Starting a career in any field without experience can be very challenging. You’ll receive the most rejections as only a few people are willing to give a newbie a chance and start to wonder if you’re truly as qualified as you think.
But like every other thing in life, you can always create your experience while waiting for a more structured, professional experience.
Whether you're self-taught or coming from another field, there are many ways to gain relevant experience, develop your skills, and build your portfolio.
In this post, we’ll explore practical steps that can help you get your first graphic design job, even if you’re just starting out. Let’s get started.
1. Join Graphic design communities
One of the best ways to kickstart your graphic design career without prior experience is by joining graphic design communities. These communities provide invaluable resources, support, and networking opportunities that can help you grow your skills, build connections, and gain visibility within the industry.
Graphic design communities come in various forms, including online forums, social media groups, and local meetups. Joining these networks places you in the right scene where you meet people who can serve as friends, mentors, or even clients.
Platforms like Behance, Dribbble, and Reddit host active design communities where you can share your work, and receive constructive feedback. As a newbie, many experienced designers are willing to share advice, critique your work, and guide you in navigating the field.
Additionally, design communities often post freelance gigs and collaborative projects. Participating in these can help you build a portfolio, even if you don’t have paid experience yet, and also land you a job.
2. Maintain your online presence
As an upcoming designer, your online presence is often your first impression. It helps you to showcase your skills, connect with potential clients, and build your authority as an expert.
But as much as it’s important, building and maintaining an online presence is often the hardest thing to do. So instead of thinking of it as a whole, just as it sounds, let’s break it down into bits.
Start by creating a portfolio website or leveraging platforms like Behance to showcase your work. Even if you don’t have client projects to display yet, include personal projects, redesigns, or conceptual work that highlights your creativity and technical abilities.
Social media is another powerful tool for maintaining your online presence. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter allow you to share your designs, connect with industry professionals, and engage in design-related discussions. Regularly post your work, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your creative process, and interact with other designers to build your network.
While these are useful, they can only go as far as you are consistent, especially as a beginner. Consistency doesn’t mean showing up every day, it means showing up when you say you’ll show up. Actively post your designs even if you’re not proud of them. Engage actively with your audience by responding to comments, participating in design challenges, or offering insights into trending topics in graphic design.
The more consistent you are at showing up, the more you register your brand in the minds of people.
SEE ALSO: 7 Steps to Becoming a Well-Paid Freelancer in Nigeria
3. Network with other designers
Networking doesn’t always mean forcing a conversation or trying to fit into a space that you know nothing about. It could be as easy as commenting on another designer's post or asking a random question. Many designers are open to sharing advice, discussing techniques, and providing feedback when approached respectfully.
Attend design/creative hangouts where you’ll get to meet people and hear from industry experts. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and talk about your aspirations. Bringing along a few samples of your work can leave a lasting impression.
Networking isn’t just about seeking opportunities. It’s also about building genuine relationships. Offer value to others by sharing resources, participating in discussions, or providing feedback on their work. Over time, these relationships can turn into mentorships, partnerships, or referrals for design jobs.
Remember, the more connections you have, the more visible you become in the industry. Networking with other designers can open doors, inspire your creativity, and help you grow into the professional you aspire to be.
4. Do volunteer projects
Taking on volunteer projects is one of the best ways to build your graphic design portfolio and gain real-world experience when you’re just starting. Volunteering allows you to hone your skills, showcase your creativity, and make meaningful contributions to causes or organizations that resonate with you.
Start by identifying opportunities where your design skills can add value. Nonprofits, local businesses, schools, and community groups often need design help but may lack the budget for professional services.
Offer to create materials like flyers, social media graphics, logos, or event posters. These projects not only build your portfolio but also demonstrate your ability to meet real client needs.
When volunteering, treat each project with the same professionalism and dedication as you would for a paid job. Meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and deliver high-quality work. This will leave a lasting impression on the people you collaborate with and can lead to referrals or testimonials that boost your credibility.
SEE ALSO: How to Make More Money as a Freelancer in Nigeria: 7 Steps That Work
5. Find an Internship
Securing an internship is a great way to gain hands-on experience in graphic design, especially if you’re just starting out. Internships provide an opportunity to learn, work on real projects, and develop your skills in a structured environment.
Start by researching companies, design studios, or marketing agencies that offer internships. Look for roles that align with your interests, whether it’s branding, web design, or illustration.
Use platforms like LinkedIn or Expaat to search for openings, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the companies directly. Many companies, even smaller ones, are open to offering internships when approached professionally.
When applying, ensure your portfolio highlights your best work, even if it’s personal or conceptual projects. Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your passion for design and your eagerness to learn.
