The keys to becoming a graphic designer at home

In this modern world, where most of E-Commerce relies deeply on images and graphics to give users what they want to consume, graphic design is one of those professions that is growing in both demand and salaries around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic sent a really clear message to international commerce, stating that the need to have alternative systems to the traditional way of selling is becoming more and more apparent, and that most users are getting a taste of the comfort it provides.

It seems as though in some parts of the world, including in those particularly big markets like China and the US, most of the commerce will be e-commerce in the following years. As seen during the pandemic's worst months, especially talking about March to November of 2020, the increase in the use of web apps that sell online has increased to a point of no return. Some companies, such as Amazon.com, have reached revenues of around $10,000 per second, as have others such as Ali Baba, E-bay, and many others.

In such a context, the demand for qualified people to work in the new openings that e-commerce created has grown to such an extent that there are a lot of vacant positions waiting for new professionals to come and fill them. Since there's a greater demand to buy stuff over the Internet and similar channels, there's this huge explosion of new openings that most companies are complaining they can't fill out.

Those positions are basically in three key branches: programming, or coding, at the top of the chain, since most of those new platforms require a lot of work on the backside of webpages, so that security is guaranteed. Second is everything related to the design of the visuals of those platforms, in particular logos, backgrounds, and even edited images, basically: graphic designers. And last, the third most requested jobs in the post pandemic world are data scientists, since the massive use of these online selling platforms creates enormous volumes of data that need to be analyzed so companies can take more informed decisions.

Is it possible to become a graphic designer at home?

Of course it is, actually. Another lesson that the pandemic gave us is the fact that most of our education can and might be completely online in a few years. Online courses are taking off as great opportunities for those who are actively looking for a way out of a tedious and low-paying job, or for those who want to explore their artistic side a little more.

No matter what the motivations are, there are no excuses in the post-pandemic world not to become what you like to be, particularly in terms of finding the means to land that job you always liked. Also, most of these new jobs in the e-commerce field are remote, so you might find yourself earning more and enjoying the multiple benefits that these kinds of jobs have.

The most important skills you must possess are the fundamentals of a simple education. But don't make the mistake of thinking that graphic design is something easy. It might be simple in terms of the rules involved in creating something, but the artistic process that implies is quite complex and requires a lot of practice, and, of course, the right tools.

What do you need for it?

A relatively new PC or laptop should be able to run most of the software you need, but if you plan to become a professional graphic designer working on multiple projects at the same time, you might need a high-end computer. But fear not, starting is quite possible with a regular PC or laptop, since there are even online graphic designer tools that can be used to start grabbing the basics.

There are even a lot of templates and motion graphics you can get online to help you with your projects, having most of the work "premade", only pending to add the "touch" that only a professional can. That's why, after getting the basics, having the right tools at hand will surely have a positive impact on the way you can work and maybe save you some time for yourself if you can finish the job quickly.

Having a working studio can also help a lot. Graphic design is one of those professions that requires a lot of concentration and inspiration. That can be easily broken if there are family members coming in or out of where we are trying to work. Decorate it in a good way, have great light and a good view, and of course, good music. Nothing helps in the creative process as much as music does.

Learn the software.

There are some programs that are basic to this task and you may need to have a firm grip on them, like, for example, Adobe s Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign and some others, like CorelDraw, Inkscape, and much more. But don't worry, there are a lot of online courses that will help you get the required knowledge to be a professional designer in a short time.

Other than that, you will need just a lot of inspiration, which you can easily find by taking walks, reading, and watching good quality films. Now it´s just a matter of getting into it and checking out if it is for you, and you might be surprised at how much you ll get hooked by this profession that is often described as a continuation of the legacy of the artists of the past.