Learning Graphic Design

Any tips for beginners in graphic design? I'm starting my degree in graphic design and want to learn as much as possible about this field.

 

Graphic Design in our days is very computer-centric. Even if I would still say that people need to understand the concepts of shapes, shades, lights, perspective and have a 3D visual thinking. Can you learn it without a computer? Yes, you should. So maybe you can find learning material online but it might not be a good idea to just learn Photoshop or Illustrator.

The problem with learning a graphic design software like Photoshop is the fact that you miss out the basics and start in the middle. You can find millions of guides how to achieve results in Photoshop, you could get somehow all results which you require but you will miss learning the concepts and basic knowledge which can help you to be a very creative designer. Assisted learning with a software tool like Illustrator is good but not advice to relay total on it.

 

I created an app using some apps but I don't know what background should I use? And if I choose a background image or color for example dark purple background, what color of the text and buttons should I use? I am really not good in designing but I want to learn it. What can you recommend me in learning designs online for free?

 

It depends on your university course. Some colleges make graphic design out of 5 lessons in a year, doing basic 3D stuff in Photoshop, mind you, and Corel Draw for vectors. Some really dumb outdated general stuff. I could learn more with Paint and me-time.

Read carefully your study program, your university should give you information on that prior to registering, openly on its official site. This is the starting point for you, this is where you can research, based on what your university thinks Graphic Design is.

 

As some have mentioned above, before you can really take advantage of the modern computer-aided graphic design tools you need to understand the basics of creating art itself. You said you are starting to earn your degree in graphic design. Is this at a traditional four-year university that requires extensive general education credits or at more of a trade-school focusing just on graphic design itself? If the latter I'd suggest actually delaying the start of your education there. Instead, invest the time in local hands-on art classes, be they painting or drawing, that will teach you the basics of perspective, color, and balance that are so necessary to any graphic design school.

Only once you understand what makes things visually appealing to others will you be able to apply that knowledge using modern technology.

 

Before learning graphic design you must learned what is art, because art helps you to learn how to design and graphic design is the same of art and reflects to your self to express your feelings and emotion on your mind and must be focus and love doing your arts the results of your arts is the best for you.

 

There are a lot of guides through online about the beginners in graphic design and it's very helpful just in case you didn't find what ever you looking for here. For me, you should gather some inspiration first. If you want to teach your self about the graphic design or anything, you should start by getting inspired by the masters in this discipline. Graphic design is all about discovering your own style. That’s exactly what the collection of inspirational designs should serve for: revealing your preferences. The process of analyzing different design will help you a lot have your own idea. There's is nothing wrong if you will copy some designs, but please not all. The spacing, shape and rhythm are also the factor to have a great design, mixing colors for me is the hardest part and I don't know why. There are some colors that actually for me is alright, but for the viewers it's not, we should consider the viewers also. You should the study the texture and imagery also. 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. Basic knowledge of Photoshop is enough actually, but much better if you become proficient in Photoshop.