During the internship, focus on gaining as much knowledge as possible. Ask questions, seek feedback, and volunteer for challenging tasks. Even if the internship is unpaid, the experience and connections you make can be invaluable.
Internships often act as stepping stones to full-time roles, giving you the chance to build relationships in the industry and gain the experience needed to jumpstart your career in graphic design.
6. Get a Graphic Design-Adjacent Job
If you’re finding it difficult to secure a graphic design role without experience, consider starting with a job in a related field. Graphic design-adjacent jobs allow you to work in environments where design plays a critical role, helping you develop relevant skills and build connections while you gain industry exposure.
For example, roles in marketing, social media management, or content creation often require a strong visual eye and basic design knowledge. You could create graphics for social media posts, email campaigns, or presentations, giving you practical experience while contributing to the team’s success.
Working as a design assistant or production artist is another way to get your foot in the door. These positions often focus on supporting senior designers or handling smaller tasks like formatting layouts, resizing images, or preparing files for print. Over time, you’ll gain technical skills and learn how projects are managed in a professional setting.
Retail jobs at print shops or custom merchandise companies can also provide valuable experience. You’ll become familiar with design tools, printing processes, and client communication, which can all enhance your skill set.
These roles can serve as stepping stones, helping you build a portfolio and establish a network that will support your transition into a full-time graphic design career.
7. Build your portfolio
You need a strong portfolio to land a graphic design job, especially when you lack formal experience. Your portfolio showcases your skills, creativity, and ability to solve design challenges, making it your most powerful tool to impress potential employers or clients.
Start by including personal projects, redesigns, or mock-ups of brands you admire. These demonstrate your initiative and give you control over the type of work you want to showcase. Participate in design challenges, volunteer projects, or collaborations to add variety and real-world relevance to your portfolio.
Focus on quality over quantity. 5 to 10 well-executed pieces are better than a larger collection of inconsistent work. Each project should highlight your creative process, from concept to final design.
Present your portfolio on a professional platform like Behance, Dribbble, or a personal website. Keep it updated regularly to reflect your growth.
SEE ALSO: How to Create a Portfolio for a Job as a Beginner: What to Include and What to Skip
8. Choose a niche and build it out
Specializing in a niche can set you apart as a new graphic designer. A niche allows you to focus on a specific area of design, showcasing your expertise and making it easier for potential clients or employers to recognize your value.
Start by identifying what excites you most about graphic design—branding, web design, packaging, typography, or another area. Research industry trends and client demands in that niche to ensure it aligns with your interests and has market potential.
Once you’ve chosen a niche, tailor your projects to reflect it. For example, if you’re passionate about branding, focus on logo designs, brand identity systems, and mock-ups. This approach helps build a cohesive portfolio that demonstrates your proficiency in a specific area.
Specializing doesn’t mean limiting yourself entirely, but it positions you as an expert in your chosen field, increasing your chances of success.
9. Start small
Breaking into graphic design without experience can feel overwhelming, but starting small is a practical way to build confidence and gain momentum. Instead of aiming for big projects or high-profile clients right away, focus on manageable tasks that help you develop your skills and portfolio.
Begin with personal projects or passion projects that allow you to experiment and showcase your creativity. Redesign a favorite brand, create posters for imaginary events, or work on custom illustrations. These smaller projects help you practice design principles while generating work to include in your portfolio.
You can also offer your services to friends, family, or local businesses. Designing a logo for a friend’s startup or social media graphics for a small shop are great ways to get hands-on experience.
Starting small helps you grow at a steady pace, allowing you to refine your skills and build a foundation for bigger opportunities ahead.
10. Leverage your network
Your personal and professional connections can be a powerful resource when starting a career in graphic design.
Let people in your circle know about your skills and aspirations. Share your work on social media or tell friends, family, and acquaintances that you’re available for design projects. Many people prefer working with someone they know or trust, so your network might be the first to give you a chance.
Join online forums or attend industry events to expand your network. Connecting with other creatives, entrepreneurs, or business owners can lead to collaborations or referrals.
Don’t hesitate to ask for introductions or recommendations within your network. Often, the right opportunity comes from someone who knows your capabilities and is willing to vouch for you.
Conclusion
Getting a graphic design job without experience is possible with the right approach. Focus on creating your own experience, whether it’s redesigning your favorite app, working on volunteer projects, or passion projects. Put your skills to work.
Remember that every small project, connection, and skill you gain contributes to your growth as a designer. Stay patient, keep learning, and be proactive in seeking opportunities. This begins with signing up on Expaat to work with global clients in need of an entry-level Graphics designer.
