How I became a Graphic Designer without a Degree

[@abiconnick]

How I can help you ⬇ 👉 Wow your clients with easy-to-customize templates www.abiconnick.co.uk/templates 👉 Transform into a highly-skilled, confident logo designer www.abiconnick.co.uk/pencil-tool-course 👉 Elevate your biz with these FREE resources www.abiconnick.co.uk/free-resources 👉 Where I get all my mock-ups & fonts: 1.envato.market/abidesign 👉Free weekly tips, advice & exclusive videos: www.abiconnick.co.uk/newsletter ---------------------------------------------------------------------- After more content from me? ⬇ Instagram: instagram.com/itsabiconnick TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@abiconnick Disclaimer: some links in the descriptions of my videos may be affiliate links which means I receive a small commission. it is no cost to you to use the links, it is totally free.

[@mizuharagaming9993]

This is what I love about the western country. Because in my country, you need to have a degree and you need to be able to do everything but the pay is low which is sad and frustrating.

[@amorgamboa3678]

This is very true, the same thing that is happening to our country, you need to have a Degree to get the job. There are a lot of people who doesn't have a degree but they work better than those who had. As the saying goes... " You can have all the degree in the world but still you would end up idiot"

[@sexymary]

It's not a problem anymore because with internet, you can just work (wfh) with international clients paying you better than the local clients.

[@yap7265]

Indonesia has the same system lol

[@muhammadlutfian1783]

@@yap7265 Truee!!

[@Homeandhustlediaries]

Which country do you live in?

[@chickenlurkinyungchihuahua]

Being a design student in an art school, all I can say is I agree with what you said. Graphic designers don't need uni certs, we need experience. Where I'm at, I feel like I've been scammed. Imagine going to uni thinking you would learn all the skills from the teachers, just to have them sending you youtube links to "self-study" all the time😫😭

[@abiconnick]

I'm so sorry you feel like you've been scammed with your University Degree. It can be so hard to make the decision wether to go to university or not at such a young age. They really should do more 'on-job' experiences within agencies, because working with a team and on the job was what helped me learn the most! I mean KZbin videos are great, but if you've paid for a whole degree you'd expect a lot more from your teachers!!! I'd try and reach out to local agencies and see if they can offer internships or if you can get any experience with them whilst doing your degree (will help a lot).

[@depaki]

I'm in uni for graphic design too and apart from the fact that the money is A LOT i also rarely feel like I learn anything in class. I've only felt like i've learned something by seeing my classmates’ works and the thinking behind it. that's it. inspiration from fellow designers and project discussion has been the only thing keeping me in uni for this major. all things professors say in class (accompanied by visual material etc) never really inspired me or taught me how to do graphic design and lots of courses (all) have been super boring for an in class learning major! i've learned all the needed adobe apps entirely on my own by watching tutorials and doing amateur projects, uni has NEVER helped in this and I really regret the money I've given. then learning illustrator and indesign in class was so unbelievably boring and always found it a waste of time to the point I started skipping classes and focused on just submitting my projects to pass the courses. after years being in uni following changing majors I've totally got burnt out and can't do the student life anymore. I'm bored out of my mind, physically tired cuz of the daily commute to class, mentally drained cuz of the weird, demanding, judgemental professors in the creative field, broke cuz of all the money I've wasted to get design education through conventional schooling, and feeling stuck in life generally cuz I, like Abi, have finally realized university is not for me but I'm half way through my major. unfortunately i've come across very problematic professors that inspire toxic competition among students in class and would discourage students that didn't get a liking to from being designers. it's honestly insane how I'm still there now that I think about it! all my anxiety and reasons ive stayed in uni for graphic design is based on this paper certificate! cuz people do make us feel like we're going nowhere in life without a paper these days! uni does be killing my will to be a designer tho. maybe we should just listen to ourselves for once and make all transitions in life that will make us happy and keep us motivated. a degree is not everything. it seems all we needed was actual experience in the field and shadowing other designers to learn from on the job! that's what teaches me the most personally and I wish taking the decision to quit uni was easy.

