Ali Raza Abbas how he became a Graphic Designer without going to Design School

Graphic designers create visual concepts by using computer software or by hand to communicate ideas that inspire the world. There is no business exists that not have to need some sort of visual communication in the form of logos, flyers,  business cards, promotional materials, and a lot more, and this makes the graphic designers, one of the most demand after people and graphic design is one of the most easily transferable skills across any sector in the world.

We asked one of the greatest graphic designers, Ali Raza Abbas, how he got his start as a self-made designer:

What was your age when you decided to become a graphic designer?

My age was 21

What was the reason that you decide to become a graphic designer?

I examined IT so it wasn't too far away for me, however I am inclined more towards craftsmanship, and I wanted to draw, so normally I discovered realistic planning engaging.

How did you start learning about graphic design?

I watched online tutorials and I downloaded some software like adobe photoshop and adobe illustrator. I created some of the projects that I used as practice. I also reached out to people and I offered them free to create logos and business cards. I was focusing to build up my portfolio and practicing my skills as I can. It is always very easy to be unmotivated and discouraged when you are trying hard to learn things especially when you get frustrated, but what was the most important thing for me was not to give up, and I never slacked because I kept my focus on my end goal and I keep practicing my skills.

How much time you took to learn before you felt that you had learned? What you needed to know??

It took me almost a year to master the basics of graphics designing, graphics designing is a process in which you are constantly learning at every level. Software always changed, and the new features come in the software all the time. You always need to stay at the top of your game. Learning is also 50% of the battle. After all, you basically learn on every job that you do.

How you started attracting the clients to pay you?

After that I built up my portfolio, I started to ask clients. I never deny any job, even those that I didn’t know how to do and how I am going to do. I always accepted the challenges and always learned while I am executing. The more difficult tasks I was able to do, the more I was able to charge higher prices for my work and confidently defend my work in front of clients.

What things that your career take to give you success?

I started off creating logos, flyers, and cards and I was very good at that. Then I got a remote job in a company at that time I was still in school. It was very challenging for me because it was the first time in my life I was fully responsible for the visual communication of a company. While my friends were playing games on their laptops at the same time I was working and earning income. After that, I freelanced for a while. I re-designed my school's UI and presented it to school management. As a designer, I learned one thing: it's all about creating opportunities for yourself.

 What you like about designing at Page?

I’ve been at Page for 8 months now and It’s a new challenge with every brief. It’s not the same boring work, which keeps me on my toes.

 What do you like to be a graphic designer?

I just love that it is such a versatile career path. I can work in any kind of company because every business must have a need for visual elements. It's always a great feeling to be able to interpret someone’s vision and thinking into its visual representation. I am designing constantly, so it is easy for me to take on side projects to keep my mind and skills sharp, and of course, make some extra money on the side. I have designed a lot of things like wedding invitations, T-shirts, product packaging, phone cases, and book covers. To be a designer is to have skills that you can easily transfer to anything, that is great.

With time, effort and dedication, it's possible to teach yourself to become a graphic designer. Some of the steps you need to take:

Learn how to draw:

If you cannot communicate your designs, you cannot design. that's why learning how to draw by computer or by hand, is a must. You do not always have to be an amazing artist. All you need to know is how to clearly communicate your ideas visually and represent in the form of visuals.

Learn the basics of Graphic Designing:

Learn about color theory, grids, spacing, typography, and layers, which are the basics of graphic designing.

Learn how to use relevant software:

To be skilled in graphic design, you need to know how to use certain designing software.

Google is always available as your friend:

There are thousands of tutorials out there via various channels on YouTube, and it is easy to isolate the thing that you are trying to learn about. Always be curious and resourceful, and you can access a wealth of online information that's available for everyone.

Don’t stick to basic:

After you have learned the basic design skills, take it one or two steps further and specialize in an area of interest. This will make your skills more desirable and enables people who are searching for something specific to turn to you. You may specialize in invitations, web design, logos, user interface design, iconography, infographic, mobile apps design, and much more.

Practice, practice, and practice:

Theories are just theories. Until you are working on a project and you are able to apply the things you have learned, you will never be confident as a designer. Learn on the job, learn on personal projects, always try to apply new skills you have learned to execute actual projects.

Create your portfolio:

Nobody is going to hire a designer whose work they are not familiar with and who doesn't do work in the past. Therefore, it is important to have a portfolio that shows the range of skills you have and the things you have done in the past.

Get to work:

Congratulations, you are a graphic designer, now book at those jobs, and enjoy the sweets of your labor!

Disclaimer: This is featured content. No Asian Age Group journalist is involved in creating this content. The Group also takes no responsibility for this content.