So You Want To Be A Graphic Designer? 2024 🤘🏻

[@willpatersondesign]

Hope you enjoyed the video! Let me know if you have any questions :)

[@pepreno]

What if you cannot get any client? Or if you get a local client (after decades) and you simply cannot ask him for payment coz he is a relative, and the project simply does not fit in your porfolio?

[@GwenArtVT]

Hello Will, thank you for the tutorials as always! I'm planning to start a Logo Design Freelance journey soon, and I was wondering if when it comes to creating logo design portfolio on website, do you recommend if I make my own custom website for portfolio, or website with templates to start of? Or either is fine?

[@KT-ld5eg]

Great video. Could you make an in depth video about pricing as a beginner ? I've done 2 projects for friends for free and want/need to make some money now 🤣

[@toddbrous_untwist]

@willpatersondesign First off, I love your videos! I think you’re absolutely brilliant! This is gonna sound horrible. Unfortunately, I think it’s a bad idea to become a Graphic Designer in 2024. Generative AI is going to eventually make most creative jobs obsolete. “The marginal cost of cognition and creativity is dropping to $0” -Karim Lakhani, HBS. This means that we’re going to see massive disruption in design. There are almost no new skills that AI will find hard to replicate. I’m curious if you can be more specific about what skills you see as being AI Proof? (Full disclosure: I teach “AI for Creatives: Strategies for Success” at The School of Visual Arts.)

[@EmeraldEagle_]

Right now I feel stuck. I know what I want to do and how to go about doing it, but I don't have the money for a laptop to do it on. I've been trying to get a loan or lease, but no one to accept me because I'm young, just moved to a new state, just got a new job, and just got a new apartment. My credit is good but that's the only thing I've got going for me. I only need about 3k and I'll be able to get the equipment I need. Any helpful advice would be appreciated

[@painter662]

Tips from 40+ years in the field. Rule one, learn design not programs. Hardware and software as you learned it has a life expectancy of about 5 years. Two figure out how to succeed independently firms solve evolving programming changes by firing people lots and lots of people. Three after 40 years you feel positively archaic. Four no area of visual arts is a safe haven. In 40 years I have been replaced by adobe 3 times, Maya once, Digital Photography, now Ai. Five in the end the thing that will keep you flowing is a look and a feel all your own that people like. Machines fallow the rules better than you will ever be able to. But machines copy blend and regurgitate. They do not actually create. Areas for fresh creations are limitless. Stake out a corner and make it yours. If people like it they don’t care how it’s made they want one just like it.

[@hieronymus_digital]

Very sound advice !!!

[@Alexanderdoubled]

I studied graphic design, had a internship, but decided to quit that and find my pasion on film makeup, fashion, photography, and video games. I'm currently doing a bachelor

[@Impavelok]

@@Alexanderdoubled wtf?

[@secreightcreatorspace]

passion is that you want to struggle for

[@grapplermodel]

@@Alexanderdoubled i learned nothing

[@Shane_Dunne]

Thank you man. I study graphic design and web design in college and most of it you dont learn in college. They give you information and resources and tools and you have to go off and put it into practice yourself so thank you.

[@Speak_with_Sahil]

hi shane i need resources and material of graphic designing to learn couldyuou pleasehelp me in obtaining that

[@ac1646]

At around 3:46: 'graphic design was done, one day, before software was a thing (believe it or not).' YES. And I'm from that generation of graphic designers! You've described the fundamental building blocks perfectly; you develop the mindset and then use the software as the 'tools'. It was such a joy, when the software was developed and we could mock-up and print out designs rather than have to laboriously mark-up type written copy for typesetting to 'set' and 'run-out' on their very expensive Lino-type machines. But having said that, as a consequence of designers taking ownership of this process, a whole industry died (typesetting).

[@willpatersondesign]

Yeah it's unfortunate. Technology will eventually replace all the jobs we do now in some form or another. I personally would love to live in the days where I could be a typesetter

[@hunterbergman6453]

There’s a much greater technical component not emphasized that many aspiring or even “experienced” designers do not realize. Depending on what the final design will be used for, for example printing or packaging design, the designer should understand the different print methods and what the print requirements are. Many times production artists or prepress operators will receive a file and have to reject it or bill the client more for unexpected changes because the design isn’t built properly for printing

[@willpatersondesign]

I should've added this! Thanks for commenting :)

[@Sarisgtz93]

As a graphic designer RUN its a trap. one of the worst paying careers. Just recently I've been Job hunting and Call center/Customer service jobs (with no experience) are higher paying jobs than graphic design like WTF. If you absolutely must study design, make sure you go for or specialize in web, motion or 3D.

