How to Teach Yourself Graphic Design - My Top Tips For Beginners

Hi guys! So many of you have emailed me asking how to get started in graphic design so that you can start your own online shop or freelance business. Here are my top tips! ↓LINKS BELOW↓
MENTIONED LINKS:
▸ Adobe Creative Cloud | adobe.ly/1r42Q1m
▸ Skillshare (get your first 2 months free with this link!) | skl.sh/hollyca...
▸ Squarespace | bit.ly/1i0Rbjp
▸ Design Your Own Portfolio Class | bit.ly/2ouumPG
▸ Start a shop on Etsy (get 40 free listings with this link!) | etsy.me/3iB1Kg7
▸ Start a shop on Creative Market | bit.ly/2ouzuTC
FOLLOW:
▸ twitter | / hollycastoblog
▸ instagram | / hollycastoblog
▸ pinterest | / hollycastoblog
MY FAVES:
▸ my camera | amzn.to/2gDoLPBgr
▸ online store packaging materials | hollycasto.com/...
▸ etsy - open a shop + get 40 free listings | etsy.me/3iB1Kg7
▸ shopify - try for free for 14 days | bit.ly/1R5hebt
▸ printful - for order fulfillment + shipping | bit.ly/1N6nTvQ
▸ quickbooks - for simple bookkeeping | bit.ly/22KBbIG
▸ squarespace - for starting a blog or website | bit.ly/1i0Rbjp
▸ canva - free graphic design website | bit.ly/1fqI5sq
DISCLAIMER:
▸ This is NOT a sponsored video.
▸ Some affiliate links are used, which means that I earn a small commission if you click the link and make a purchase.

[@CandyToyTwins]

Love all your videos, they are super helpful! Thanks:) Keep working hard!!

[@HollyHomebody]

so happy to hear that - thank you so much!!

[@pambaker5867]

@

[@mariavictoriagonzalez4197]

@Holly Homebody Appreciate video content! Apologies for butting in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you researched - Fiymaria Graphic Gainer (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? It is a great one of a kind product for getting the best graphic design for your project minus the headache. Ive heard some super things about it and my friend after many years got excellent results with it.

[@corneliafinch1038]

Love your videos and your style. So much helpful info and you seem so lovely and personable, it's a pleasure listening to you!

[@dajanaejackson9787]

I have ALWAYS, since I can remember have had a big love for art. I have been into art since I was a child and sad to say , art is now more in the digital visual aspect now Instead of raw materials. I am having a hard time learning how to use the digital tools, I keep expecting my work to be perfect in my eyes . I get discouraged when it does not turn out how I want. It is good to hear that other people feel that way and to keep going until your practice does make better.

[@4TheCreatives]

It takes a lot of time to master the design principles and then the programs. If you have an eye for aesthetics, you can absolutely get there. At first I refused to use a computer and wanted to work with my hands. But I found that the design programs really help :)

[@dylanc2011]

I went to school for design and even after graduating and getting a job, you always need to be learning. Graphic Design trends are always changing. My advice to learn on your own and for free is see if your local library offers Lynda subscriptions. Thousands of videos on all graphic design topics. You can get a free subscription if your library offers it!

[@priyasuthar840]

I know the tools in adobe illustrator , but now what should i do after learning the tools , should I learn from the tutorials of youtube , how can I be good in illustrator

[@dylanc2011]

@@priyasuthar840 Lots of practice! I know it's very generic advice but its true! Work KZbin videos for professionals and try to recreate what they are doing. After you understand how they do things, start making your own designs. Its all about repetition.

[@LearnUX]

I'm a HUGE fan of learning graphic design, web design or UX design by yourself. Nowadays we have so many sources, articles, webinars, vlogs and websites, that it's crucial to be up to date with it all.

[@jennymerlin1121]

Can you please recommend some good sources ?

[@JulieAziza]

^

[@pranaytony]

One more thing to add to the newbies here that, Photoshop - To get in to image editing, design industry! Illustrator - To get in to art, illustration industry! InDesign - To get in to desktop publication industry! All these softwares in terms of print industry! ______________________________ If you want to go to publications - Ps + InD. If you want to go to designs - Ps + Ai.

[@pranaytony]

I think this video is the best in introduction to graphic design, all in a single place!! Great work sister! Actually I watched this video without sign in, I immediately signed in, liked, subscribed & commenting here now!! My heartful greetings to you from The City of Pearls- Hyderabad, Telangana, India!!