[@mohammedyousuf1107]

Since you used to get KZbin vedios sent by your university could share their links or channels?

[@zhantaes7640]

@@mohammedyousuf1107 Yess, please. Would appreciate that

[@Ankitagargstudio]

I completely agree with you.. It is all about the effort and works you are putting in to make things work.

[@abiconnick]

It really is!! No matter what route you take to get into the industry if there’s no passion or determination it’s not going to work! X

[@elmarikelmariko1217]

@@abiconnick hello pleas help me i want learn graphic design

[@vanessakaliwo4111]

Thank you for sharing Abi! As someone changing careers and quite new to the design industry this was just the encouragement that I needed! Keep doing what you're doing ❤

[@abiconnick]

My pleasure!! I’m so glad it’s helped you 💛 what are you changing your career from? X

[@abbym9197]

Hi Vanessa! How is your journey going?

[@jozedelacruz]

Hope everything turned out well Vanessa!

[@AdventuresofSarahJames]

I have a degree in Marketing but I’m now a freelance photographer and designer. I did go back to do a Masters in Graphic Design but I wouldn’t say I needed it. Makes no difference now I’m self employed anyway ☺️ if you’re good at what you do, you don’t need a piece of paper to prove it 😁

[@Whitneypyant]

I’m kinda in the same boat. I have associates degree in Theater. Now I’m back in school getting my certificate in Graphic Design. I’m also going to reapply at the same school for Digital media arts. The school that originally does the program merge with another school. Anyway I’m looking to do my own freelance business.

[@laraco]

I have a degree in Business Administration so I am in a similar boat. I was thinking about what steps I need to take to become a professional graphic designer since I've been doing it as a hobby for years. Your post is helpful! Thank you!

[@jaav7106]

I gonna save this to do listen every day :)

[@robinverduzco5008]

Hey Abi, I just found your channel and really appreciate these videos you are making about your journey. I went to college and got a business degree because I was raised thinking I could never make a life or career out of art. While I appreciate my degree because it gave me a better understanding how businesses operate, I do not want to work for someone else forever. I have been out of college for two years now and am changing my thinking. I know art and creativity is who I am, I just am trying to learn how to make something of myself with it. Your videos are very inspirational and motivating to me. Thank you so much!

[@abiconnick]

Welcome to the channel! Glad the video's have been of help. You have to be true to yourself, you can make a living from almost anything nowadays, who thought being a gamer was a good career choice 10 years ago? Follow what feels right to you, and everything will fall into place! Really appreciate your kind words and support, I wish you the best on your journey! 😊

[@RubyAliceHome]

- It’s SO important going into a role where you’re going to learn something, realistically companies just want you to have experience > academic background. Although it helps experience impresses them more.

[@UmarFarooq-jn5fj]

Same here abi I have no degree but I have passionate to be graphic designer as you, learn a lot from you keep motivating us and teach us I believe one-day I am also creative designer like you ! :-)

[@cheese497]

I went to a technical school for graphic design, and it was all just self-taught. I went up to my instructor and told him I wish I knew it was all just self-taught, that way I wouldn't have had to waste my money. They don't even help you set up a job in preparation but any other curriculum there offers help in finding a job. I got my certification, but it's also noted I could have very well been just as knowledgeable and have better results if I decided not to go.

[@abiconnick]

Situations like this must be so frustrating, I'm honestly so glad I didn't go to University/college for design, and just learnt over time. Because even if you get the degree, if you want to be a top designer, the learning doesn't stop there. Anyway, I wish you all the best! 😊

[@limitedhangoutlive]

College is a scam

[@amorgamboa3678]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts Abi, this made me realize that a piece of paper cannot define your future in graphic design or anything else. Appreciate it!

