How to Improve Graphic Design Skills

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Discover vital skills for advancing in a graphic design role, including practical tips to start your career in this field.

[Featured Image] A graphic designer in a home office working on a design project using different techniques to improve graphic design skills.

Key takeaways

Graphic design is a broad field with various specializations to choose from. Depending on your career goals, you can develop skills in one or more areas. Here are some important things to know:

  • Success in graphic design depends on mastering tools and concepts, while also developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

  • Graphic designers can improve their skills through formal education, certifications, and real-world experience in roles like UX designer or animator.

  •  You can get started today by learning at your own pace from companies like Adobe. 

Learn how you can improve your graphic design skills and take the first steps toward building a successful career in graphic design. Then, consider enrolling in the Adobe Graphic Designer: Design that Demands Attention Professional Certificate, where you’ll build a portfolio showcasing your design skills, including logos, social content, marketing materials, and more.

8 essential graphic design skills

From logos to business brochures, graphic designers create visual identities that reflect a brand’s values, mission, and personality. The iconic Apple logo is a standout example of visual identity design.

Graphic design is a broad field with various specializations to choose from. Depending on your career goals, you can develop skills in one or more of the following focus areas:

  • Motion design: Involves creating animated content such as GIFs or visuals for video games

  • User interface (UI) design: Requires developing interactive elements like buttons and menus for mobile apps, websites, and games

  • Illustration design: Entails producing custom poster designs or cover art

  • Advertising design: Centers on creating promotional content like print and social media ads

  • Publication design: Involves creating visually appealing layouts for e-books, magazines, or email newsletters 

Outlined below are important technical and workplace skills to have as a graphic designer:

Technical skills

Developing the following technical skills can boost your ability to achieve both the visual and strategic aims of graphic design: 

1. Knowledge of typography

Typography involves selecting the right typeface, color scheme, size, and layout for your designs. Developing your typography skills enables you to craft fonts that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Going a step further and understanding the legalities surrounding the use of fonts can also help you prevent potential copyright issues. 

2. Adeptness in navigating a range of design software

Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and Procreate are examples of popular graphic design software you may explore as a professional designer. Gaining expertise in 3D design and augmented reality (AR) can also enable you to design immersive experiences that boost user engagement. 

3. Know-how of basic coding practices

A basic understanding of prominent web development languages, like Java, can help you collaborate more effectively with programmers and web designers on your team. By considering how coding impacts the design process, you allow for smoother transitions from concept to execution so your designs can easily integrate into websites or apps.

4. Familiarity with marketing and advertising principles

Knowledge of marketing and advertising principles can assist you in creating designs that truly appeal to your firm’s targeted audience. More importantly, by understanding what goes into building and managing a brand, you can develop designs that are consistent across all channels, ensuring a unified and cohesive brand identity.

What is the golden ratio in graphic design?

The golden ratio, represented by the Greek letter phi (φ), is a ratio between two numbers that equals approximately 1.618. In graphic design, the golden ratio helps determine the ideal proportions of various design elements, including images and text blocks. This intentional approach results in a visually harmonious design where each element feels appropriately sized and placed, creating an overall sense of balance and order. The Pyramids of Giza, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and the Pepsi logo are all examples of designs incorporating the golden ratio.

Workplace skills

Below are some key workplace skills that can elevate your overall career prospects as a graphic designer:

1. Clear communication 

Expressing your ideas briefly yet clearly ensures both clients and fellow creatives fully understand your design concepts. Being open to negotiating design choices and adapting your concepts is crucial too, as it helps balance creativity with client requirements.

2. Problem-solving 

Solution-oriented thinking is vital for navigating any design challenges you may encounter. This involves experimenting with fresh or unconventional techniques and approaches. In addition, innovative thinking can help set you apart from your competitors. 

3. Time management 

As a graphic designer, you might have to handle multiple projects simultaneously. To stay ahead of tight deadlines, manage your time wisely by prioritizing tasks. Effective time management also allows you the freedom to explore new ideas and refine your designs while still meeting critical project milestones.

4. Teamwork

Teamwork is a central aspect of graphic design. From copywriters to editors, design projects may require you to collaborate with a wide range of professionals. Your ability to work well within a team ensures that everyone’s strengths are utilized and that the project moves forward smoothly.

How to improve graphic design skills as a beginner 

If you’re just starting out in graphic design, the following steps can set you on the right path:

Gain formal education.

To pursue a career in graphic design, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field. Specializing in a specific area of graphic design can further enhance your job prospects.

If you hold a degree in a non-design discipline or are unable to commit to four years of formal education, consider technical training through boot camps. The American Graphics Institute’s Graphic Design Bootcamp, for example, offers guidance on creating illustrations for print and social media, retouching images through Photoshop, designing logos using Illustrator, and more. 

Obtain relevant certifications.

Certifications offer a way to delve deeper into design software, branding, and visual communication. Below are a few notable design certifications to pursue:

  • Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) in Graphic Design & Illustration Using Adobe Illustrator 

  • Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) in Visual Design Using Adobe Photoshop

  • AIGA Professional Designer Certification (AIGA PD)

  • Unity Certified 3D Artist

Get professional experience.

Entry-level jobs provide firsthand experience; they enable you to see how design principles come to life in real-world scenarios. The job roles listed below can help you lay the groundwork for advancing to a graphic designer role:

Subscribe to design magazines for continuous inspiration 

To stay creatively inspired, consider subscribing to popular design magazines like Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) and Print Magazine. These publications offer a mix of creative inspiration, practical tips, and professional insights, which can help you remain competitive in the design field.

Build your graphic design skills on Coursera

Explore your graphic design career path today. Take our Graphic Design Career Quiz, or explore these other free resources:

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

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