How I Became A Graphic Designer Without Going To Design School
Tags: Paga, Freelancing, Community, Design, Nigeria

How old were you when you decided to become a designer?

22 years old

Why did you decide to become a designer?

I studied IT so it wasn’t too far off for me, but I leaned more towards art, and I loved to draw, so naturally I found graphic designing appealing.

How did you start learning graphic design?

I downloaded software like photoshop and illustrator, and I watched online tutorials. I created personal projects and used them as practice. I also reached out to people and I offered to create logos and business cards for free. I was focused on building up my portfolio and practicing my skills. It is very easy to be discouraged and unmotivated when you are trying to learn things especially when you hit a snag and get frustrated, but what was most important for me was to not give up, and I never slacked because I kept my focus on my end goal.

How long did it take before you felt you had learned what you needed to know?

It took me a year to master the basics, but design is a process in which you are constantly learning. Software is always changing, and new software comes out all the time. You have to stay on top of your game. Learning is also half the battle. After that you basically learn on every job.

How did you begin attracting paying clients?

After I have built up my portfolio I started soliciting clients, online and in person. I never turned down any job, even those I didn’t know how to do. I always accepted the challenge, and learned while I was executing. The more difficult things I was able to do, the more I was able to charge higher prices and confidently defend my work.

What journey has your career taken you on?

I started off creating logos, fliers and complimentary cards. Then I got a job working at a company remotely while I was still in school. It was challenging because it was the first time I was fully responsible for the visual communication of a company. While my friends were playing games on their laptops, I was working and earning income. After that, I freelanced for while. Sometimes, I created projects for myself and approached companies with it, for example I re-designed my schools UI and presented it to them. As a designer, its all about creating opportunities for yourself.

What do you like about designing at Paga?

I’ve been at Paga for 8 months now. It’s a new challenge with every brief. It’s not the same regurgitated boring or tedious work, which keeps me on my toes.

What do you like about being a graphic designer?

I love that its such a versatile career path. I can literally work in any kind of company because every business needs visual elements. It is a great feeling to be able to interpret someone’s vision into its visual representation. I am constantly designing, even just for myself, so it is easy to take on side projects to keep your mind and skills sharp, and of course, make extra money on the side. I have designed things like T shirts, wedding invitations, phone cases, product packaging and book covers. To be a designer is to have a skill you can easily transfer to anything, which is great.