How I Became A Graphic Designer Without A Degree

[@CharleyPangus]

Can you find the alpaca 🦙 😁

[@Ismail-cm8xs]

On the lamp?

[@CharleyPangus]

seem2002 you found it!

[@owpayne4259]

Charley Pangus glad u didn’t burn down your house

[@emmaemma6030]

You kinda pointed to it when you were speaking about it 😂

[@blightybadger7421]

is it the alpaca in the comment section?

[@au2266]

Thanks for the lovely video. I've always loved to sketch and paint but ended up with a degree in Finance. Thinking of a career shift and been wanting to do graphic design for a while now! Your video is definitely a morale booster. :)

[@mrsqueaks1154]

I resonate with this

[@luxmaggie]

This is similar to how I got into graphic design. Liked it as a kid, started making my own band t-shirts, then made fliers for bands and it just kind of took off. Cheers

[@blendering3D]

I just dropped out of design school, I felt like I wasn't getting what I was paying for, I pretty much already new everything I was being taught 'cz I learned from the awesome KZbin comunity. I'm still figuring out which path I want to take, I guess this video was kinda supporting. Thanks Charley!

[@stateofmindfitness_ca]

I dropped out of art Institute as well and only attended for a semester and it was too expensive...I fell off designing for about 3-4 years but still has that passion to design. Now that acquired a heat press, vinyl cutter I been getting back into it and loving it. Great video man!

[@tylerlaurette89]

Definitely appreciate your story. I agree that a degree shouldn't define you as a person, but it does have a way of influencing your marketability. I'm finding much difficulty in moving up the ladder, so to speak, and I have a certificate in Graphic Design. (Nothing fancy, I know, but it's still something more than nothing.) Anyway, best of luck to you and all other accomplished/aspiring graphic designers! There's a huge world of inspiration and color and every day I'm fascinated by what I see!

[@donfisherjr.2404]

Excellent advice, Charley! I too am a graphic designer without a degree and it took work, trial and error, endless corrections, and helpful mentors along the way to help me improve my design work. I'll add that I work with Affinity software now that Adobe has priced itself out of the market.

[@CharleyPangus]

🙏🏼😄

[@melissaozman7297]

I’ve been wanting to be a graphic designer for a while, I tried going to design school but it was so expensive. I’ve be debating if I need a degree or not. Your story really inspired me, thanks for sharing!!

[@scottjackson1812]

Only recently found your channel but so glad I did. I found your channel by accident when looking to start business online. Great to find someone that's down to earth and completely transparent. Great information as there is so much out there that are trying to get you to sign up to courses or programmes and then still not get what you require. Big respect to you

[@samahsaeed1261]

After graduating I was lost for 10 years not knowing what to do and what I really love and want the most,I have chosen graphic design because I always loved drawing and doing creative work, working with colors solving problems and create something to meet the need, your video gave me a hope to start, I've found a good school to get a 3 months diploma so I can start since I've never touched photoshop, I know it's crazy but people like me do exist lol, anyway thanx for the inspiration

[@UncannyAura]

I draw as a hobby. Recently I got hired by this huge company as a production artist / graphic designer. I'm nervous as hell because I'm not a fan of photoshop and I did not think I was gonna get hired. I have some experience in Illustrator and Indesign, but it was all just a hobby. Help me :c

[@blitzen435]

Uncanny Aura You can do it! Just believe in yourself!

[@sixhourdrivemusic]

I am in a similar situation. Moved to Germany 7 years ago and finished my 3 year job training as a Graphic Designer only to be put into Printing companies, who seemed to be the furthest thing from creative. After a year I left and now I am starting a week of test work at a design agency that does exactly what I wanted to do... The problem being, the people I work with are incredibly talented and I do not feel up to par. Just keeping my head low, trying to stay positive and show up bright and early Monday morning. No idea what to expect and dreading a negative outcome.

