Are you thinking of learning graphic design but don’t want to spend the money on a course? Or maybe you’re already designing but want to take your skills up a notch?

No matter the case, it’s entirely possible to learn graphic design on your own. The best way to learn is by doing, and there are a lot of resources out there for those who want to teach themselves. However, to succeed to a professional level, you need a lot of self-discipline.

Consider starting with a graphic design tool that offers pre-made templates you can customize. This will allow you to get a head start on design styles, while giving you the freedom to customize them to your needs, all while still getting full commercial usage rights with your download!

In this blog post, we’ll cover facts about learning graphic design alone, including the pros and cons of self-teaching, and share some practical tips that will help you on your journey. So, let’s dive right in. Shall we?

Facts About Learning Graphic Design On Your Own

Teaching yourself graphic design can seem like a daunting task. It can be overwhelming to try and learn all the ins and outs of design on your own, especially if you’re not very familiar with what graphic designers actually do. To help clear things up a bit, here are some facts about learning graphic design alone:

1. It’s Cheaper Than Taking a Course

One of the best things about teaching yourself graphic design is that it’s much cheaper than taking a course. If you’re on a tight budget, this is definitely something to consider.

The internet is filled with free resources for graphic design. There are tons of tutorials, how-to guides, and more that you can use to learn all about the field without paying a dime. You may need some basic supplies like paper and pencils, but other than that it’s completely free!

2. You Can Learn at Your Own Pace

Another reason to consider teaching yourself graphic design is that you can learn at your own pace. If you’re the type of person who likes to take things slow and steady, this is an excellent option for you. There’s no pressure to hurry through the material or finish before anyone else.

3. There are Plenty of Resources Available Online

Learning graphic design on your own is not as hard as you may have thought. The internet is full of awesome tutorials and other resources specifically geared towards teaching beginners how to design.

You can find free video courses on platforms like YouTube or read blogs posts about the subject matter if videos aren’t your style. There are also many helpful forums where people discuss graphic design.

And with platforms like Placeit.net, you can get a variety of templates, tools, and tutorials to help you create professional designs.

4. You’ll Have to be Self-Motivated and Disciplined

Unlike regular graphic design courses, which often have set schedules and deadlines, learning graphic design on your own means you’ll have to be very self-motivated. There’s no one there to push you along or tell you what to do next.

Therefore, you’ll need a lot of discipline to succeed and achieve your goal. If you’re not careful, you could easily spend hours browsing the internet instead of working on your designs.

5. It Takes Time and Practice to Become Good at Graphic Design

You should also not expect to be a master graphic designer overnight. It takes time and practice to become good at this craft. But, as with anything else, the more you do it, the better you’ll get.

Source: Self-Made Designer and Dribbble

The Pros And Cons Of Learning Graphic Design On Your Own

Before you decide to go the self-teaching route, you should know the pros and cons of learning graphic design on your own. This way, you can determine if this is the best option for you. Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros

• It’s cheaper than taking a course
• You can learn at your own pace
• You can focus on the areas you need more help with
• You can choose your learning materials
• If you fail, no one will know but you
• No deadlines to meet
• You can study anywhere, anytime
• There’s a great chance of becoming an expert in your field
• No need to take tests if you don’t want to

Cons

• It’s more complex and slower than taking a course
• There is no one to give you feedback or help you when you get stuck
• You might not have access to all the software and tools you need
• It won’t work without self-discipline
• There’s no one to bounce ideas off of
• Distractions can derail your learning progress
• No networking opportunities
• You may not earn an accredited certificate or degree

Tips for Learning Graphic Design On Your Own

So, you’re thinking about learning graphic design on your own. As we’ve mentioned, it can be a great option if you are self-motivated and disciplined to learn the material in your free time, without anyone looking over your shoulder or giving you helpful hints and feedback when you get stuck. If this is what appeals to you, these tips will give you a better chance of succeeding.

1. Start With a Free Course

If you’re still on the fence about learning graphic design on your own, you can start by trying a free course. This will give you an idea of the process and whether you have the necessary skills. Not to mention, you can gauge your level of self-discipline.

There are plenty of great options out there, but we recommend checking out Skillshare or Udemy to get started.

2. Stick to a Schedule

It’s essential to set some ground rules for yourself and stick to them. This means carving out a specific amount of time each day or week to work on your design projects.

It can be challenging at first, but it’s definitely worth it in the long run. And if you find that you’re struggling to meet your goals, try breaking them down into smaller, more achievable goals.

3. Take Virtual Field Trips

Just because you’re not attending a regular classroom doesn’t mean you can’t learn from some of the best designers in the world.

One great way to do this is by taking virtual field trips. This involves watching lectures, reading interviews, and checking out portfolios from some of your favorite designers.

4. Get Feedback

It’s also essential to get feedback on your work from other designers. This will go a long way towards helping you improve your skills and really learn the ins and outs of graphic design.

This doesn’t necessarily have to be from a teacher. It can be anyone who is more experienced in this field and has probably been caught up on similar issues before. So, don’t hesitate to ask for their advice.

Source: Autodidactic Society and Jordan Prindle

Conclusion

The only thing stopping you from learning graphic design on your own is you. So, go out there and start exploring! The internet has a wealth of information that can help get you started. And, if you ever get stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

There’s no shame in admitting that you need some guidance every once in a while – especially when it comes to something as complex as graphic design. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends, family, or even professionals in the field. With a little bit of effort, you can learn all there is to know about graphic design.

Using a graphic design software like Placeit.net will give you access to graphic design templates that will help you learn graphic design faster.