How to Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree: 7 Key Steps

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), graphic design remains an in-demand profession, with about 20,000 openings projected each year on average over the decade. Interestingly, in today’s digital era, building a career in graphic design doesn’t necessarily require a formal degree. What matters most are your skills, portfolio, and consistency. So, how to become a graphic designer without a degree?

This article outlines 7 practical steps for anyone who wants to start and grow a career in graphic design without going through traditional education.

Key takeaways: 

• To become a graphic designer without a degree, focus on building core graphic design skills such as color theory, typography, layout, and composition through online courses, books, tutorials, and consistent practice.
• Learn both physical and software tools, including computers, tablets, Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, and other essential design software to create professional work.
• Professional certifications, like Adobe Certified Professional or AIGA Design Certification, can validate your skills and boost your credibility with clients and employers.

7 Steps on How to Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree

To become a graphic designer, you can do it without a degree, just the right skills and practice. Here are complete steps to help you create a clear roadmap for developing your career in the graphic design industry.

1. Develop Essential Graphic Design Skills

To become a designer without a degree, start by developing graphic design skills for beginners, such as understanding color theory, typography, layout, and composition. You can build these skills through online courses, reading books, listening to design podcasts, watching tutorials, and following design blogs.

Consistent practice is also essential, as it allows you to apply what you’ve learned and continuously improve your abilities. By combining skill development with regular practice, you can create a strong portfolio and establish a solid foundation for a successful career in graphic design.

Also Read: Graphic Design Trend 2026: 10 Visual Creativity Trends to Watch

2. Master the Tools

Tools, both physical equipment and software, are essential for every graphic designer. Key physical tools include a computer, handy gadgets, and a drawing tablet, while essential software tools consist of Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma.

Mastery in both allows you to execute ideas effectively, meet professional standards, and stay competitive without a formal degree.

3. Build a Portfolio of Your Work

A portfolio serves as a platform to showcase your skills and creativity. It gives potential clients or employers a clear view of the quality and diversity of your work. That’s why, if you are wondering how to become a graphic designer without a degree, the best approach is to build a strong portfolio of your work.

One key tip for creating your portfolio is to ensure it accurately reflects your skills and abilities. Include personal projects, freelance work, or redesigns, and organize your portfolio clearly while highlighting your best pieces. Also, display a variety of styles and techniques to showcase your unique design and capture the attention of potential clients.

Also Read: Top 7 Graphic Design Best Software for 2026 for Designers

4. Get Certified

Obtaining a professional certification is an effective way to become a graphic designer without a degree. Certifications demonstrate that you possess specific skills and competencies in graphic design, enhancing your credibility with clients and employers.

Many online platforms offer internationally recognized certificate programs, such as Adobe Certified Professional or AIGA Professional Design Certification. Earning these certifications provides official proof of your abilities, improves your resume, and makes you more noticeable to prospective employers or clients.

5. Establish a Professional Network

Establishing a professional network is a crucial step. With the right connections, you can gain mentorship, job opportunities, freelance projects, and the latest industry insights. A strong professional network also increases your visibility, making your portfolio and skills more easily recognized by clients or companies.

You can build your network by joining online or local design communities, such as groups on LinkedIn, Behance, or Instagram. Also, you can attend workshops, conferences, and design exhibitions to help you connect with the design community. Participating in forums and discussions is also recommended to share knowledge, receive feedback, and build a reputation as a skilled designer.

Also Read: Elements and Principles of Design for Better Visual Design

6. Build Your Brand

Building a personal brand is also an essential step to distinguish yourself as a graphic designer, especially for those who are self-taught graphic designers. Your personal brand reflects your creative identity, unique visual style, and the professional value you bring to clients or companies. With a strong brand, people can easily remember you and consistently recognize your skills and professionalism.

To build your brand, it is recommended to actively share your unique work and insights on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, Instagram, or LinkedIn. You can also strengthen your online reputation through testimonials, collaborations, and freelance projects that highlight your abilities and professionalism.

7. Land Your First Job

The final step is landing your first job. Your initial role doesn’t need to be a senior position. Instead, focus on entry-level graphic design jobs, internships, or freelance projects that allow you to apply your skills and gain practical experience.

You can start by exploring freelance opportunities on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or 99designs to gain real-world experience and build your online reputation. It’s also important to remember that graphic designers don’t have to work strictly as traditional designers. 

You can branch out into roles such as digital designer, UX or UI designer, book cover designer, brand designer, lettering artist, surface pattern designer, and creative marketer. Therefore, it’s recommended to pursue as many opportunities as possible.

Also Read: Top 10 Modern Typography Trends for Designers in 2025

Enhance Your Graphic Design Portfolio with HansCo Studio

How to become a graphic designer without a formal degree is challenging but achievable with the right approach. By developing core skills, building a strong portfolio, and gaining experience through entry-level jobs or freelance projects, you can establish a successful career. The key to success lies in consistency, regular practice, and creativity.

It’s important to remember that visual quality is often determined by attention to detail, including typography. To help enhance your designs and portfolio, you can use professional fonts from HansCo Studio, specifically designed to support branding, digital design, and visual projects that appear more confident and professional.

HansCo Studio offers fonts starting at just $29, featuring a wide range of styles from elegant script to classic serif font. Each font includes multilingual support and alternate characters, making them versatile for any design. For more details, visit the HansCo Studio website!