[@UncannyAura]

@@sixhourdrivemusic I'm not in that situation no more. The job was a scam. I dodged a bullet just in time. I'm a little sad about it, but it's not the end of the world. I'll keep trying to look for a design job. In the meantime, I'll just be drawing and working on more designs.

[@sixhourdrivemusic]

@@UncannyAura Sorry to hear that. You will find your path.

[@AlejandroGonzalez-wo5fk]

Dude do a bunch of logos on illustrator as training. Every request they give you do it and then repeat it in a similar fashion.

[@jbjolt]

Very cool video, I'm happy for your success! I'm now 23 and have been drifting since I dropped out of college. Like you in High school I loved design and did our yearbook covers and some KZbin gaming stuff haha. I was always told art wasn't a real job, yada yada, but it really messed with me and I stopped designing altogether until just last year. I'd definitely like to be in your position eventually!

[@smedleyheadleygames29]

This video was released the day I had an accident that killed my dream of being a heavy duty mechanic, and the start of me wanting to be a graphic designer

[@webbyjoey]

a new door has opened for you.

[@Fitforeveryone001]

Best of luck

[@kennatividad8204]

We had the same childhood, I love animals and had a lot of time drawin stuff. Then I was introduced with MS Paint, been doing art with it for how many years and I lost interest for quite a while. I tried music, sports and even cars. Not one of them made me pursue it like how I did on arts and techs. Graphic design is the most suitable job for my passion but having doubts of being not good enough. Going to college next month, I have 4 years to practice my skills so that I can have a job quickly after college. Thanks for the tips Charles!

[@dylanc2011]

Subscribed! I really needed to hear this right now. I just moved from Ohio to New York City and am having a hard time finding a design job. I have an associates degree and have worked a design firm before but it’s just different here. Thank you so much for talking about your struggles. Really makes me realize I can push through this.

[@ThePradana]

thanks for advice and motivating me. I have no degree in graphic designer, still try to learn something new

[@stevenpick1874]

Hey Charley. I am interested in becoming a graphic designer, but like yourself, have no degree. But watching the video has gave me motivation, so just thought I'd say thank you! 👍

[@jabsjc]

This is great. There aren’t to many videos to inspire folks to push on. I’ve been teaching myself now for about a year. Haven’t pulled in any paying jobs yet but I think I’m almost there. Recently I’ve struggled with feeling I’m wasting my time. I lost my job in 2020 and was diagnosed with advanced RA shortly after that which has sidelined me from working the more physical jobs I had done for 20 years. I have no excuse now to not learn.

[@bluwamazing]

honestly ive been watching your videos for more than a year now. Ive been raelly into designing and drawing and animation and film making but you teaching us how to make a graphic design really boost my passion for graphic design. 2 years ago i was enrolled to a university with a degree for animation and designs. but just last year i dropped out of college and i got really really depress and lost all hopes that id never be a graphic designer, animator or something cause i didnt get that degree and no companies accept anyone without a degree on their belt so that puts me on a spiral for a long time then 2020 hits and the pandemic which made me even more depressed. long story short just few weeks ago i was able to start picking myself up and make designs and draw. and i just wanna say you telling this to us really inspire me and motivated me to keep going. so thank you

[@mina4426]

Art has always been a language I spoke since I was 5 years old. I didn't know what career I wanted to pursue, so I pursed the wrong one. Finished a bachelor degree for that wrong career, and then knew what Graphic design was. Now I'm on my 2nd gap year trying to pursue this path and it has been such a struggle at the point where I question myself and if I am even meant for it? Everyone told me already that I'm a creative person, or they love my art, but the path to getting where I want feels so distant especially now in a pandemic. Thank you for this video. I wish more people agreed that not all great artists have a piece of paper-degree to prove that they are fluent in art. Thank you.

[@gwenten2058]

This is the exact case with me. I graduated in software engg and now i want to transition to graphic design and it really is a struggle but i am hopeful for the future.

