hiiii! today we’re chatting all things graphic design!! if you’re wanting to learn graphic design but have absolutely no idea where to start, this is basically everything I would do if I had to learn graphic design from scratch again in 2026/2027 π
I’m chatting about the programs I’d learn, design fundamentals, building a portfolio with no clients, finding your style, uni vs self-taught, getting feedback + all the little things I wish I knew when I first started!!
I’ve been working as a graphic designer for around 4 years now, studied visual communication design at uni, have tutored design students + now work for myself full-time as a freelance designer ~ so hopefully this helps anyone at the very beginning of their design journey π©·
in this video:
β how I would learn graphic design from scratch
β what Adobe programs I’d learn first
β the design fundamentals that actually matter
β how to practise graphic design with no clients
β creating fake brands + portfolio projects
β finding inspiration + developing your own style
β university vs self-taught graphic design
β getting better at presenting + explaining your work
β building your first design portfolio
β advice I wish I knew as a beginner designer
come say hiiii
Instagram ~ @shellys.pngs
TikTok ~ @shellys.pngs
YouTube ~ @shellys.mp4
work with me βΏ
Freelance graphic designer based in Australia
Brand identity, creative direction + all things design.
Portfolio ~ https://www.behance.net/gallery/242851959/Portfolio-2026
Business inquiries ~ shellys.pngs@gmail.com
a little about me ౨ΰ§
hiii I’m Shelly!! I’m a graphic designer + content creator from Australia documenting my little creative life, freelance design journey + everything I’m learning along the way. Expect lots of graphic design, freelancing, creative projects, nostalgic tech, gaming, anime + probably me talking way too much π
video chapters βΏ
00:00 hiiii + intro
02:00 where I would actually start
03:13 what programs should you learn?
05:10 the best way to actually learn design
05:42 fake projects are your best friend
08:32 copying vs learning
09:38 finding good inspiration
10:40 finding your design style
12:02 making bad work is GOOD
12:47 do you need to go to uni?
14:01 getting + receiving feedback
15:33 explaining your design decisions
16:44 presenting your work
17:42 building your first portfolio
18:25 finding your niche
20:09 stop comparing yourself
23:02 my biggest advice
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I’m posting new videos about graphic design, freelancing, creative life + whatever else I’m currently obsessed with hehe