[@ShortRedCat]

I'm currently in school for graphic design and I'm two years into my bachelor's but I'm worried about this whole Adobe thing. My entire school uses Adobe but I'm thinking of moving to affinity

[@jksong4141]

this is gold information! I'm a freelance graphic designer based in Korea. Still struggling, but trying to build up a good portfolio. Your videos help so much.

[@willpatersondesign]

Great to hear!

[@chakibfcb4628]

Your passion about graphic design is inspiring, thanks for the motivation and the valuable knowledge.

[@EmeraldEagle_]

Book list: Form and communication Raster systems / grid systems Making and breaking the grid The honest guild to logo design More is more The visual history of type

[@tombouin4185]

This is such a great, honest and helpful video! Thank you 💫

[@rikard.h]

It's interesting the way you see the purpose of your portfolio (show your process/state of mind). I have my portfolio on squarespace and can track what every visitor looks at. They don't stay on any page more than 6 seconds max lol. So my focus now is just to show things the look professional and pretty, with minimal text. No one seems to read anything anyway...

[@willpatersondesign]

I hear you. Have you tried telling more of a story with your portfolio? If you show the behind the scenes with photographs of your sketches and glimpses into how you solved a problem, that may get them reading and taking more of an interest! :)

[@rikard.h]

@@willpatersondesign Thanks! I have in some ways. More with pictures than text tbf. I think people might also view portfolios differently if they're hiring you as a freelancer (does your process fit the project we have for you?) or as an employee to handle their/their clients' work (do you have professional experience?). Maybe, idk. I think storytelling might be more beneficial for freelancers anyway (which I'm not).

[@mixtiunedjquame1163]

I love all that you teach and will love to learn more about Graphic Designer from you .. and thank you for teaching us good work sir

[@jawadahmed6966]

Love the passion that you like and reply all the comments ❤

[@willpatersondesign]

🤟🏼🤟🏼

[@eduardcojocaru6568]

I’m an instructional designer which is a little different but I have been dabbling with the idea with getting into graphic design. Great video to get an introduction into it!

[@ObservingBeauty]

Loved it. My daughter is making her first steps into this field and this video is an amazing calibration

[@stevenwest000]

Great channel and love your work Will

[@Lefty_Tiger]

I really love to work with typography, its just have infinity idea you can work with.

[@aimeeaztec4601]

Love your content Will - super clear and articulate advice. Always seem to switch on and better understand listening to u. Tres bien!

[@willpatersondesign]

I appreciate that!

[@hammads9045]

Square Space is great to create portfolios, but what's the opinion on other platforms like Behance or Cargo? Are these platforms viewed negatively in the industry?

[@khanmahwish6035]

I'm interested in logo design and know little bit only. But not interested in marketing, poster, or businesses. What to do. Start learning about logo or not?

[@alfiseyes3876]

i am not good at art but i want to be a graphic designer

[@نساءحائرات-ك1ل]

Thanks for everything Graphic design or ux ui design

[@LaserHighway]

Personal website is meaningless without significant marketing. Behance and social is best and free.

[@DonWef]

Will, you are the GOAT!

[@onofresilva9325]

Is reading book the only way to learn about Graphic Design? I'm not much of a reader, but if it can't be helped, then so be it.

[@ReneesNest91]

I am going to school for a certificate in digital design just to further develop my skills. It will be tied to an associate in art nothing fancy. I plan on furthering that into a bachelors in business, since I want have something else to fall back on (or to help with entrepreneurial skills). Anyhow Ive been doing graphic design for years without a degree. The advance in AI is a little disheartening as Im not sure how bad it will affect our industry. At the same time AI can be a fun tool. A lot to think about.

[@dantecxx]

Thank you Will, you are the best 🙌

[@willpatersondesign]

My pleasure!

[@elenamiller1418]

Love your videos! Thank you :)

[@chickennuggets5555]

Hello! I am looking to go to college for graphic design…but, based on what everyone is saying-it seems like there won’t be much a job left for me and will be difficult to find my footing even. I worry that I’ll have gone to college only for my degree to mean nothing-so, do you think maybe choosing a major in something like 3D CGI or something…would be safer?

[@dr.saadawy]

thanks for the amazing video! could you please share the "case studies" link please?