[@mina4426]

@@gwenten2058 I feel you, I really hope we succeed at what we want

[@DaughterOfAlia]

You told your story perfectly fine. The best one I've found so far, since it's relatable. I'm glad I found your channel.

[@CharleyPangus]

Thank you so much

[@ape6375]

I just started my graphic designing and it’s going really well

[@rohithbalaji4995]

Which software are you using

[@juniorm5695]

@@rohithbalaji4995 abode photoshop

[@Kellumfoto]

@ape how's it going a year later?

[@pancakewalrus99]

@Jazzmyn Mariah You don't...

[@moonmagickal3634]

How do you get clients?

[@shibluhyder4259]

Very inspirational video! Thanks a lot for making this video & sharing with us your story.

[@DRGOAT999]

I am certainly at a art school and it is really expensive. I want to learn more of graphic design, but I don't know if could go to this school any longer, too expensive. So I have been stressed out thinking if I don't get a degree I can't be a graphic designer. So this video really calmed my stress level. But I am glad I did go because I have never used photoshop before, and as soon as I started I feel in love with it. So thanks for this video.

[@Jm_archive]

Currently in college, going on there months. Undeclared I should add. Figured a path would start to take place. It has not. I have always enjoyed this type of hobby that can possibly turn into a career. Recently, I've been looking back at this and am thinking of investing time into becoming better so it's more than just a hobby. You saying that you were in college for two months then dropping out really eases my nerves a good bit. Thank you for your story. Edit: Sentence structure.

[@christopherwilliams5551]

Definitely needed to hear this. Thank you for sharing your story

[@elbimbo_1324]

your awesome bro thanks for every lesson you teach to us

[@manuelaposada6704]

This is so good! I’m really glad I found this video! You’re crushing it.

[@ajleonen4514]

You told your story well, it motivated me to pursue graphic design. Thanks Charley!

[@sincityquinn]

That’s crazy. Our stories are very similar. I randomly got into Graphic Design when I bought an old version of photoshop from the thrift store in like middle school in like 2003. I just messed around with it for a while then forgot about it. I started rapping in 06 and a few years later I made myself a MySpace page because I couldn’t afford one. By this time I pirated Illustrator and Photoshop. Then other rappers started paying me to make them their own pages. Then I started shirt designs, logos, album covers, the whole 9. I looked up and realized that I made more from Graphics than from music. Tried to go to school to make it “official” but I was so far ahead it was a waste of money and I just left. I quickly realized how much of a rip off those schools were. It’s like they intentionally teach you at a snails pace to get the maximize their profits.

[@mina4426]

I like your last sentence about the slow pace of these Graphic design unis, Why are they all 4-years long? I thought 3 years is the most 'reasonable' length of studies in Bachelor degree, but most of them are 4 years like??

[@julianTrichardson]

Charley Pangus you have my respect sir

[@woshibawang]

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story!!

[@audreybocchini900]

Thanks for the inspiration man. I've been really needing to hear this lately, so thanks again .

[@CharleyPangus]

Audrey Bocchini anytime I love helping

[@ComedyJamz]

this helped a lot charley, i have been feeling unmotivated this pass week, i am start-up and i feel i am not good enough and won't be, but watching this, i know everyone didn't just became sns expert overnight,that they worked for it, thanks charley

[@TheSunnySideofCoffee]

Thank you for sharing your story and how your dad is an inspiration to you.

[@abdelhalimlem19]

This video is the best thing i watched today thanks mate for sharing with us your story

[@owlpolar4852]

is it the second picture on the wall??? BTW, the best way to hold the mug is - pointing finger and the ring finger under the cup, so they are under that thick bottom ring. the thumb is on the top of the handle, right next to the mug wall, pressing firmly

[@chereforsado]

Love your videos charley, I learned so much and you're amazing 👍

[@CharleyPangus]

Thank you so much :)

[@aamirbashir5426]

I also learned a lot from you videos , thanks, keeping on making beneficial videos for people like me

[@CharleyPangus]

