried about how people judge them and their educational
background. It's their WORK that speaks for itself. You are the exact kind of person that this
younger generation is trying to get rid of (and they're doing an excellent job of it, by the
way). Filling out a FAFSA and spending $40,000-$100,000 for a Bachelor's degree, doesn't
make you more qualified.
And anyway, college is so 10 years ago.

aj > Liz • 8 years ago

I take it from that comment you've probably spent or you're getting ready to spend
thousands of dollars on an education and probably envy the people who don't spend one
dime on a university or have never set foot in a college classroom but will pull off a portfolio
better than yours or similar. This is possible because Graphic Design is Art. Not Business or
economics for which u need to go to Harvard for to be the best. Picasso graduated from
Harvard university right... haha.. Not. Envy shoots and wounds itself.
BMore • 10 months ago • edited

Graphic design, in my opinion, is a nice addition to anyone's arsenal of skills.
ying xue wu • a year ago

is it possible to learn graphic design all by myself and then find a new job in one month?
张自在 • 2 years ago

Thank you for the information!! really helpful
Tanushree menon • 4 years ago

I am housewife and i would like to learn graphic design ,so could you plz help me how can i
proceed my self into it without going design school ??
Beth • 4 years ago

Hi Mr Hodge, thanks for the great article! I'm trying to change careers from Childcare to something
in the arts. I'm an artist but have also always been fascinated by how image and design affect
culture and choice. I love to pick apart design and try to figure out what the artist was going for or
be impressed at how well they got the message across. I never had anyone encouraging me to go
into this field and have now reached the age where I am ready to encourage myself! Your article
has such a hopeful spin on becoming a designer. You have really encouraged me to go find out
what I can and try to do something I've always secretly wanted to do! Thank you! All the resources
you've provided are also very helpful. Thank you so much! Sincerely, Beth Hofmann-Davies
S.M.Belal Hossain • 4 years ago

https://www.facebook.com/l....
Terrence @ girl repurposed • 4 years ago

This is an AWESOME. resource. Thank you for writing :)
holly • 5 years ago

"an undergraduate course takes numerous years to complete"... Really? Not here in Australia.
And this article's English leaves a lot to be desired. It's pretty bad :(
thelaister • 5 years ago

There is no shortcut for learning design, there just isn't. Getting an education is the best way to
become competent. There's no way to consistently see what you're lacking, pinpoint techniques or
know what's possible without feedback and this is the key to growth not to mention the mastery
needed to actually be employable.
Yes it is possible to become an excellent designer with an education Its just not likely. You could
also learn medicine or become a lawyer without and education. You could also win the lottery each
of these thing IS possible.
The unfortunate aspect of this is that those who need an education most are the most likely to say
"I could just learn that online" Trying to make an evaluation on whether you need and education
without actually know what an education is the real problem with this approach.
Chris Greenhill • 5 years ago

Thank you for your post and also the comments. I am in grad school studying engineering and
realized that graphic design is very interesting to me. I am a strong believer in formal education and
self-teaching. Both take dedication. This article and comments were very encouraging. :)
zackrabie • 5 years ago

Is this Course Outline still relevant today (2014/2015)?
alababaju • 5 years ago

Though I haven't gone through the whole article, I'm finding a pretty good article. It's exactly what I
needed. Not just which programs to use or a short course on design, but a guide on the steps, most
importantly from scratch, on how to learn graphics design. Thank you!
Briefbox • 5 years ago

What an awesome and detailed article!! Thanks so much for sharing this with the design
community. Tutsplus - you rock!!
Brian Samungu • 5 years ago

graphic designing my passion
treefrog • 6 years ago

Hi, thanks for writing this. I hope it will stay online for awhile!
christi • 6 years ago

just trying to design my own invitations without paying for any school cant afford was wondering
were to get started if anyone can help that would be great!
Victor Moore • 6 years ago

This info and your guidance is so great, I am a newbie trying to learn about the field before I start
school in the fall and begin my journey. Someone who knows a lot about the field and trade, not
selfish with their knowledge or afraid to help out others. Keep doing what you do, thanks so much.
Great insight and gives me hope! I can really see myself doing this
moeljadi pranata • 6 years ago

