Remote Graphic Designer: Create Impactful Brands

Hello! E'm Warten Weg. I work as a Graphic Designer in Durban, South Africa. I have extensive experience in graphic layout and building and am also skilled in design. I enjoy discussing our uniqueness with you.

How to Teach Yourself Graphic Design So You Can Work From Home

January 12, 2025

How to Teach Yourself Graphic Design So You Can Work From Home

Sawubona, my people! Let me tell you something straight. Are you stuck in Durban traffic on West Street, thinking, “Yoh, I can’t deal with this commute anymore”? If so, you’re in the right place. I’m about to share some powerful insights on how to teach yourself graphic design. You will be capable of working from home. Trust me, it’s going to change your life quicker than a taxi squeezing into a gap in peak-hour traffic.

Table

of Contents My Story:
From Corporate Zombie to Design Boss

Five years ago, I was that bloke sitting in a cubicle in Westville. I wore a tie that felt like a noose and dreamed about something better. Now? I run Warten Weg from my pad in Pinetown. I rock shorts and slops. I make more money than I ever did in corporate. Hectic, right?

But here’s the thing. Teaching yourself graphic design to work from home involves more than just watching a few You Tube tutorials. It’s not simply calling it a day. Nah, fam. It’s a proper journey, and I’m going to show you exactly how to make it happen.

How to Teach Yourself Graphic Design So You Can Work From Home

The Ultimate Self-Taught Design Roadmap
1. Sort Out Your Basics (The Foundation)

First things first, you need to understand the fundamentals. It’s like building a braai—you can’t just throw meat on the fire and hope for the best. You need to know what you’re doing.

• Colour Theory: Learn about colour combinations that slap harder than amapiano at a Sunday session.
• Typography: Understanding fonts is like knowing your wines—it seems fancy, but anyone can learn it.
• Layout Principles: This is your secret weapon, like knowing where to find parking at the Pavilion.

Pro Tip:
You can teach yourself graphic design without spending a cent initially. Start with Canva and GIMP before dropping stacks on Adobe Creative Suite .

2. Build Your Skills (The Real Work)

Now, here’s where most people get stuck when trying to teach themselves graphic design. They jump straight into trying to design logos for big brands when they can barely centre an image. Shame, man. Don’t be that person.

Start small:

• Make social media posts for your side hustle
• Create posters for your cousin’s car wash.

Listen, mshana, you need a portfolio that’s going to make potential clients say, “yasis!” Here’s how to build a design portfolio with no experience:

• Start with personal projects (they don’t need to know it was for your aunt’s birthday).
• Create mock projects for brands you love
• Document your design process (clients eat this stuff up).
• Make it look professional (even if you’re working from your bedroom in Kwa Dabeka).

4. Get That Online Presence Strong

Bru, in 2025, if you’re not online, you don’t exist. Here’s what you need:

• Linked In profile (yes, even though it’s boring)
• Instagram portfolio (this is where the magic happens)

Remember, design isn’t just about making things look pretty—it’s about solving problems.

Tools of the Trade (What You Actually Need)

Let me save you some money here. You don’t need everything at once:

• A decent laptop (doesn’t have to be a Mac Book; relax)
• Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (student discount if you can get it)
• A good internet connection (fibre is your friend.)

Nice to Have:

• Second screen
• Coffee machine (trust me on this one)

How to Teach Yourself Graphic Design So You Can Work From Home How to Get Your First Clients

Now we’re talking business! Here’s how to start making actual money:

• Start Local: Your first client will be that guy selling kotas down the road who needs a menu design.
• Use Your Network: Tell EVERYONE what you do now.
• Join Design Communities: Facebook groups, Reddit (r/ is your friend)
• Upwork and Fiverr : Yes, the rates are low at first, but it’s a start

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Learn From My L’s)

• Trying to charge Hillcrest prices with Westville skills
• Not backing up your work (shame; I lost all my files once during…