WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED WITH DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION:
Hardware:
iPad & Apple Pencil (you do not need the latest and greatest, even an iPad mini will work great)
or Wacom Tablet & laptop/desktop (there are also other graphics tablets such as Huion)
Software:
Procreate (once-off payment) or Adobe Fresco (free) or Clip Studio Paint (once-off payment) for iPad
Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator (subscription based) or Clip Studio Paint (once-off payment) for laptop/desktop
WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED WITH GRAPHIC DESIGN:
Hardware:
Wacom Tablet, mouse & laptop/desktop (there are also other graphics tablets such as Huion)
Software:
Adobe Creative Cloud (subscription based) - my most used apps are: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects and Adobe XD
Canva (free) or Canva Pro (subscription based)
Alternative vector based software are Inkscape (free) and Affinity Designer (once-off payment)
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RASTER AND VECTOR?
RASTER
This is a pixel-based digital image, meaning that the image is made up of a grid of little squares. The larger the canvas size and the higher the dpi (dots per inch) the crisper the image at a large scale. However, there is a limit to how large the image can be scaled up before it begins to look blurry or pixelated.
Print resolution is at a minimum of 300dpi (some people like to go up to 600dpi)
Screen resolution is at a minimum of 72dpi (I usually work at 300dpi and export the final file at 150 dpi for screens)
Examples of raster images:
Digital photography
Digital scans of traditional work/paper/film photos
Procreate illustrations
Adobe Fresco illustrations made using raster brushes
Photoshop illustrations
Pros:
Easy to create
Digital brushes feel quite natural or similar to drawing with a traditional pen
Can create textures that feel tangible or draw with textured brushes that mimic traditional art
For screen use only this method has a high enough resolution
Cons:
These images will pixelate when scaled up much larger than the original size, and will also pixelate when scaled down much smaller than the original size
For printing purposes, you need to know the maximum size that your image will be when printed so that you can account for a large enough canvas size when creating your image (or scan your traditional work at a higher resolution like 600dpi)
This is not an ideal way to create logos or fonts, as these need to be infinitely scalable (however, you can use raster images and convert them to vector)
File types:
.JPEG
.PNG
.GIF
.PDF (saved with raster images)
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RASTER AND VECTOR?
VECTOR
This is a geometric shape based digital image, meaning that the image is made using mathematical formulas on a Cartesian plane. In other words, the image is made up of shapes, lines and curves rather than pixels. Vector images remain crisp whether they are scaled up or down. Therefore, there is no limit to how large or how small the file gets resized as it will stay crisp.
Print resolution is at a minimum of 300dpi (some people like to go up to 600dpi)
Screen resolution is at a minimum of 72dpi (I usually work at 300dpi and export the final file at 150 dpi for screens)
Examples of vector images:
Adobe Illustrator graphics and illustrations
Adobe Fresco illustrations made using vector brushes
Images made using other vector-based digital software such as Inkscape or Affinity Designer
Pros:
Infinitely scalable
Ideal for digital and print
Looks neat and clean
You do not need to know the final print size before creating the file as you can export the file at a larger resolution or smaller resolution after the file has been created
Preferred for manufacturing purposes when it comes to sewing patterns and surface pattern design
Industry standard for logos and fonts
Cons:
The process of making vector images has a bit of a learning curve
The drawing tools used do not feel as natural as drawing with a traditional pen
You cannot get the same textural warmth that you get from raster images (however, you can use vector textures and vector brushes with texture which will mimic raster textures so there is somewhat of a work-around)
File types:
.SVG
.AI
.XD
.PDF (saved with vector images)
DO YOU NEED TO DRAW WELL IN ORDER TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER?
Short answer: No
Graphic design encapsulates a multitude of skills and knowledge around design principles, design history, current trends, contemporary artists, colour theory, marketing and visual communication.
Drawing is a skill that will improve over time. However, being strong at communicating ideas and sketching what you see in your head onto a page is essential, and therefore having drawing fundamentals is a necessary skill in Graphic Design.
DO YOU NEED TO GO TO ART/DESIGN SCHOOL TO BE A WORKING ARTIST/GRAPHIC DESIGNER?
Short answer: No
There is so much available online through YouTube, Skillshare and other education platforms. However, you will need to put time into learning visual communication and design principles, as well as the necessary software and industry standards. It will take time and dedication but you can definitely upskill without going to art or design school.
Breaking into the industry is easier if you have an art/design school qualification because you will have undergone the necessary practical training and acquired the necessary knowledge to work as a commercial artist/graphic designer. Your school will provide you with briefs, critique, discussions and feedback so that you can learn and grow your skills. Your school will also provide you with the hardware and software you need to get started so you do not have to purchase these before you land your first job.
MY JOURNEY AS SOMEONE BEING SELF-TAUGHT AND QUALIFIED:
Self-taught:
I started learning about digital illustration in 2018 and borrowed my partner's Wacom tablet and Clip Studio Paint on a desktop.
I switched to the iPad, Apple Pencil and Procreate in 2019 after watching artist reviews on YouTube. At the time I was using the iPad 9.7 inch 2018 model and Apple Gen 1 Pencil (the Gen 2 did not exist yet!). I now use the iPad Air 5th Gen (2024 model) with the Apple Gen 2 Pencil. The reason for the upgrade was due to needing more storage, and the ability to create larger Procreate files.
I have done hundreds of hours of tutorials on YouTube and Skillshare to learn about how to use the software as well as art and design principles.
I was able to secure a few freelance jobs but was unable to break into the commercial design industry and get hired by agencies.
Design School Qualification:
I attended Design School in 2023 and it was a crash course in Graphic Design for Print and Digital. Knowing how to use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator already helped me to work more efficiently and spend more time learning the other Adobe software like InDesign, After Effects and XD. I was also able to level up on my existing art and design knowledge and my design thinking and problem solving was nurtured. My internship allowed me to land my first agency job.
FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE:
Start with what you have available to you and level up as you go.
There is always more to learn as the industry is dynamic. Embrace change and enjoy the journey.
Follow other artists and graphic designers on YouTube and social media and learn from them.
Build a body of work i.e. a portfolio which showcases your area of interest and your art and design skills.
Do the inner work that builds self awareness and self belief so that you can keep going when times are tough.