[@abiconnick]

My absolute pleasure, i'm glad this video has helped! You can definitely do a lot when you put your mind to it! x

[@emilyrcollard]

Even though I am at Uni studying Graphic Communications and Typography- this video was really interesting and I feel that your tips are also really useful for me too! 🥰🥰🥰

[@abiconnick]

It’s so good to hear this from someone currently at university!! So many different routes you can take to get into the industry and I love that they can get us to similar destinations 💛

[@samuelrojas1083]

Thank you! It has been good finding this KZbin channel. I'm learning English, Portuguese and also Graphic Design by myself without to enroll an university degree, and seeing your work, experience and advice makes me confident to keep the way on. Thank you!

[@abiconnick]

You're very welcome! So glad my videos have been able to help! I wish you the best, you got this! 😊

[@hobbyman1971]

Great video. Now I am in late 20s and I decided to be a graphic designer. However, it’s raving frustrating when I keep thinking about the University setting degree and I will never be a graphic designer. Your vid does inspire me a lot. Thanks

[@garimabisoi2890]

Hello, I am also in your position right now. How is it going for you?

[@hobbyman1971]

Hello@@garimabisoi2890, The knowledge that I self-studied in this designing area really helps me in other aspects. For example I know how to design a really well powerpoint slides. Keep going man!

[@garimabisoi2890]

@@hobbyman1971 thank you for your response! Did you then decide to continue with your then profession?

[@hobbyman1971]

@@garimabisoi2890 At the moment I have just finished my Master degree in Professional Accounting. I guess I will continue to work as an accountant And I will continue to explore the knowledge in designing area, which will help me so much in designing dashboards and presentations.

[@Chris-xk9op]

Thank you. I appreciate the transparency you offer us as a creator and a business owner. I had a very similar journey as yours (been designing for about 8 years) I lost my job due to the pandemic and wanted to start a channel teaching design. Just haven't gotten the courage. But you have lit a fire under my ass. I appreciate it

[@alma7047]

I love this! We actually have a very similar story! My side hobby of branding and web design became full time in the midst of the pandemic after working a corporate job for 7 years. 👏 It's definitely possible to do this without a degree!

[@abiconnick]

Ohh I love that!!! So good to hear from someone else that’s taken the same route as me!! Well done for going full time with it, takes a lot of hard work and determination to run a business!! Thanks for sharing 💛

[@alma7047]

@@abiconnick definitely! if you want to connect i'm @pixelworthyco ✨

[@laurenthomas7097]

This was such a great video for me to watch! I'm 28 and changing career.... Did 3 years full time study for my old career and can afford the money or time to do a degree now. So finding the skills in other ways I feel like is actually making me work really hard for it! And I just hope someone will take me on in good faith in my ability as they did with you, with just a diploma and portfolio to my name and tonnes of hard work. So I can learn from soemome in a company which, like you said, I'm sure is the best way 😀❤️😍 thanks for your inspiration egging me on today 😊

[@euniceanoos8097]

Thanks for this video. This gives me more confidence and courage to go with my passion and never give up on reaching my dream.

[@musicalfly]

I am stuck so bad and totally blank about how to start things again. Your videos are helping me. I am just starting again, I hope I am not too late for that.

[@fairlybusyreading]

This is JUST what I needed, thank you!!!

[@abiconnick]

Yay I’m glad!! Such an interesting topic to talk about as there’s so many different routes you can take to get into the industry! X

[@laughlab07]

Check it out

[@meesh3012]

well said Abi!!!! I loooove this video!!! you push me to continue to make it for my self!!! thaaaaank youuuuu

[@abiconnick]

Thank you so much!! Glad you liked this one 🤭

[@claudiachocarro4187]

oh I am really loving you... I was so LOST but now I feel I can get what I want!

[@juniephan6927]

Thank you for talking about this topic. I love it and it help me get out of my old mindset that I should have a degree in order to do what I love. Thank you and wish you all the best, Abi ✨❤️

[@abiconnick]

Love to hear it, because that's exactly what this video was aimed to do! Wish you all the best with your design journey, you got this! Passion beats qualifications every time! 😊

[@katteng6889]

I almost think it's better to learn as much as you can from KZbin, than to go to uni. I have a degree and I wish that it was more consolidated and packed with heaps more practical stuff like Abi's videos! Well done to everyone who has managed to break into the industry without initially having the confidence to do so :) Happy designing all! I also like Abi's comment about allowing ourselves to shine through. No one can design like you can without being you.

