Graphic-iti

Hello ever one. I received a comment from Mr. Muhammad Rashid. This is the actual comment:

Muhammad Rashid Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:02 pm

Hi,
I am new in graphic design business, amateur but learning at my own pace with the Internet the only source of knowledge.

I found your website highly impressive. But I have one question: Is it possible for everyone to become a good graphic designer? I mean, does it take some extraordinary ability to excel, or is it just all about training and exposure?

Will you kindly, as very senior in the field, suggest me where to start and how to learn this art on my own?
Regards,

Md. Rashid

Seeing that this was a very important question, I decided to answer his question in an e-mail. This was my answer:

Hello Mr. Rashid

Thank you for you interest in my blog. I believe that to be a good graphic designer you need three things, a bit of talent, a good amount of training and some good luck. I see that you are starting out. I recommend you go to school but if that is not an option, then go a buy some books. I recommend you buy a book on graphic design basics such as Design Basics Index. No matter if you are a graphic designer or web designer the basics of design are essential. Then, depending on what you want to design you need to have the programs and know how to use them. I will point out Lynda.com. Their series named Hands•On•Training (HOT) is a very good way to learn to use the various programs for graphic or web design. I also suggest that you become part of a forum. I recommend Estetica Design Forum and Graphic Design Forum, the two have a very big community of graphic designers that can help you get on your way to becoming a good graphic designer.

And last, I recommend the book “How To Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul“. To be a graphic designer is not easy. It’s not a path filled with glory or many rewards. This book shows that in a very human way. Read it and see that to get to the top you need to make mistakes and sacrifices.

I hope this e-mail helps you get on your way to becomnig a graphic or web designer. I wish you the Best of luck!

I really do hope that this e-mail helps Rashid and any one else that has a similar situation as his. If any one has any other suggestions or finds that this post has helped them in any way, please leave a comment. Thank you for all your valuable time.

Written by: Juan Rivera