Currently appearing in my country many universities with graphic design programs. So every year
graduated graphic designer as much as a thousand or more. In addition, very many other graphic
designers, who work in this profession, though not educated graphic design. They learn on their
own because of the abundance of graphics software that is easily obtained and studied. Thus,
"every person so the designer." Sorry, this joke. But something like that is happening. So in my
opinion: science, cultivated fields, and the graphic design profession should be redefined. You
agree?!
Aldair gomez • 6 years ago

well said
cameroon • 7 years ago

hello i will like to now more about grapic design
Fayyaz • 7 years ago

Any one can get enough knowledge from here. Great effort. I admired and appreciated all
contributors.
Guest • 7 years ago

one mayor important thing is to actually learn how to use the software itself. the good thing is, once
you learn how to use the software, many things become common sense. learning to use other
software from differ companies becomes easy since you know what everything means.
Lewis Helin • 7 years ago

What programs do i need to get into graphics designing? I'm just a beginner and i am very
interested in designing but unfortunately i haven't read enough to get a better understanding of
interested in designing but unfortunately i haven't read enough to get a better understanding of
what area i want to get into. but I know i want design for video gaming like blizzard/EA
sports/bethesda etc. those types of games. I have found that the programs are very costly and i
want to know what programs are the best to learn from before i spend my money.
Load more comments
✉ Subscribe d Add Disqus to your siteAdd DisqusAdd 🔒 Disqus' Privacy PolicyPrivacy PolicyPrivacy
Advertisement
QUICK LINKS - Explore popular categories
ENVATO TUTS+ 
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY 
HELP 
27,921 1,255 39,816

Tutorials Courses Translations
Envato.com Our products Careers Sitemap
© 2019 Envato Pty Ltd. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
Follow Envato Tuts+

FacebookTwitter Pinterest

Teach Yourself Graphic Design - A Self-Study Course Outline

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Teach Yourself Graphic Design - A Self-Study Course Outline

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

8/3/2019 Teach Yourself Graphic Design: A Self-Study Course Outline

Unlimited asset downloads! From $16.50/m 

DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION > DESIGN THEORY

Teach Yourself Graphic Design: A Self-Study

Design Theory Inspiration Adobe Photoshop Graphic Design

Fortunately, it isn't required to go to design school in order to be a graphic designer. A

Now, let's get to it!

1. Understanding the Principles and Theory of

Shape, Spacing, and Rhythm

The Principles of Design by Joshua David McClurg-Genevese

What is Graphic Design? Overview, Basics of Design Principles, and Design

Color, Texture, and Imagery

Principles of Color Design by Wucius Wong

Working with Type

2. Standing Strong with a Historical Graphic Design

Meggs' History of Graphic Design by Philip B. Meggs and Alston W. Purvis

3. Internalize the Graphic Design Process,

Visual and Conceptual Problem Solving

Visual Literacy: A Conceptual Approach to Graphic Problem Solving by Judith Wilde

The Design Process

Learning to research, create thumbnails, refine sketches, work up visual solutions in

Design Evolution: A Handbook of Basic Design Principles Applied in Contemporary

Real World Graphic Design Application

Working Within Limitations to Achieve Great Designs by Sean Hodge

4. Consider Advanced Study and Development

Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type by Kimberly Elam

Graphic Information Design

The Work of Edward Tufte

Planning Your Career

Graphic Design: A Career Guide Edited by Sharon Helmer Poggenpohl

5. Learn from Professional Graphic Designers

6. Developing Your Pro ciency, Intuition, and Flow

Tuts+ - Power Up Your Skill Set

7. Put Together Your Portfolio and Blog

12 Steps to a Super Graphic Design Portfolio

8. Participate in Online and Professional Graphic

Join Professional Associations

Becoming Part of the Graphic Design Community Online

How Design Forum

Getting Critical Feedback Online and Promote Your Work

9. Keep in Mind that Graphic Design as a Discipline

Seth Godin's Blog

10. Finding Work as a Freelance Graphic Designer

10 Great Places to Find Graphic Design Jobs

11. Evaluate if Self Study or Graphic Design School

Graphic Design Schools

Choosing a Graphic Design Degree

Putting it All Together

 FEED  LIKE  FOLLOW

Weekly email summary

Translate this post

255 Comments Psdtuts+ 

 Recommend 12 t Tweet f Share Sort by Best

Join the discussion…

steven jenkins • 7 years ago

Mason Gentry > steven jenkins • 4 years ago

Tiana > steven jenkins • 2 years ago

Santos Covarrubias Jr > m • 6 years ago

Emmanuel Mtewele > Santos Covarrubias Jr • 5 years ago

Nelson • 7 years ago

Steve Hunt • 6 years ago • edited

Mike > Steve Hunt • 6 years ago

karley-Marie > Mike • 4 years ago