[@abiconnick]

Completely agree! I would never tell anyone what they should or shouldn't do, but you can learn so much from the internet and often the advice and skills are more applicable and practical. Really appreciate your positive message, I love having people like you as part of our community😊💛

[@katteng6889]

@@abiconnick Aw, thanks so much!

[@daniaarshad1333]

Yes, You're right, I have a Software Engineer Degree and am a Graphic Designer by Profession

[@Jasmine25064]

I'm gonna be studying engineering (CSE) this year but I wanna be a graphic designer, any advice for me?

[@introvertdude99]

Cool but that CS is saturated.

[@TaxingIsThieving]

@@introvertdude99 So is GD

[@amalasifshahab]

This was SO helpful. Thankyou so much!

[@maria.is.chilling]

honestly love this vid! I studied animation in uni and I feel it was a waste of time because they limit your creativity in a way. yhh 100% if you got talent, you got talent. thats what these company want more. I've had great opportunities in the industry so far and again guys you don't need a design degree to be a creative, just have good knowledge, talent and work hard

[@melizaperalta3776]

i’ve been wanting to get into animation as well and i’m not in university. what is the best way to learn in your opinion? i’d love to get your point of view!

[@bchery4048]

I'm so happy I found your channel :)

[@mirage7837]

Me to I love her 💞💞

[@depaki]

thank you so much for all your content and advice Abi. ive learned so much from you and other designers here than i ever did in class! as a GD student myself, i consider uni for GD and other creative fields a waste of time and money. spend this time on learning from content creators, apprenticeship positions, and personal amateur projects instead! 4 years of uni can really be taught in less time and through more effective ways OUTSIDE of uni.

[@khathie4]

I needed this 🥺 thank you so much, so glad I found your channel.

[@maluriz]

Thank you I needed to hear that

[@tazdevil5032]

I started in the printing industry as a prepress artist then moved to SF, worked as a production designer, and moved up the line. what I learned is that some of the other designers are in debt upwards of 100 thousands of dollars, and most of what you'll learn is on the job, not in school.

[@itsbossin]

You're so inspiring Abi! ❤

[@shwaanbro1804]

Thank you so much for sharing this video...🤗🤗

[@Seethesmall]

thanks your word ! it's very ispire!! and you are a brave girl!

[@abiconnick]

Thank you, appreciate it 😊

[@cuantoganaunyoutubervideos2596]

Hello Abi! Thanks for the video

[@zhantaes7640]

I have a degree in International Management, and now I want to learn graphic design and work as a designer because I did a few freelancing jobs during my 2nd year at college with some basic skills learned through KZbin, which inspired me to move towards this pathway. So now I would like to learn graphic design fully and become a professional designer. I know that it's an extremely difficult goal to achieve, and I am kind of contemplating whether designing is the right thing for me, but I still want to give it a shot.

[@motionmuse5684]

I really like how you show the process of design!

[@lenyjaneromero2546]

I agree..me I have a degree but on the other field but pushing myself on this because this is all I've ever wanted. Going back to basic and soon will also be professional like you in this field. I just started learning from fundamentals last week and Im enjoying it so far.

[@saifali5708]

Thank you! I needed this 🙌

[@gabrielagoitia]

Thank you so much for this Abi, i really needed it 💗

[@abiconnick]

You're so welcome!😊💛

[@carlospatino4962]

Thank you!! For this video

[@mayurtagad]

Hello I am from India 🇮🇳 I loved your designs abi and am always followed you for learning designs

[@abiconnick]

Hey 👋 thanks so much, glad my videos are helping!