Aamir Bashir that’s awesome thank you

[@jet71000]

awesome Dude Thank you for your Inspiration

[@sam.barbershop]

Thank you for your story it's inspired me to still working hard

[@CharleyPangus]

Dakhouch Ayoub super happy I can inspire you. 😁🙌🏻

[@sam.barbershop]

@@CharleyPangus much love 💘

[@jordythetraveler7851]

Thank you , In a rut right now but working on it by drawing something almost every day, self taught all the way to having a clothing brand but this inspired me and i plan to keep going

[@RoguePixel]

The lighting in this video is really well done

[@ahk621]

What are the main software you should know while doing graphic designing course

[@megansmith2637]

I’ve watched your videos for a while and loved them, but I somehow didn’t know (or didn’t remember) that you are self taught??? I love you so much more!! I’m also self taught and always struggle with feeling like a fraud, so I love finding other self taught, successful people. Keep on being awesome and having awesome content 👊🏻👊🏻

[@bbyflip1]

thanks for the vid post Covid lockdown !! I always liked art in HS but I never jumped on it !!!

[@MyLifeAsJ93]

I’m a graphic designer myself and I’ve been struggling on landing a job in my field because I only have an associates degree. Most companies are looking for people with a bachelors or higher. But this video really speaks to me because I thought I would never find a job in my field so I kinda gave up on designing but with the support of my friends and my girlfriend I’ve found my niche in designing. I always thought having a degree defines how your career/life will be but his video really opened my eyes. I appreciate you sharing this and you’re an inspiration! I’d love to talk with your more about designing if that’s okay with you. Keep grinding and making great content man.

[@CharleyPangus]

I appreciate you and I wish you amazing success in the field man! Thanks so much for giving my videos a chance.

[@saws5879]

You really inspire me, thank you very much.

[@cynax7757]

I love your video. You answered my questions.

[@tharakaperera3729]

I'm also working my way into the graphic designing world btw awesome work bro keep it up :)

[@slikrik6098]

I started working photo shop and AL ,I do like designing but I`m new and realy struggle with tools ,sometimes i know what I wanna design but no idea how to acheive it.I like project videos but most people go on and on with if you wanna do this or that ,then I get lost on what we were doing. but I`m a keep grinding till I get it.

[@CharleyPangus]

Take my merch design academy course! It’s only 5 weeks long and you will learn everything. Merchdesignacademy.com

[@jbiel3617]

I’m watching this video because my girlfriends parents are graphic designers and I’ve been looking for conversation starters for when I meet them, but now I’m quite intrigued. So you are self employed? How easy do your designs sell and do people pay a fair amount for them? It’s cool if you don’t wanna talk about money aha

[@Eddiediaz23]

how funny, besides a few minor things our stories are so similar. Growing up "outdoors", animals, etc, to extreme sports, to family owning a screen printing business, to being in a metal band and designing are merch, to becoming a graphic artist. Crazy shit man. cheers!

[@djefardeur7958]

dropped out of multimedia school! it was so boring! gonna do it myself! great story btw!

[@55555harris]

I just started my career as a graphic designer and I have lot of fears to face the competition. So, can you suggest me a way to get motivated and go ahead..🙂

[@yeshwantpariyar2136]

I feel the same! Please help us Charley

[@negative42]

"If you need motivation from someone else, don't do it." Elon Musk

[@samuellyalong7256]

@@negative42 |Cul men that's make sense, i real love your comment bro!

[@ivankukovec9799]

@@negative42 Quoting Elon I see...

[@negative42]

@@ivankukovec9799 Yes

[@adityaranjan8054]

Great video man!

[@deshieldstf]

I like the point about the degree. I’m staying school cus im in debt and i might as well finish it out, but im putting in work outside of school creating music videos and promotional vids as well as photoshoots. Staying proactive with my craft while struggling with hw and studying is difficult. I even work a 9-5 and i make more in one video/photoshoot that takes 1-3 hours vs a full 8-hour shift. I debated a while to drop out but like i was saying, too deep in debt to just throw away all the work ive put into school. A degree isn’t bad either, but to me, it’s a piece of paper that’s good to put on my resume!

