There’s no one right way to become a graphic designer. Some professionals go to art school, other major in design in college, and some learn on the job or are self-taught. Specifically within digital graphic design, so many of the tools can be learned through online classes, reading helpful guides, and using templates, that it doesn’t necessarily require a degree (though some employers prefer to see one from applicants!). 

Without a degree, you’ll want to focus on mastering essential skills, knowing the right software inside and out (Adobe Suite and Figma are great places to start!), building out a stunning portfolio, and networking with other designers. Additionally, you can use social media or designer-specific platforms like Behance to share your work, glean feedback, and begin to grow a reputation – and ideally a following around your unique style.

If you’re looking for full-time work or to take on clients as a freelancer or small business owner, you’ll want to pull together a portfolio that showcases all of your work. There are countless online platforms you can use to create a portfolio, and several are made for designers specifically. Websites like Behance and Dribbble allow you to share your work and glean inspiration from other designers. You can also use a website like Squarespace, Wix, or Framer to create a website to show off your work, share a bio or resume about you, and send to potential new business