[@grimdarkseid]

I love this!! Im thankful that i found your channel.. listening to you inspired me.. 💕

[@cozylord8602]

All these jobs ask for a bachelors degree and it’s annoying

[@Patriciamazzini]

Actually it depends a lot of where you live. In my country if u don't have a degree u can't get even an interview. Many people in the world are very successful without a degree. I create 3D games content full time and I don't have a degree in this field but sometimes I wish I had. I sometimes think I miss a base and because of that I have to learn all in the hard way.

[@Whitneypyant]

I don’t know which country you are from but a lot businesses are moving away from the degrees and into certificates. A lot in schools especially in the United States (where I live) have all partnered with up with apps like coursera.

[@Leawwww]

Hey thanks for the value I liked commented and suscribed thanks :)

[@3rdPersonProductions]

Thank you Abi! This was very encouraging. The pandemic has “helped” us in some weird ways huh? Liked and subscribed (:

[@abiconnick]

Glad it was helpful 😊

[@ManushaPremil]

So important girl❤️🔥

[@akasfoaf2016]

I really like your teaching technic really amazing 🌟

[@demetriaaskew3233]

What are some good websites to practice graphic design? I am currently a psychology major about to graduate in a year but I just realized I still have a passion for the arts. Any recommendations would help!!

[@annushka753]

Thank you for sharing your story I feel inspired to go and try a career in Graphic Design. I recently decided to leave University as the course on Photography was not for me. But, I love to be creative and I love designing so I don't want to give up to work in the creative industry. Out of curiosity, how and where can you find an apprenticeship in Graphic Design?

[@abiconnick]

Do it!!! Everything you need to know you can learn online, and you have to do what makes you happy! Try job website, try colleges, if not just focus on being self taught in your spare time and over time build up your skills and knowledge until your ready to go freelance or apply for a graphic design position! DO passion projects, it's one of the best ways to get better! You got this 😊

[@tshepisoseemane3069]

You are a gifted graphic designer.

[@abiconnick]

ahh thank you so much! 😊

[@user_rp9]

mam u know that your this video helps a lot of persons to grow or built confidence and i 100 percent sure also help people to out of depression or help them not to go in depression . i seriously wanna to talk with u and asked u and tell u what happened to a creative person after schooling or colleging. when the time of uni is near . Thank u so much thank u so much . litterely i cant explain u in this comment what happened to me but in a few words want to explain that i again again and again going in despression this half few previous months year or full previous year 2023 after my graduation of college when the bachelors means uni undergraduate degree is near . thank u somuch . want to learn from u if u learned me . sorry to say also my english is tooo bad . thank u so much from hajra

[@lostmillennial356]

This inspires me :3

[@misaxo]

currently doing an apprenticeship in graphic design. Hopefully I can be as successful as you!

[@abiconnick]

ooo exciting! Wish you all the best 😊

[@TaxingIsThieving]

How did you find it

[@a1551x]

any tips on learning fundamentals and what to make?

[@bwsince1926]

Fellow graphic designer without a degree here - well on the UI/UX fields. Have to say, while it's satisfying and kind of a confidence boost at times, it doesn't help with the imposter syndrome every time a project just goes south!

[@abiconnick]

I think that's natural, whenever something doesn't go to plan we always tend to doubt ourselves (i don't think having a degree would help with this)

[@bwsince1926]

@@abiconnick Oh I doubt it would, especially for me! There hasn't been a project that hasn't had bumps along the road so while that's definitely natural, it's also frustrating. You know, having to meet absurdly tight deadlines sometimes, or surrealist demands from clients claiming they know better (oh I've got stories for days)... all these things, they make you reach out for the most obvious flaws when you're trying to find out "why" this wasn't smooth sailing like it was in your head

[@teodoranita8768]