[@sacdaabdurhman]

holly that was very good, just as a beginner who didnt have clarity for what design i wanted to create, you mind blown me with enough clarity to work on my graphic design. keep on making videos such videos holly, sending so much love.

[@mila879]

I really enjoyed this, Holly! I went down the route of deciding to teach myself graphic design instead of going school and am glad I came across your channel! I really enjoy your videos. Definitely agree that practice is one of the most important things when it comes to learning graphic design :)

[@HollyHomebody]

thanks so much! :)

[@tsinaabrillo6478]

I love photography and videography, layouting things etc, but I’m not good in drawing.

[@strangerthingsfanpage321ha9]

Same

[@rusannecasela4040]

I recently bought a course on Udemy on Graphic Design but I'm really intimidated on doing something digital and using Adobe or other creative Software, even though I REALLY WANT TO LEARN. I have a fashion design background, but in my country, we mostly do custom-made designs that don't require you to do it digitally. And my school doesn't really have a digital course yet. I don't want to spend too much anymore and would love to teach myself. So I really appreciate finding your channel and getting some tips on how to get started. Plus, your voice is so calming that it's really easy for me to listen. Thank you girl!

[@SandraDi]

hi! I have a background in fashion design too! I'm not a freelance graphic designer and I also run my own digital product store! I use mainly adobe illustrator/photoshop. have you managed to download this software and experiment with it? :)

[@YourMajesty143]

Adobe isn't the only design/editing software out there, it's just the most ubiquitous in the industry. There are much cheaper ones that don't expire or require you to pay an annual subscription. If you're just getting started, start with other software alternatives and then upgrade to Adobe if you want. Affinity is just as good as Adobe, but it's easier to learn and it's a one-time fee to buy it & own it forever (with free software upgrades).

[@elizabethh4329]

Thank you so much! I have a small pastry business & out of ALL the channels I'm subscribed to for help with websites/blogs and whatnot, you are the most helpful! I learn something every single time. I really appreciate you for the time you take to make these videos

[@HollyHomebody]

you are so sweet, Elizabeth - thank you so much!!

[@oneprettyrose1848]

This video was amazing and surprisingly i was doing and have done some of the things you mentioned like offering something or even posting a pick showing a project ive done which resulted in friends ,strangers, and even family to ask “hey do you think you could do this for me or mabey that?” And just not being afraid and just doing whatever it is you have interest in whether you get paid or not can get you to that level . Its just a matter of getting over fear and also believing that you can do anything. This video was very helpful thanks !!🌹🌹🌹

[@pawiks_tv]

Nice explanation... I am also a self taught graphic designer and starting out to look for a job and I am using my art IG account for my portfolio compilation.

[@4TheCreatives]

Great! A good thing to do is to figure out who your ideal client is. It will give you an edge up above your competitors :)

[@MrTimRankin]

Regarding practice, I volunteer at an off-Broadway Theater in NYC. I use all their social media platforms FB, TWTR, IG and KZbin. I am developing audio, video and visual content. I work for free, except for gaining huge amounts of experience, taking risks I could not or would not at home or for a boss, and I can essentially do whatever I want to develop the theater’s brand and build value for their existing and new audience. And it’s fun. I’ve given myself a year to build my portfolio, then I’ll step back from it all and see just what I’ve been able to do this whole time.

[@KatxGuzman]

I'm so glad I came across this video, you gave me so much motivation! I'm new into the graphic design world but I've been getting the hang of things very quickly. It feels so good to sit in front of a computer and just create! ❤️❤️❤️ I love graphic design.

[@uhuh5876]

Is it hard ? I am starting my classes tomorrow but I am hella nervous

[@Kartelrene]

hey holly i just checked into every website you recommended in the link ,you got a very good work checking you up for inspiration as i begin on graphical design ,new sub!!

[@hoodywayes6526]

This video was very informative and your manner of presentation makes it very easy to pay attention and comprehend. Thanks for posting!

[@naideobiang1488]

Thank you for this video, especially sharing about Skillshare. I am teaching myself graphic design because I can't afford all those designers fees right now. I got all you requested here.

[@SandraDi]

I don't think you need a graphic design degree. I think learning online and teaching yourself at home is perfect! :)

[@footballloverstv7415]

Thank you very much. I'm a beginner and I hope to get excellent soon.

