Graphic design dates back centuries, encompassing early cave art and handpainted signage.
Yet most people now associate graphic design with computers and software. The first computer-generated graphics as we know them date back to 1963.
Thankfully, both the software and hardware have developed since then. You can even create some designs on your smartphone.
Better access to technology makes graphic design accessible to everyone. You can learn the skills even if you didn’t study design at college for your real estate business.
Read on for our guide to learning graphic design for beginners.
Learning Graphic Design for Beginners
We know you want to jump straight in and start learning the software. That’s the fun part! Trouble is, if you start using software without knowing the basics, your designs can be lackluster or cluttered.
Take some time to learn basic graphic design theory. That includes:
- color theory,
- how to use typography,
- using grids for expert layout,
- texture and tone, and
- working with line and shape.
Once you understand these concepts, the software makes much more sense.
Start With Basic Software Exercises
Consider what you’re going to use graphic design for. That helps you choose the best graphic design software for beginners. You may not need all the bells and whistles of Photoshop or InDesign. Adobe Spark will likely provide all the tools you need.
Whichever software you choose, try out basic exercises. They’ll help you learn the tools and hone your skills. You might focus on color and shape.
Then you might work on pairing fonts for the cleanest look.
Focus on getting the basics right before you move on to the next stage: briefs.
Set Yourself Graphic Design Briefs
Learning skills is great, but you’ll learn more when you start testing them. So set yourself a brief for your next project.
When you follow a brief, you give yourself set criteria. That includes:
- the client and what they want,
- attracting the target audience,
- and achieving a goal.
Posters or flyers for open house events are a great place to start. After that, try making some unique business cards. The client, target audience, and goal are all clear to start with.
Consider what skills you’ll need. You might need to remove background from photos. Typography is a must. Balancing the colors is also essential.
Get Feedback on Your Work
Take your time and create the first draft. Show it to a few trusted friends or colleagues. Collect their feedback and use it to make any changes.
If they all agree on something to be changed, that’s a good place to start. Then ask again. Working with feedback is the fastest way to learn graphic design for beginners.
You’ll soon understand what works and what doesn’t when you get a second opinion.
Remember to Enjoy the Process
Now you know how to start learning graphic design for beginners. Get the theory in place first and you’ll enjoy using the software more. Practice your skills on projects with a clear purpose.
Remember to get feedback so you can learn what works, and what doesn’t. You’ll speed up the learning curve in no time. It’ll be such a bonus for your marketing work.
Check out our blog for more marketing advice and try out your new graphics know-how.