[@abroadscape2204]

hey guys ! very random question ! i'm really considering going online on freelancing plateforms and start doing some work, but is it still worth it in 2024 ? do you guys make more than 3 grand a month working as a remote graphic designer at all ? i've always been designing for myself and friends, so really considering taking it the the next level

[@chiedoziesamuel4014]

Thanks for the tip.

[@willpatersondesign]

No problem!

[@OrionTube3333]

Hi, my first time watching your video and I'm hooked! Great stuff. At @6:27, what is the site or program you're using to mindmap images?

[@setareh.eghbal]

Really helpful ♥️ thank u

[@rupalikashyap6684]

Can you please attach the link of design principles for graphic design I can't find it in your channel

[@imeobongetimwebdev]

If you need a website for graphics design portfolio, just indicate so I can build one for you.

[@EmeraldEagle_]

Needed this 😭

[@AnnaGonzalez-d6v]

wait, where can i find the case studies? 👀

[@nicholasbazarow4135]

Don’t do it kids ! Money is so bad these days . Make way more money being a plumber .

[@willpatersondesign]

Well that's not true. Get good, specialise and find and agency.

[@willpatersondesign]

It's not all about the money either.

[@nicholasbazarow4135]

@@willpatersondesign I have 20 yrs under my belt buddy. I’m an ace designer . Folio would give you a very good run. The industry is dieing. . That’s why you are you tubing. For sure plumbers make better money. 4 yrs in and they make well over 100k per year. That’s facts

[@ac1646]

@@nicholasbazarow4135 I'm with Will on this as I loved doing what I did whilst working as a designer. Now I'm doing more art and love that. Having said that, I am so grateful for modern plumbing so thank you for your service. 😊😊

[@myphantompain]

@@nicholasbazarow4135 If the industry is dying, how come graphic designer is on the list of the most needed jobs in the immigrations lists of UK/Germany, for example? I'm a game designer and that's where it's impossible to get hired to a point I'm blowing dust off of my graphic design degree to change professions.

[@umm-salmaadam6637]

I’m a self taught designer and would love to work in your company if possible ? Thanks

[@AlphaHotel82]

My question is can you become a professional graphic designer with out using Adobe lol? I feel like I've come so far in learning Affinity that I can't go back now.

[@willpatersondesign]

Of course! Affinity is just as good as Adobe apps. :)

[@deneen8120]

@anthonyheard8568 Seriously bad advice, Will. You will have to use Adobe. It IS the industry standard. You may get away with using whatever software you want if you're a one man operation. Even then, the client will more than likely want you to use Adobe so that they can open and/or modify the file if need be. If the project is to be printed, it will have to be submitted as a pdf, and usually the printer wants the native files. They will be using Abobe products. I feel your pain. I am a retired creative director. When I started out, Quark Xpress was the industry standard for page layout. Adobe started giving InDesign away for free. Since we had to purchase Photoshop and Illustrator, why buy Quark Xpress? InDesign quickly became the standard. Sorry. You're going to have to bow to the Adobe Gods.

[@willpatersondesign]

@@deneen8120 I don't agree - for the most part! If you're a freelancer - you can use whatever software you want, as long as the files can be used across different softwares. If you have different software that allows you to export to native Adobe formats, then you can also use that. :) I do agree that Adobe is "Industry Standard", but with the competition out there now, that term is becoming less and less relevant :)

[@AlexAnder-r6w4o]

Does this work for complete beginners?

[@Kyd1444]

Ofcourse!

[@ljohnso16]

what does he charge the course, 1-5k?

[@yasminartman]

Nice video! Wish that you had listed the book recs tho :(

[@MillywiggZ]

Alright. I’m throwing the gauntlet down. I want to see a graphic design tutorial without *any* use of *any and all* Adobe products. None whatsoever as if they don’t exist, not even Acrobat. No vague, “you can use any app”, without name-dropping anything. Lets see a Blender graphic design tutorial, or a Procreate one, no Adobe. Because if you’re new a £112 commitment to Photoshop for a year or £40 for a month is going to sound like a bad investment if you quit or only have a few hours during the day to teach yourself when those are the cheapest Adobe options.

[@willpatersondesign]

Blender is for 3D - Procreate is mainly for art. You don't have to use Adobe - Affinity have an amazing sale going on right now - you get everything!

[@dylansearcy3966]

You can teach an artist to be an artist

[@IsaiahGilbertoIsah]

Can you design using a phone and is designing same as drawing?