We don't even have Graphic Design Uni where I live. There's only a "Design" section in Arts uni that contains Product Design, Interior Design AND graphic Design. But it mostly focuses on product design which is basically designing idk. Chairs and Buses and different objects which I would hate to do. And it's only 3 years. So little information in 3 years of SLIGHTLY doing graphic design. That's frustrating. And I don't afford studying abroad at some actual GD Uni. And my parents would disown me if i don't go to uni so i'll just go to arts uni and study by myself on the side. I also adore this concept of "college" that you have. At 16yo you already got to study what you wanted and get job offers sooner than we can etc. Here we're in highschool until 18-19yo doing the same 14objects that are not in our interest area and then get straight to uni. Nothing in between. I find it so frustrating to live in a country that has so few opportunities and still goes after an outdated education system. I'll still find my way. One way or another I'll find a way in in the industry

[@abiconnick]

Don't let it get you down, remember if you can succeed with all these circumstances in your way making life more difficult, then you can do anything! Life's too short to be doing something you don't enjoy, I wish you all the best and keep going! 😊💛

[@nazz7653]

Hey Abi, I am also a Self-taught Graphic Designer, Struggling with the "Education" Part in my Resume. I've been designing for 3 years now and I'm currently in a design job. But my Resume was not too Important when I got the job. I want to update my Resume to keep it up to date and have it ready just in case something else comes by. What would I put in the "Education" part of the Resume? Thanks for your help your videos are very encouraging, especially since the industry is still looking down on people without degrees for some dumb reason. But yes def, if you do good work you can get the job.

[@andiidavis]

Put whatever education you have. Whether that’s a GED, HS Diploma, Associates degree, Bachelors. Whatever your highest level of education is, put that. Whether it had to do with graphic design or not.

[@millie-jayne7676]

Could you do a video on portfolio show is your portfolio what you put into portfolio how you make one

[@SharonNavarroBlog]

Couldn’t agree more! I did start an online course begin 2020 to get to know the Adobe programs better, but got a job as a Graphic designer before the end of 2020! (and before finishing te course) I also have my instagram where I take on illustration and logo design projects, but I’m struggling to raise my prices.. When do you know you’re good enough to ask for €300-€500 for a logo instead of the €50 I’m asking now? 😅

[@abiconnick]

Thanks! That’s so good!! I’ve done a pricing video on this Channel with some good advice on there, but honestly just go with what you feel comfortable charging and the more you design and work with clients the more confident you’ll get meaning you’ll raise your prices! Just gradually put them up and see how that goes 💛

[@robinvandervegt3422]

Thanks Abi. This really helps me out. Do you have tips to learn from other people next to a full time job and a family? I think im very good but missing the experience from other people to learn from.

[@GbyP]

The university degree is more for connections

[@Carroty_Peg]

University is outdated, expensive and teachers who've rarely lived 'in the real world'. People teaching how things should be, not are isn't helpful. Learning on the job is preferable in almost all things. Uni is great for STEM subjects but overrated for the rest.

[@nirukshanfernando5482]

like i'm, i went university and get Bsc in Chemistry but i'm become graphics designer during the pandemic....and i'm still learning but i love GD more than my full time job

[@abiconnick]

Great to hear your enjoying design! All about doing what you love most!

[@a.s3911]

Hello Abi! I found your channel a while ago and seriously tysm for all the content!! I am a university student stuck in a course I hate so I am struggling emotionally and mentally a lot! I don't know if I am a creative person or not, but I do know I love art and design. I have slowly started to learn GD by myself, and I find that practical learning is more challenging than learning terms and definitions. What are your thoughts about a GD apprenticeship? If I were to apply, would I need to know how to use Adobe software or would I be taught at work? I hope to hear from you! Thanks😊

[@abiconnick]

Hey 👋 Love to hear this, you got this, life is too short to be doing something you don't enjoy! A graphic design apprenticeship is exactly how I started in the industry, so yes it's a great place to start, I would say you need to know a rough understanding of Illustrator but that can be done by taking a course on Udemy or Skill share, but they should teach you the majority on the job, plus you learn new things over time! I wish you the best in your journey, you got this! 😊

[@lunabella1765]

the problem is most companies wont hire me because I don't have any graphic design experience so how can I learn from others? :(

[@chisombili]

How did you keep up with the subscription fees on Adobe when you first started.

