Becoming a Successful Designer: Self-Taught vs. Formal Education
As many of you know, I have been working in the design industry for over 20 years, taking on different roles from graphic designer to creative director in the gaming, entertainment, and energy sectors. Over the years, I have seen a lot and witnessed how our industry has evolved.
Recently, I conducted a poll asking what you believe is necessary to become a successful designer, and the results were fascinating. Of 3,172 votes, 44% felt that self-taught is enough for success. This sparked some interesting conversations and reflections that I’d love to share with you.
Prevalence of Self-Taught Designers
There’s no denying it: a significant portion of our design community values the self-taught route. The accessibility of online resources, tutorials, and vibrant communities has made it easier than ever for aspiring designers to learn independently. Self-taught designers often bring unique, innovative perspectives to their work, driven by pure passion and a desire to create.
In a recent LinkedIn post by Kendol Mason ✏️ , he tackled this topic head-on, shedding light on the evolving landscape of design education and industry expectations. His post, titled “Design Degree or No Degree?” highlights the shifting priorities within the market.
Kendol succinctly breaks it down:
- Skills Over Diplomas: Many companies prioritize skills over formal education. As Kendol points out, he’s never been asked about his degree — his skills and portfolio matter.
- Learn It Yourself: With countless online courses, tutorials, and free resources, aspiring designers can learn the basics and beyond without setting foot in a traditional classroom.
- Build a Strong Portfolio: A well-crafted portfolio in the design industry is your resume. It showcases your best work, whether for school projects or personal ventures.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Consistent practice and experimentation are essential. The more you design, the better you get.
Kendol underscores that while a degree can be helpful, it’s not a prerequisite for becoming a graphic designer. Passion, drive, and continuous learning are what truly pave the way to a successful career.
Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve seen incredible talent emerge from non-traditional backgrounds. Some of the best designers I’ve worked with and hired didn’t follow the traditional educational path, yet their work was nothing short of extraordinary. This speaks volumes about the power of self-motivation and hands-on experience.
Role of Formal Education
While the self-taught path is powerful, I’d be mindful to acknowledge the benefits of formal education. I hold a dual Bachelor of Fine Arts and Corporate Communication degree from Bridgewater State University. I can attest to the structured learning and technical skills such programs offer. Formal education provides a solid foundation, covering everything from design principles to industry-standard software.
Colleges and universities also offer invaluable opportunities for mentorship and networking. My time at university helped me build a network of peers and mentors that I still rely on today. These connections can open doors and provide support throughout your career.
Perception in the Industry
Despite the growing recognition of self-taught designers, biases still exist within the industry. Some employers and professionals prefer designers from prestigious schools, potentially overlooking talented individuals from less traditional educational backgrounds. This bias underscores a divide between conventional perceptions of quality in education and the actual capabilities of designers. It’s essential to acknowledge and address these biases to create a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Learn how you can diversify your creative team: How To Attract, Hire, and Retain Black Creatives: A 5-Step Strategy
Quality of Work and Execution
No matter the path you choose, the quality of your work is the ultimate measure of your success. I’ve seen stunning designs that, upon closer inspection, were poorly executed due to a lack of technical knowledge. This comment by Laura Merchant resonates strongly with this sentiment:
“A design degree is certainly not necessary to be a good designer, but it definitely does help to have at least some formal education to provide the technical skills for the software. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received files from young designers who didn’t go to college or who just graduated from some sort of communications field that was focused more on PR and they are an absolute mess. They may look good but the execution wasn’t there. I think colleges do teach some of those software skills, which helps.”
This is where the disciplined approach of formal education can be a huge asset, teaching the nitty-gritty details that can make or break a project.
For self-taught designers, continuous learning and skill refinement are crucial. The design world is ever-evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques is essential for delivering professional-quality work.
Striking a Balance
The ideal approach might be a blend of both worlds. Combining the creativity and self-drive of self-taught with formal education’s structured learning can provide a comprehensive skill set. Whether you’re attending a university, a boot camp, taking online courses, or learning through watching videos on YouTube, the key is to remain committed to your growth and development.
My Personal Take
Reflecting on my career, I can tell you there’s no single “right” path. Despite my formal education, I’ve had my share of challenges, and each experience (good and bad) has contributed to my growth as a creative professional. I am proud of my formal education, though, as it prepared me for both the technical and theoretical aspects of design, giving me a solid foundation to build and adapt to the ever-evolving industry.
However, significant technological advancements have reshaped the landscape of the design industry. With the expansion of online resources (LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Udemy, edX), tutorials (YouTube), and software tools (Canva, DesignWizard, Adobe Firefly), aspiring designers now have unprecedented access to learning materials and platforms. This means that while formal education undoubtedly provided me with a strong framework, aspiring designers today can carve their own paths through self-guided learning and tools that make designing more intuitive.
I recognize and celebrate the multitude of paths available to aspiring designers in today’s digital age.
The democratization of design education empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter the industry, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. While my journey was anchored in formal education, I recognize and celebrate the multitude of paths available to designers in today’s digital age.
Conclusion
In the end, the journey to becoming a successful designer is deeply personal and varied. Whether you’re self-taught, formally educated, or a mix of both, what matters most is your dedication to mastering your craft. Embrace continuous learning, challenge industry biases, and strive for excellence in your work.
Remember, your unique path and experiences are what set you apart. Let’s continue to support each other and celebrate the diverse ways we can all thrive in this ever-evolving industry. Keep creating, keep learning, and stay inspired.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What’s your take on the self-taught versus formal education debate in the design world? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep this conversation going!
Barney Abramson
Top Graphic Design Voice | Creative Leader | Design Mentor | Blogger | Mental Health Advocate. I spent the last two decades helping businesses grow. Now, I help designers thrive.
