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To be perfectly frank... the best way I know to learn on your own and gain a more proper understanding of an application is via https://www.vtc.com/ -- now it's not free and I realize that can be a hurdle. But if you're serious, simply spending for a single-course is minimal and will ensure you actually get up to speed on a particular application. Years ago I had a friend needing to learn an application - I had no time to teach them. So, I gifted a course to them and they were up and running with the app in only a month or so - and they started with absolutely zero knowledge of the app.

I have zero affiliation with VTC. I merely have experience with one of their products and was very impressed with how easy it was to follow and how well it taught the application. I knew the app well and could see the lessons and how they progressed in a very fruitful and logical manner.

To be perfectly frank... the best way I know to learn on your own and gain a more proper understanding of an application is via https://www.vtc.com/ -- now it's not free and I realize that can be a hurdle. But if you're serious, simply spending for a single-course is minimal and will ensure you actually get up to speed on a particular application. Years ago I had a friend needing to learn an application - I had no time to teach them. So, I gifted a course to them and they were up and running with the app in only a month or so - and they started with absolutely zero knowledge of the app or anything which may be considered remotely similar. They, quite literally, started from nothing.

I have zero affiliation with VTC. I merely have experience with one of their products and was very impressed with how easy it was to follow and how well it taught the application. I knew the app well and could see the lessons and how they progressed. It was a very fruitful and logical manner.

Graphic Design is not all about software. There's myriad knowledge which goes into effective design that has nothing to do with any software package.

Trying to achieve a career in graphic design by learning various software products is akin to trying to learn how to build a house through the study of hammers and screwdrivers.

Merely learning software in order to be a Graphic Designer seems to be a common misconception.

Trying to achieve a career in graphic design by learning various software products is akin to trying to learn how to build a house through the study of hammers, screwdrivers, drills, and wood. Ultimately one does need to know the tools... but the tools themselves have very little to do with any actual design.

Graphic Design is not all about software. There's myriad knowledge which goes into effective design that has nothing to do with any software package.

Be aware...

Graphic Design is not all about software. There's myriad knowledge which goes into effective design that has nothing to do with any software package.

Trying to achieve a career in graphic design by learning various software products is akin to trying to learn how to build a house through the study of hammers and screwdrivers.

Learning the tools of the trade is, quite frankly, minimal in the grand scheme of things. Effective design is created by using the tools as an extension or mechanism in order to achieve the overall concept of any design. Tools won't tell you how to solve visual hierarchy issues, where to place elements, what size to make something, color choices, proximity, visual balance, how to be a critical thinker, .... etc.... Being the most knowledgable software user in the world does not, and never will, make anyone an effective or good graphic designer.

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