[@awesom3here]

pretty easy to get a cracked version

[@prachiprachisingh81]

Hi Abi I am an electronic engineering background graduate but now I want to change my career to graphic design. What should be the roadmap to be a graphic designer from scratch.?

[@abiconnick]

The great this is there's no set path! You can get an apprenticeship, go back to school or be self taught and learn from the internet! All depends on you and your situation! I plan to make a video on this topic soon! Wish you the best :)

[@prachiprachisingh81]

@@abiconnick Thank You Will be waiting for your video 🤗

[@hilarycooper8660]

Can you make a video on how to get clients?

[@abiconnick]

I've already got a video out about this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3_GpZmNq5qBipI x

[@hilarycooper8660]

@@abiconnick amazing! Thank you!

[@evahegedus3538]

Thank you for your content Abi, is is really useful! However, I am struggling to find creative agencies that would actually hire me or even call me in for an interview, even if I have a strong portfolio. Do you have any tips on finding these agencies in the UK?

[@abiconnick]

Thank you ☺️Glad the videos are helpful! I’d be lying if I said I’ve had personal experience with this, but I would aim to become so good they can’t ignore you! Keep doing passion projects to increase your skills and building out your portfolio, and I would also say start building an online presence, a lot of companies like that now, especially agencies because it shows your a multifaceted person, and not just a one dimensional designer! If still no luck maybe look to get your foot in the door through an apprenticeship, I know it might suck if your behind that level, but as soon as they give you a chance you can prove how good you are 🧡 p.s one trick you can try to grab their attention is to redesign a piece of their work, so for example if they have recently put out a design project on their socials that’s they created, redesign is and send it to them in an email explaining your thought process and why you changed the design to how it is, this shows your skill and expertise while making it personal to them! A great way to grab attention ☺️

[@evahegedus3538]

@@abiconnick thank you!

[@abbym9197]

Hi Eva! Have you considered freelancing at all? There are lots of benefits to that - especially being self-taught.

[@Artmoreralph]

I have some skills in drawing Illustration and portraits but i want to be a Graphic designer, can i present my works like portraits and illustrations?

[@abiconnick]

Yes, absolutely😊

[@SebiRaducu-ng8fu]

How can I start practising on Adobe (where the most jobs are on demand and what that experience on CV), if I cannot afford it at the start (of course, after some gigs and time the subscription will be possible): ?

[@azyt]

So you did go to college and take graphic design courses ...

[@TaxingIsThieving]

1. There are no graphic design apprenticeships anymore, 2. Why did you need a portfolio already if it was an apprenticeship

[@nafisatadekunle2356]

What graphic design software application do u use for your works, because most of them are beautiful 🥰

[@CL-hs3ku]

Adobe illustrator

[@ranber5359]

Jesus Loves Yall And Is The Way To Everlasting Life

[@laraib4738]

I have my skillshare account but I don't know who to follow can you please suggest best teacher for graphic design

[@motionmuse5684]

What website platforms do you like to use?

[@Syrenia63]

However, you did have some graphic and art experience from school as a spring board for your foot in the door to get the jobs you got.

[@abiconnick]

Yeah but that's far from a degree, plus the main way I've improved as a designer is by doing my own passion projects, that's been the main factor in improving my skills.

[@siyantiid]

How to make portfolio look stand out?

[@jinishshah6340]

Hii im also self-taught graphic designer and i want to know that how we improve our bio so that we get the opportunity to work in big creative field..

[@herbalaja]

Hallo, what course should I take , I need your recommendation.. I am from zero learning.... Thankyou 👍

[@lolo_queen0661]

But don’t the companies ask for your degree in order to be employed ?

[@serenakbari8664]

For creative fields honestly it is not needed.

[@TaxingIsThieving]

Then they are lazy recruiters who can't be bothered to look at your portfolio.

[@sela111s]

which freelance platforms do you use?