[@4TheCreatives]

Just keep going! Keep looking at designs you do like and analyze why you like them and how you can then replicate those.

[@miketarter5709]

Very informative. Just started watching some of your videos. I started selling on ETSY at the end of 2013 and enjoy learning new ideas about how to improve my shop, sells, service, etc. Thanks again, MikeT

[@HollyHomebody]

thanks Mike!!

[@lindastaley0206]

Thank you, Holly. Learning so much from you and your videos. Hugs!

[@terresataylor5700]

Hello Holly! I enjoyed watching your vlog. I am an aspiring Graphic Designer and just starting my journey. Thank you for sharing your tips and Ideas with us!

[@technostuffmaster7419]

Your eyes ... I'm in love... It's just like an art of graphic design..

[@kayieen6626]

couldn't concentrate. your eyes are mesmerizing 😍😍

[@brieedwards5959]

Dig your honesty. Thanks for the video!

[@NatalieBoat111]

Wow really good idea on the pretend dream practice projects- Thank you great video! ♡♡ subscribed!

[@FelixDaFreak]

I taught myself how to do graphic design and I'm starting to rake in the business and all I did was start downloading a bunch of apps and I played with them until I had them figured out. I didn't read any instructions or anything like that. It is that easy.

[@blakskeleton]

Sir SpankAlot hey that’s what I wanna do...teach myself....which software u used

[@carlostorres6114]

SETTING FARTS ON FIRE what apps ?

[@OliviaHaywardTalks]

Love your desk area! Also! Creative Cloud is awesome.

[@HollyHomebody]

thanks Olivia! isn't it? It's much easier to get started than it used to be - when I got out of school it was such a big chunk of money to pay all at once!

[@creationsbyjarojudithannro8485]

Olivia Hayw

[@j7db]

You are super talented and well informed. I'm definitely subscribing. Keep it up!

[@is20206]

Thank you for the amazing content! This is so super helpful :)

[@barbaraddavis5493]

Hi Diamond Queen, I really liked your video,very informative and a blessing to me.

[@Weird_Quests]

I’ve been thinking of doing Logo and UI/UX Design - but just thinking of where to get started.

[@AppleTY2015]

Many thanks for making this lovely video and sharing your knowledge.

[@creativedesigns1572]

You are an inspiration. Love you so much and your videos.

[@leannemclellan1616]

That was great thank you . Just starting out as a new designer and a stay at home mum. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿✅

[@dancerdog508]

you could also use krita, firealpaca, or canva. they are all free

[@RameenFallschirmjager]

I'm a software developer. The most important thing to me is to know how to put together component in different orders to convey a purpose. I want to know how and why shapes and components are put together? Is there a pattern? Which principles I must to follow?

[@tsinaabrillo6478]

I’m not good in drawing but I really love making layouts and editing pictures, what course can you suggest for me?

[@vinayakmane1226]

You can see numbers of couses based on hierarchy of the topic. You can search couses on Udemy for photoshop, Lightroom and etc for editing pictures

[@villagevlog2348]

if u have a good drawing skill u may go to graphic designer bcz it's purr about how to make beautiful layout and posters.. if u not have a drawing skill but interested to make designs and editing u may go to product design which means about ux ui design.. product design like front end app design and Web designing

[@anu2089]

@@villagevlog2348 can u please elaborate on this.

[@villagevlog2348]

@@anu2089 Are you interested in design field??

[@anu2089]

@@villagevlog2348 yes I am.. I have a less idea how to start

[@uniquejanuary5585]

Me and my brother my brother knows how to make shirts but when it comes to creativity that's my job I'm good at it I just need to learn the fundementals of this he really trusts me so I can do it I just know I will figure it out

[@jayashrishobna]

Went on to visit your website, and I love the branding you've done!

[@HollyHomebody]

thanks so much!

[@satyasiri5262]

hi your videos is so nice and awesome and how to graphic design work classes brefly explain please i am interest in graphic design

[@nailcandy]

You're so amazing!!! Thank you for all that you do!

[@HollyHomebody]

aw thank you Mally!!

