Hey there, fellow creatives .
Starting out as a graphic designer can feel overwhelming; You’ve got a world of tools, tutorials, and advice coming at you from every corner.
But here’s the truth we’ve learned as a community: the journey isn’t just about software. It’s about building yourself — your craft, your habits, and the way you work with others.
Let’s talk about 9 skills that, when nurtured, can shape your journey. We’ve broken these into three categories so you get a sense of where we feel these belong.
Here are 9 skills you should learn as a graphic designer
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Basic Graphic Design Principles
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Feedback Systems
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Software Proficiency
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Public Speaking
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Time Management
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Collaboration Tools
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Health Management
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Pricing Skills
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Communication
First, build your foundation (Hard Skills)
Every designer needs roots before branches. Principles like balance, contrast, color, and typography are your soil — they help your work feel grounded and professional, even if you’re experimenting. Mastering these basics is like learning the alphabet before writing poetry.
Along the way, don’t just design in a vacuum. Learn to welcome feedback — not as criticism, but as fuel for growth. A good feedback system, whether it’s a mentor’s notes or a peer review circle, helps you measure your progress.
And yes, you’ll need your tools. Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma , whatever speaks your language. The better you know your tools, the more time you spend creating instead of Googling “how to remove background.”
Then, learn how to walk with others (Client Management)
Design is rarely a solo act. You’ll share ideas, present work, and defend choices. That’s where public speaking comes in — not about giving TED Talks, but about explaining why your shade of blue isn’t “just blue.”
Time management will be your compass. Deadlines don’t wait, and clients won’t always understand “creative block.” Learning to manage your hours, break down projects, and still have breathing room is key to staying sane.
And because collaboration is the heartbeat of modern work, get comfortable with sharing tools — Slack, Notion, Google Drive, or whatever your team loves. Clear handoffs save friendships (and projects).
Finally, take care of yourself (Soft Skills)
Here’s the part many ignore: you can’t design well if you’re running on fumes. Protect your health — stretch, rest your eyes, and set boundaries. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor.
When it comes to pricing, remember this: your work has value. Saying “yes” to underpriced gigs only teaches clients to undervalue you. Learn to price fairly — for yourself and for the creative community.
And through it all, strengthen your communication. It’s not just what you design, but how you listen, ask questions, and explain your ideas. Good communication turns clients into partners and projects into lasting relationships.
A Note from Us to You
Becoming a graphic designer is a journey, not a race.
You’ll stumble, you’ll get stuck, and you’ll doubt yourself but each skill you nurture will give you more confidence and clarity. Our community is walking this path too, and we’re rooting for you every step of the way.