How to Learn Graphic Design Online

Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop are common software programs used for graphic design.

Graphic design requires a technical acumen for graphic design software coupled with a creative mind and keen eye. A person may be able to master the graphic design software in terms of its features and functions, but aesthetic cultivation is a key factor in becoming a successful graphic designer. Graphic designers hone their skills through practice and experience and many are self taught. There are a number of free tutorials and resources available online to the aspiring graphic designer.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Graphic design software

Instructions

1. Purchase or download graphic design software. Most industry professionals use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for graphic design. These programs can be downloaded for free on a 30 day trial basis from adobe.com. After the trial expires, they can be purchased for around $700 each. Read the instruction manual that comes with the software and experiment with the program using their included tutorials.

2. Visit online tutorial pages, such as those found at wannalearn.com, allgraphicdesign.com, allgraphicdesign.com, abduzeedo.com, or graphictutorials.net. These sites all offer free information and contain comprehensive tutorials on various areas of graphic design. Many of them include step-by-step tutorials on how to achieve specific effects or designs. These tutorials include photos, illustrations and detailed text on how to add the designer's own creative touch. Many of these sites offer video tutorials as well.

3. Download, enroll in or purchase an online graphics design course. Several online learning centers offer degrees in graphic design such as aionline.edu, sessions.edu or westerncollegeonline.com. Schools like these provide a full curriculum to learn graphic design and offer support from industry professionals. They also provide an interactive online classroom experience by providing video conferencing with professors and collaborative online activities. A cheaper alternative is to purchase a graphics design tutorial such as the ones offered from lynda.com. These tutorials are comprehensive video tutorials with exercise files for students to follow along with.

References

• Wannalearn.com: Fine Arts : Visual Art : Computer Art and Graphic Design
• Lynda.com
• Graphictutorials.net
• Adobe.com
• Abduzeedo.com: Abducted by Design

Resources

• Westerncollegeonline.com: Graphic Design
• Sessions College: for Professional Design
• Aionline.edu: Graphic Arts