[@brandonstecz1037]

Absolutely agreed man! I don't have a degree either, dropped out around 2014, and I don't regret it at all.

[@CharleyPangus]

Brandon Stecz 🙌🏻

[@vesto6864]

Thank you bro 👍👍

[@christina7209]

I found you! Yay! Thank you for making this video, hopefully one day I can become a graphic designer as well.

[@mackenzie2184]

I don't have a degree and I too am a graphic designer. The jobs I've looked at online for freelance graphic designer or remote graphic design jobs require bachelors degrees and adobe suite. I have neither one. I also use open source programs like GIMP. I was recently told by a family friend that my graphics weren't enough, because I am using GIMP, a free program. I appreciate this video. It has inspired me to keep going and trying and that a degree doesn't define me or what I do.

[@gabrieldavalos4845]

Great video Charley!

[@CharleyPangus]

Gabriel Davalos thank you 🙏🏻

[@mernickoi]

hi Charlie your really made me admire your speach it sounded pretty muchan inspirational message to me because this what i am really trying to do right now to practice more and more. but still i don't know where i get to start up from this and what should i need to do to become a graphic designer.

[@rytis2485]

can you suggest some draw pads for newbies? thanxxx.

[@ElectricosCosmos]

Love your channel. I’m not a graphic designer but one of my best friends is a 3D graphics artist and I link her your stuff all the time trying to get her to start her own company and to help her be inspired with some great ideas. Keep hustling and helping others man and your gig will just keep on growing.

[@CharleyPangus]

Electricos Cosmos thanks man that means a lot to me.

[@chinuephillips4464]

That is so true. Very inspiring

[@CharleyPangus]

Chinue Phillips thank you for watching :)

[@chiral597]

I am reliving your life right now! I have always loved art but never thought about it. I have really been grinding to become a professional gamer. I have started creating intro and video effects! I really fell in love. I’m 22 and a sr in college for BIOLOGY... do you think I should just get the degree in biology or would it be worth the switch

[@bam2502]

this is a youtuber worth subscribing for.

[@wildflowersmile3224]

I did pro photography for years and I would often get asked to help my friends and family with their graphic design projects because of my Adobe skills. I always loved it. But that was 8 years ago. I have lost touch with technology as I switched career paths. Wanting to get going again but I am feeling intimidated trying to get updated in technology and rebuild a clientele. Any advice?

[@apflorent]

It's okay to start from scratch. All you need is to START. :)

[@joycelingBab3x3]

Hi Charey! I'm 23 this year and want to move to graphic design, from a cinematic arts degree. Is it possible to become a graphic designer without a portfolio? I know how to use Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign though.. :/

[@UnitedDestinyEntertainment]

Great Video and all truth!

[@casul-4891]

Hey Charley...i love design graphic...but i dunno how to start it to get some money with it...could you tell me how to get money for a starter like me?

[@fullmeatgirl]

Can you do a video on how you got a job at the merch company without a degree? The job sounds really cool!

[@theundead1600]

Great video. Recently me and all the higher belts and our instructor left our bjj school cause the owner was sleepi g with students and getting money from them that wasnt school dues. We started our new school and i drew up a sketch on a little 3×5 card that became our logo. Even though its not my drawing per say, the entire logo is all the elements i drew. The designer made them cleaner and used a mirror option to get stuff symmetrical. Any way desinger jobs around all want a minimum of 2 years school. Aside pestering the shit out of them i dont see how do it or start my own llc but i know i need skills not just talent and tenacity.

[@badguynii]

This video inspired me, man you just got a new subscriber

[@baylietuveson9425]

I’m coming upon this video because I’m debating a program at a community college that’s a “Graphic Design” certificate. Basically courses in PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator, After effects, Java, etc. and my concern(and why I came upon your video) is that a “certificate” will make me less qualified than a degree so sorta pointless and I won’t find work. And then I would have spent time and money( it’s a two year program and I can get some grants but will pay out of pocket somewhat.)What are your thoughts? Is it worth completing this particular program? Or just diving in where I can? I truly enjoy design.

