How should I start to Graphic Design?

**kens** · 01 December 2011, 08:47 AM

I learn from friends. This is because my friends are really good in 3D, Illustrator and Photoshop. Learning from example and experience is best.

**Magnatude** · 22 January 2012, 05:14 AM

Start off Illustrating... you should know how to concept things out before you create them in 3D. Typical software using Photoshop or Painter (or both). Working on a demo reel a lot of guys tend to use Zbrush to model and animate in Maya/Max although there are many aspects of the 3D industry (Concepting, Storyboarding, Modeling, Texturing, Lighting, Rigging/animating, compositing/FX's...) Not every person can be good at all of them, but if you are good at a few of these its a bonus. Once you have targeted what parts of 3D you want to excel at, check the industry standards... they always change. Zbrush was not even thought of as a professional 3D Movie app in the early 2000's... now everyone uses it... as times change, so does the software.

**printchesco** · 09 April 2012, 02:24 PM

You can start with concept art. Practice your drawing skills and learn Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. You can move on to 3D graphics later on.

**Johns32** · 20 April 2012, 06:22 AM

I think the first step you need to take is enrolling for a graphic arts program. Like someone’s already mentioned, unless you are incredibly talented, you may find it hard to land a job without a college degree. I would suggest you start looking through the details of graphics art degree programs at schools of your choice. You can also consider taking online classes, but must complete your degree before you hit the job market!

**pauland** · 20 April 2012, 09:10 AM

must complete your degree before you hit the job market!

There is a card which trumps education and that is a very strong portfolio. You can get a job with a strong portfolio and no degree, but you can't get one with a degree and no portfolio.

An education will help you hugely to get the skills, but talented people can get there on their own.

It's a mistake to think that "learning" a particular software package is the key. A lot of people can learn how to use software, but that doesn't make them competent modellers, animators or artists. I'm reasonably handy with a word-processor, but a best-selling novel would elude me.

**gwpriester** · 20 April 2012, 04:19 PM

It's a mistake to think that "learning" a particular software package is the key. A lot of people can learn how to use software, but that doesn't make them competent modellers, animators or artists. I'm reasonably handy with a word-processor, but a best-selling novel would elude me.

True. But most employers will expect a new hire to be proficient with a computer. So, absolutely a strong and creative portfolio is a must but so also are computer graphics skills.

Oddly, in all the time I spent in advertising and graphic design, no one ever asked to see my art school degree.

**pauland** · 20 April 2012, 04:38 PM

I wasn't suggesting a portfolio not including work that was created using software. Your comment about the degree is really what I was getting at.

Many people think that being able to use package XYZ is an automatic ticket to success, but I can prove otherwise - my mastery of the pencil has yet to shower me in riches - something to do with a lack of artistic talent.