How to Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree | Coursera

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Although a degree can help you get a job as a graphic designer, it’s not an absolute requirement. Discover how to become a graphic designer without a degree.
If you have creative abilities, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn, you can become a graphic designer without a degree.
The most common degree to become a graphic designer is a bachelor's degree, with 68 percent of designers having one, according to Zippia [1].
The median annual salary for graphic designers is $61,300 [2].
You can start building graphic design towards a graphic design career by gaining the necessary skills, engaging in self-study, building a network, and creating a portfolio.
Explore how to pursue this career without a degree and learn what you can expect in terms of salary and job outlook. If you’re ready to start building the fundamental skills to become a graphic designer, consider enrolling in the Adobe Graphic Designer: Design that Demands Attention Professional Certificate. In just four months, you’ll learn the essentials of graphic design and start building your portfolio. By the end, you’ll have earned a career credential to share with potential employers.
Depending on the employer's or clients' needs, a graphic designer creates visual designs for websites, print and digital ads, brochures, posters, and other media. A graphic designer might work for:
A company as part of an art department or marketing team
A design consultancy firm
Various clients as a freelance creator
Typically, a graphic designer might have many different duties and responsibilities. Some of the more common graphic design work tasks include:
Meeting with employers or clients to discuss design needs
Mapping a strategy for creating a graphic design and a timeline for completion
Creating designs using illustration, layout, and editing software
Collaborating with fellow graphic artists, art directors, and copy editors
Sharing design ideas with employers and clients in the form of mockups or mood boards
Making necessary changes to designs based on employer or client feedback
Proofing final designs to ensure quality and accuracy
Read more: 6 Graphic Design Roles and How to Get Started
Yes, you can become a graphic designer without a degree in the field, although 68 percent of graphic designers have a bachelor's degree and 23 percent have an associate degree [1]. For many roles, employers look for industry experience and a strong portfolio, making your chances of becoming a graphic designer without a degree within reach. Additionally, a degree in another field and experience with graphic design software can help you secure a role.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a graphic designer in the US makes a median annual salary of $61,300 [2]. The BLS predicts 2 percent growth for graphic design jobs from 2024 to 2034 [2]. The growth rate equates to about 20,000 job openings per year.
Having a strategy is helpful when pursuing a career in graphic design without a degree. Consider the following valuable steps.
Graphic designers need two types of skills: technical and workplace. Technical skills include those that help you complete your specific graphic design work, including:
Knowledge of typography
Familiarity with graphic design software
Workplace skills include those that help you work in a job with other people. In graphic design, these might include:
Communication skills
Ability to collaborate with others
To develop both types of graphic designer skills, consider taking individual classes in your community. Topics to focus on might include:
User experience (UX) design
To learn about graphic design independently, you can read books, take online courses, or listen to podcasts. Good introductory subjects might include:
Graphic design fundamentals
Graphic design history
Graphic design layout
Earning certifications like the Adobe Certified Professional or AIGA Professional Design Certification credentials may help develop your knowledge and skills in graphic design and enhance your resume and portfolio. You can find options for graphic design certifications both in person and online. Some benefits of online certifications over in-person options include schedule flexibility, lower costs, and constant access to lectures and other course materials.
When you take classes or attend graphic design events, it's important to begin building a professional network. Networking offers many career benefits, including:
More job opportunities
Higher status and credibility in your field
New friendships or mentorships