[@reannaogir2027]

Awesome video. Love your channel. Keep up the great content

[@vanessakarepowan150]

I'm also dropping out of my college bcs i just dont feel like my skills are developing and it's really expensive, i"ve became depressed and burdened, soo i think i will start studying using youtube and some course, i hope i'll be more happy with that.

[@sahithireddy4789]

Hi Charley. Thanks for the video it's very helpful and inspiring. Im with a bachelor degree in IT and want to be into graphic design. Stuck how to get started. Can you please suggest any online website or online courses/tutorials to fluently learn and get started. Thank you

[@josephjameson7263]

Just for curiosity what was the name of your metal band in high school?

[@osajeyfo]

i love your video, I wanted to ask are there videos you watched or books that made you get better

[@acidfac3840]

ive been wathcing your content off and on for years now, always felt you had a metalcore/edgy vibe to you must have missed this video but that confirms it, where can i listed to more of the music tho cuz that breakdown souded like it goes pretty hard

[@cheezypeezy54]

Love your story.

[@sourabhdevale2791]

Which laptop is best for graphic designing under $1000

[@bennyltd78]

First time watcher,, love your work mate . I too just found my passion for art but car livery at 40 , so my wife bought me illustrator, just trying to get my head around it, can you recommend any tips , and is a graphic tablet worth buying for livery’s ?

[@CharleyPangus]

Betty_78 BPM Designs that is awesome. I would say you don’t really need a tablet but having one certainly won’t hurt especially when it comes time you need it.

[@TheEpicAB]

Betty_78 BPM Designs You can get illustrator for free. You wasted your money 😂

[@JakubVano]

I enjoyed! Thanks

[@guitaristwagner]

Did you feel that you ever had a hard time getting work when you first started?

[@CharleyPangus]

Yes most definitely

[@stevu]

This is so relatable ♥

[@Anthony-kz4qc]

Literally im trying to learn off you like shadow you .

[@CharleyPangus]

dc5tonyy media haha I’ll be your shadow! 😁

[@Knx3k]

Me 2 lol

[@vhoiki]

60% of that story is as similar as mine. Good one bro.

[@theunknown_nj]

Thank you for this video. I needed to hear this.

[@thenicparker]

Bro! What freakin band ? You sound sooo good! Dang

[@richbrewer9990]

without a degree is startling but your words are right Patience and Hard Work is where its at. I cant tell cuz my screen isnt hi def but is it in the plant? or on the lamp?

[@nyahjones2213]

I wanna be a graphic designer but I also wanna study into business to help my career in design and to possibly start my own company. I've played around with the idea of being a double major of the two but for financial and mental health reasons I think I might just study business and take online bootcamps for graphic design to further develop my portfolio for much cheaper. I already scored a graphic design internship to gain experience. Any advice I'd really appreciate an outside opinion on this.

[@sujithkumar3235]

Thank you sir very inspiring..

[@matthewsmith1547]

Below your right shoulder is what looks like a black coffee mug, it looks like it may have a white alpaca head on it?

[@arcanevisionary4240]

I like your videos Charley, I’ve learned quite a few things about design from watching your videos. Do you have any advice on how to grow clients and gain subscribers? It seems like the KZbin algorithm is off.

[@JoiforJoe]

Mmmmm....Hi! I don't usually leave comments and the chance of getting a reply is pretty small but hey, worth a try I guess?) Anyway, I just wanted to ask how to check if graphic design is your thing and where even to begin? Of course there are courses and stuff but if you can't afford them, is there a way to self-educate and wht to start with? Thanks in advance!

[@cocoadiva77]

Thank you!

[@TheGameSharer4U]

Bro. Thats a GREAT scream actually lol