[@MidnightLibraryx]

i graduated from college last year with a bachelors in multimedia design and development. it's been very hard for me to find a job because i haven't figured out what my main focus is. watching your video really helped because i am that kind of person that enjoys designing ads and logos and anything with branding. i do have adobe but i'm having trouble coming up with new ideas to add to my portfolio. do you have any advice for someone like me that needs help getting back into it? thank you :)

[@emkfenboi]

BC Books what do you like doing the most in designing ?

[@LoveInspired]

Love all of your videos Holly! I have a lot to learn from you on KZbin! xo

[@HollyHomebody]

thank you!!

[@hellogabyful]

Hello Holly, I just watched your Esty Pros and Cons video and I'm really interested in opening up a shop! Thanks for all of the tips.

[@HollyHomebody]

yay! happy to hear that - good luck with your shop. :)

[@psyhub6428]

Thank you for the video, I am teaching myself graphic design and this is very helpful to me, love you

[@kechiebridge4493]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing, Holly ♡

[@HollyHomebody]

thank you for watching!

[@p8prslar]

Lynda.com: Adobe and other. (Even get a certificate to download after)

[@p8prslar]

Yes I have before......I do think it’s worth it...

[@lhawkins40]

Also check with your local Library, here in Dallas we can join Lynda.com and Hoopla for free.

[@coddiwomple9510]

Lynda.com is the best!

[@greenearthblueskies8556]

lhawkins40 wow.... do u have to be at the library to aces it? What part does the library play?

[@sumitadhikari9149]

can you mail me the download video from lynda [e-mail]

[@udnsmarketingsolutions]

There are so many resources out there that there should be no excuse to do any thing you dream to do.

[@lofioto]

Easily Understandable, Clean, Clear, and easy to follow. I use this video for my Introduction to Graphic Design class. Just Awesome.

[@medam6317]

i really enjoyed watching this hahh simple steps some clear advices . thaaaaank you

[@jnnfrlopez]

Helpful video and totally was motivated to work on more designing 😊

[@jeanniejones8777]

You are so generous with your information. I am so grateful. Thank you so much! I subscribed to your channel. Jeannie Jones

[@naq8405]

Must we be good at drawing? I used to love drawing when i was younger but now i havent been drawing for yesrs, so it became really rusty

[@servantofallah8029]

I'm not the best at drawing but I'm good at graphics.

[@katiana5103]

@@servantofallah8029 same!

[@oceansyes]

Great video, well presented and honest which was great. Gave me a few ideas so thank you. :)

[@swiftglasseater9266]

Thank you for the advice I will look into adobe creative cloud :)

[@SandraDi]

I absolutely love adobe illustrator and photoshop! it's what I use to sell all my digital products :)

[@micks4522]

There are new programs very similar to illustrator called affinity designer. I highly recommend it. A one time payment too

[@thetolugrace]

This was such a great video. Thank you!!!

[@jasminepena2061]

This video was super helpful! & your beautiful by the way! 😻

[@suzanniethomas5430]

Thank you, this has given me hope🙌

[@4TheCreatives]

Yes, I really appreciate you looking out for new designers.

[@gospelmoto2833]

Thanks for the tips. Very helpful for a starter like me. I can exactly identify with you coz Im not a formal education on Graphics Designing. But I find designing fun and fulfilling. I will it make a hobby now and maybe make extra income from this. You're beautiful too! like your voice as well.

[@chyennecoderre1876]

thanks for these tips as i am learning this from scratch

[@nehaanand339]

thank you so much your videos is so helpful !

[@phpdeveloper1253]

I m not a graphic designer but i do my graphic designs simply to see artist work and copy using indesign,photoshop

[@sijal9615]

ur video is very helpful and detailed . thanks for it

[@sukumaranv3338]

Sijal &♪ ♬ ヾ(´︶`♡)ﾉ ♬ ♪

[@Anthony_in_Bloomington_Indiana]

Good Day Holly, . I want to draw a wiring diagram for a car stereo, with colored wires and labels. What is an easy to learn program, for Windows, that I could use? . I learned the basics of Gimp. I gave Photoshop a try at the computer room at the local library, but Photoshop is ridiculously complicated. It's not my cup of tea. Plus the libraries are still closed. . A more ambitious project is to make a diagram for a car's air conditioning, with fluid moving through the hoses. Is there a way to do this? . A helpful tip for you, the biggest improvement anyone can make with the sound of her or his videos is to get a reasonably good lapel microphone. The microphones on cameras are just an afterthought. Plus you are talking to a microphone that is several feet away. A lapel microphone will eliminate that echoy sound. I can hear your voice bouncing off the walls of your room. . Thank you much, happy June. :)

[@barbaraddavis5493]

I am a Cosmetologist with d'zigning skills /experience in various areas of graphic d'zigning for special projects (faith based,inspiring and my own D'Vine Vision/Business/Ministry/brand/logo/everything God gave me.)

