I didn’t go to design school.
No diploma, no fancy certificate, not even a design-related degree.
In fact, when I first decided to pursue design, I didn’t even know how to use Photoshop. My only tools were basic creativity and the determination to learn on my own. It wasn’t easy, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve learned so much along the way, and that’s why I want to share my story — and the steps that helped me get here — with you.
Becoming a self-taught designer isn’t just about picking up a few design skills here and there. It’s a mindset, a commitment to constant learning, and a willingness to embrace failure as part of the process. If I can do it, so can you.
The beginning: Where it all started
I always loved design, but I didn’t know it was something I could turn into a career. I was more focused on my other interests, not realizing how much I was already absorbing. From creating graphics for my personal projects to admiring beautifully designed websites, I was constantly surrounding myself with design — even if I didn’t realize it at the time.
But one day, I decided to take the plunge. I knew that if I wanted to turn my passion into a profession, I needed to learn. The problem? I didn’t have the time or money to go to a traditional design school.
That’s when I realized: I didn’t need a degree to learn design. I could teach myself.
Step 1: Leverage free resources (And trust me, they’re everywhere)
The first thing I did was search for free resources. The internet is a treasure trove of design knowledge — from online tutorials to design blogs and YouTube channels. I started with the basics:
- Design theory: Learning the fundamental principles of design, like color theory, typography, and composition. I dug into free articles and watched videos on these topics.
- Software skills: I started with free tools like GIMP and Figma. I was intimidated at first, but I realized that practice is key. The more I clicked around and experimented, the more I learned.
- Websites and blogs: I started following design blogs, joining online communities, and reading books (many of which were available for free or at a low cost). Websites like Designmodo, Smashing Magazine, and A List Apart became my go-to resources.
I didn’t have a mentor, but the community of designers online felt like one. Ask questions, share your work, and participate in discussions. It’s incredible how much you can learn by simply getting involved.
Step 2: Experiment, experiment, experiment
The best way to learn design is to do. I didn’t wait until I felt “ready” — I just started making things. The first designs I created were far from perfect, but they were mine.
I took on small projects:
- Designing my own logo
- Redesigning websites for fictional businesses
- Making graphics for friends’ social media pages
Real-world application of design skills was a game-changer for me. I didn’t just learn how to make pretty things — I learned how to solve real problems with design.
The more I designed, the more I understood that design isn’t about making something look good — it’s about communication. It’s about solving problems for people and conveying messages through visuals.
And guess what? It wasn’t about creating flawless designs from the start. It was about experimenting and learning from my mistakes.
Step 3: Build a portfolio (Even if it’s just for practice)
I knew I needed a portfolio, but at the time, I didn’t have any real-world work to show off. So, I built one from scratch.
Here’s how:
- Fake it ‘til you make it: I created mock projects for imaginary clients. I worked on redesigning websites, logos, packaging — anything that would help me build a portfolio.
- Document my process: Every project I worked on, I took time to document my process. From sketches to wireframes to final designs, I shared how I arrived at the end result.
- Highlight my best work: I didn’t need a lot of projects — I just needed a few really strong ones. I picked the designs I was most proud of and displayed them prominently in my portfolio.
The portfolio wasn’t just about showing finished projects — it was about showcasing my design thinking. Clients didn’t just want a pretty logo; they wanted to see how I arrived at my design solution.
Step 4: Learn from feedback
One of the best things I did early on was seek feedback. I wasn’t afraid to show my work to others, even when I knew it wasn’t perfect. But the more feedback I received, the better my designs became.
I learned that feedback is essential for growth. Don’t shy away from critique. Constructive criticism is your best friend, and it’s the fastest way to improve.
Some ways to get feedback:
- Join design communities like Dribbble, Behance, or Reddit’s design forums.
- Ask for honest feedback from friends, colleagues, or even strangers. (Yes, really!)
- Use feedback to refine your skills and see your work from a different perspective.
The most valuable thing I learned is that everyone starts somewhere, and the more you grow, the more you’ll learn to trust the process.
Step 5: Embrace failure
As a self-taught designer, I didn’t have a roadmap. But I soon realized that failure isn’t the end — it’s part of the learning process. I failed countless times. I made designs that didn’t work. I misunderstood client feedback. But each mistake taught me something new.
I also learned that perfection doesn’t exist. You will always find something you could improve in your work. But as long as you keep improving with every project, you’re on the right track.
Failure became my greatest teacher. It taught me patience, humility, and perseverance.
Step 6: Never stop learning
Even now, years into my design career, I’m still learning. The world of design is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to discover. New tools, new trends, new techniques.
Some ways I keep learning:
- Follow design blogs and subscribe to newsletters like Smashing Magazine, CreativeBloq, and Designmodo.
- Take online courses (I still do this — it’s a great way to level up your skills).
- Watch tutorials on YouTube, or even explore online platforms like Skillshare and Udemy.
The more I learn, the more I realize that the best designers are the ones who never stop learning.
Step 7: Build your network
As a self-taught designer, building relationships with other designers and clients was a huge part of my success. I reached out to others in the design community, joined social media groups, and attended local meetups and conferences.
Building a network helps you:
- Learn from others: Connect with more experienced designers who can guide you.
- Find opportunities: Word of mouth and recommendations go a long way in the design world.
- Share knowledge: Collaborate with others, and share your experiences to help each other grow.
Design isn’t just about your skills — it’s also about who you know. A strong network can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Step 8: Believe in yourself
Finally, the most important thing I learned in my self-taught journey is this: believe in yourself. If you want to be a designer, there’s no secret to it. You just need to start. You need to trust your skills and keep working hard.
When self-doubt creeps in (and it will), remind yourself that you’re on the right path. You’re learning, growing, and improving every day. You’ve got this.
From zero to design hero — keep creating!
by Cris.