[@pepreno]

What if you cannot get any client? Or if you get a local client (after decades) and you simply cannot ask him for payment coz he is a relative, and the project simply does not fit in your porfolio?

[@ac1646]

You get a contract in place before you start the work (relative or not). Your portfolio should demonstrate a wide range of work. If you have designed something that neatly fits the brief it should be in your portfolio.

[@IDEAMANYT]

How to join as a freelancer for you sir?

[@thewebstylist]

Any recommends sir for Brand Kit creators?

[@darksidevenom6]

So are you a big AAron Draplin Fan?

[@jmg9509]

For me, i'm a midjourney head. But i find what has happened is the complete OPPOSITE. Midjourney has made me want to learn MORE about art and graphic design...and so now i'm going to take this opportunity to learn more about them, read books and so on. Not for any job or anything, but just because i find it fanscinating, awe-inspiring and relaxing. To be able to create something that grabs peoples attention to the point where they say "wow"...uhh. Amazing.

[@lunazamoraart]

@@jmg9509 me too!

[@GeolyteGM]

Graphic design can be aetistic but at its core its all about "Visual Communication", your presentation of information.

[@willpatersondesign]

I do believe Graphic Design can be aesthetic, however, never form over function. :)

[@jwon5614]

Yyeeeaaahhhhh!!! Self-taught❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂😅

[@Wakeup-work-ki1lp7mt4d]

Hii sir iam from India soo iam learning graphic design will ai replace graphic designers please clarify me sir

[@xanderabhi1]

I'm 32 year old .... Is it too late to learn graphic design and make it my profession?

[@stuartrogers9031]

Of course you can.

[@andrewarmstrong5266]

I started when I was 34, never to old and you bring a history of experiences and adverts you have grown up with too in mind, go for it

[@Dott-s3v]

I want to become a graphic designer im 15 years old is this good career or not plz anybody help😒

[@willpatersondesign]

I think it's a pretty great career!

[@can8835]

I want tooo

[@logodesigner08]

Sir i wanna Meet you in future ❤

[@piyush_design01]

DONE✅

[@KAYSINGH1997]

Guys, what do you think about AI? I believe that in the coming 4 or 5 years, AI will definitely take graphic designers' jobs!

[@TheCooksTV]

I wonder how AI interfaces will effect this industry

[@faizshaikh4771]

❤❤❤

[@dylansearcy3966]

Graphic design can still be considered a fine art

[@willpatersondesign]

It can! But I prefer to call that Graphic Art :)

[@sabarayees]

Is 30 yrs to old to start a career in graphic design 🤔

[@RuthGray-s8t]

You give me hope 😊

[@andrewarmstrong5266]

Right having watched this just now and seeing the comments here, there is something you forgot to address @willpatersondesign and that’s how are those sea monkeys doing? lol

[@naech01ce]

oh wow! you didn't go to design school??

[@nittani.]

Already am hah!

[@capitald9482]

So you like orange color 🏀

[@sriram97]

Worst part being a GD that i hate is having sex with the client in order to get paid

[@r.d.b.941]

Aren't like 50+ percent of you going to be out of jobs in like 6 to 12 years due to text to image automated software.

[@JanThomassen-x5q]

Do your self a favour and study something else. AI will replace GD.

[@CalaTec]

Step 1: make random rubbish on a pirated copy of Adobe Photoshop. Step 2: let Adobe train AI on your trashy drawings. Congrats, you are a designer.

[@ibrahimshamione]

You can’t teach an artist how to be an artist; it’s a talent you have, it’s in you. You develop your talent because you love design. The whole video is wrong; it’s like someone using auto-tune and calling himself a singer. You’re encouraging people to become designers even if they’re not designers.

[@willpatersondesign]

Being a designer is nothing like being an artist. It's a skill you can learn.

[@ac1646]

"You develop your talent because you love design." Yes. That's what Will is saying. You learn skills and progress. You can teach an artist to develop skills too.

[@ibrahimshamione]

@@willpatersondesign NO you can't be more wrong

[@ibrahimshamione]

@ac1646 design is an art form

[@yeettheskeetboi8089]

Anyone can be an artist, not just a "privileged few". Everyone has creativity, it's just expressed in different ways. If someone wants to become a graphic designer, they can, they don't have to have a long history of art in order to do so.

[@faridgazidesign]

thanks

[@sahashra_real]

❤❤❤