[@lilis18341]

Thank you for your videos they are super helpful. I needed some help trying to start my invite design business. God bless you!

[@rakeshsavadatti8249]

Are you have any ideas

[@elmirasmiscellaneous1129]

It was very helpful but I was looking for what skills should I learn for the actual design and I don't mean the softwares. Just designing skills. Any ides anybody?

[@helenrose-jones9688]

Really practical advice, thanks 👍

[@juliasmith3992]

Hello! I'm trying to learn graphic design but am not sure if I need a touch tablet to do so. Would you recommend getting an iPad or touch tablet or can I just use my MacBook Air computer??

[@GeefeAlba]

great video! thanks so much for this!

[@zeeshananis6477]

Any specific book you want to recommend a designer ?

[@masterphotog4131]

Great video, keep up the good work!

[@hafizann71]

thanks... I was a programmer and now focus more on designing

[@jondarling7933]

Hey bro, how’s that working out for you? I’m also going to redirect my attention from programming to design. Gonna take a break from React and dive into illustrator.

[@lakshminarayanan3354]

Wow awesome.... Nice presentation... And great tips for starters .... 😂👍👍👍

[@hk9310]

That was super useful, thank u ssoooo much💕💕

[@sidhantsoni761]

Loved this video. Gave me some awesome ideas.

[@KebedeHailu-zl9sz]

Thankyou. It was so helpfull.

[@aishwaryayeshodharan3009]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the inspiration! xx I was although unable to reach the 'Design your own portfolio class' from your description box ?

[@m_julia]

Any recommendations like free sites of inspirations or tutorials?

[@4TheCreatives]

I strongly recommend Pinterest for inspiration and then also checking out some great tutorials. I have been putting together a lot of resources myself.

[@greekdolcelove6143]

Hi I make paper flowers and I really want to learn how to make the templates and sell them and I'm having a hard time where to look or which program and you help me? thank you

[@starcitydesigns]

GreekDolce Love use adobe illustrator!

[@nizarbenhmida9578]

You earned a subscriber! This video was so helpful, much thanks!

[@hammad8954]

How about affinity designer and photo?

[@brentonreed6834]

Great video, thank you

[@shaneantrim]

Very helpful video...thank you!!

[@equilibrium4955]

As you said, I am 16 and very keen on "digital illustrations".How should i prepare for the future?

[@animelord3793]

You are really really pretty , keep it up gurl

[@suarezsamuel7739]

I am good to do this too and I need further experience from you

[@SandraDi]

Hi! Are you hoping to be a freelance graphic designer? :) I've been doing it for a while and absolutely love it! I'd be happy to give tips if you need :)

[@christinaelizabeth6968]

Great info! Thanks for sharing!

[@vivekt.2038]

So u were doing Part time Job while learning Graphic designing ? Because i recently started an internship as Data entry Guy and after 2 months i decided to try out for graphic design ,but problem is Adobe is bit more Expensive even though it's better Software for graphic design out there and i have to look out for my personal expensive too!

[@aolifive5]

Great video, very helpful thank you!

[@tthebestt]

Thanks for the great video, keep it up and I'm subscribing to your channel now hopping to see more and more useful videos :)

[@katiebechtel9320]

I have to ask what lipstick you are wearing I love the subtle pink. I was also wondering if. Affinity designer orConcepts and other iPad apps would be a good replacement for Adobe CC?

[@IchimatsuTrashneko]

I know how to edit and draw illustrations, but ideas and the look of something looks subpar when I do it.

[@sialavery7687]

And what education qualifications do I need to be a graphic designer?

[@Andres_gfx]

you can become a succesfull graphic designer even if you are self taught. u can get a job or freelance

[@assialucki1296]

thank you!

[@lynncoles8918]

Very helpful. Thank you! 😀

[@chinomnsoofoefule6072]

love your video really helpful

[@mr.professor333]

So helpful and lovely saying