[@abiconnick]

I don't! All my enquiries come from social media :)

[@jayjay1135]

Hi ive got a mac and i have no idea how to use it or what app products to use for a beginner in graphic design. Any suggestions?

[@xXcHeRrYbUnXx1]

i’m really struggling to find any graphic design apprenticeships near me:(

[@abiconnick]

Are you UK Based? if so they actually don't do graphic design apprenticeships anymore- they are now called 'junior content producer' or 'digital media apprentice' something along the lines of that and you learn about digital media as a whole instead of just design. But your workspace can be with a design agency. If you still can't find one I'd recommend going down the self taught route. I've come across so many amazing designers who taught themselves through practice, passion projects and tutorials from KZbin. 😊

[@manelmanel3492]

hi please i need some free ressources to learn graphic design thank you

[@zubairkhan3043]

Can you help me ?

[@owl2464]

How do you get design jobs? I assume that you work on your own.

[@abiconnick]

My number one tip for getting clients would be to focus on building an online presence, now clients come to me wanting me to do their branding because they have seen my work online 😊

[@owl2464]

@@abiconnick Ahh I understand🥰👍 Thanks for the reply🤗

[@momonatu4998]

I agree. You really don't need to go to uni. But you actually did study graphic design at college and you even did art in high school, which is quite relevant for your career, so I don't really understand what you mean when implying that you didn't need a degree. You actually do have one! Everything you have ever done brought you to this stage... I am confused... I think your work has a lot of quality and that really doesn't come out of nothing. You didn't get there just by magic. It sounds a bit like you didn't need to study anything related to become a graphic designer...

[@abiconnick]

If you want to be anything you have to put in work, that can be via traditional education e.g uni, college etc. Or it can be through KZbin tutorials, online courses, books etc. I don't think there's one way to become a designer. Yes I was creative as a kid and enjoyed art etc, but that doesn't help you learn Adobe illustrator, or help run a business. I'm friends with a lot of successful designers who are completely self taught, my partner (who edits my KZbin videos) is completely self taught in video production and editing, I don't think traditional education is needed if you want it bad enough, all of the information is online you just have to be willing to put in the work. Now I don't think there's anything wrong with traditional education but the price of it is extortionate.

[@TaxingIsThieving]

She has prior schooling, she doesn't have a degree - as the title states. What is more worrying is the fact that she did A levels and apparently did an apprenticeship at 16.

[@ceooflonelinessinc.267]

Wooow Abi dont want to sound sexist, but your are so beautiful!

[@abiconnick]

Haha thank you! Although this definitely wasn’t my best looking day 🤣

[@Design_with_ishika]

Please a make a video on how to make a portfolio as a graphic designer....

[@vee-is4tw]

hey Abi I love your work 💜 do you know where someone can learn graphic design online?

[@abiconnick]

Thank you very much! If you're referring to learning the tools, like Illustrator, there are some great courses on Udemy and for the more theory side of design, skillshare offer some good ones!

[@harshadmali3932]

Thanks Meam Last 4 points are useful for me Can you suggest KZbin channels who boost my skil in ill. (Ai)

[@p3trolhead]

pujaks!

[@geminithugbaby473]

Hey ABI! I just found out about your channel and it’s awesome ! I enjoy watching your videos and how creative you are while expressing how passionate you are as well as positive keep it up! 🙌🏼 I definitely agree with you as I produce and engineer music when I was a teen I couldn’t decide if I really wanted to go to college for it for the simple fact that I even felt regular school wasn’t for me but anyways I put in the time and worked my butt off and I’m definitely way more confident and don’t feel I need validation from anyone as I know my worth now through the many years of just putting in as much as I can to possibly get the most out of it and so I can be the best I can be .. like I said I appreciate you and the message you’re sharing w your audience👏🏼 I my self have been getting into graphic design recently which explains how I discovered your channel I’ve definitely have learned so much already thanks you’re awesome! 😄

[@abiconnick]

Hi there 👋 This is so amazing to hear, you are so right! I really appreciate your kind words and support! I hope my videos can be of help with your journey into graphic design! 😊