How Do I Become a Graphic Design Tutor?

 A career in graphic design is one of the most sought after in the modern job market, but graphic designers aren't born with the skills they need. Like everyone else, they need to be taught — and, if you have both graphic design skills and an ability to teach, you could be in demand as a graphic design tutor.

Who Teaches Graphic Design?

 Graphic design isn't normally taught at school level, although some elements of it may be included in general art lessons. The most common places to learn are universities or colleges of further education, where more specific courses may be offered, leading to career opportunities.

 However, some students prefer to learn privately, either to fit in around a full-time job or to prepare for applying for a university course. This means that there's plenty of demand for private graphic design tutors — and that could be you.

What Experience Do I Need to Be a Graphic Design Tutor?

 To be a credible graphic design tutor, you'll need to have experience at putting the subject to practical use. Graphic design is a practical form of art, normally used in a commercial context. Both in order to be taken seriously by your prospective students and to offer classes that will help them in their career aspirations, you should be familiar with graphic design in an industrial setting.

 However, there are numerous industrial sectors relevant to graphic design, and your particular experience may influence your decision whether to specialise or offer general tuition. For example, a graphic designer may work in print media, digital media, advertising, product design, animation, marketing or even fashion, among many other sectors.

 Specialising in the type of graphic design you teach can make you more attractive to students interested in that career path. On the other hand, it will reduce your total number of prospective students, so it's as well to think carefully about which way you want to go.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Graphic Designer?

 You don't legally have to have any qualifications to set yourself up as a tutor, but students or their parents are likely to be looking for a certain level of qualification. In general, it's best to have a qualification at least a level above what your teaching, though in a subject like graphic design extensive experience can be as good or better.

 In the same way, you don't require a teaching qualification to be a private tutor, but it tends to reassure anyone comparing you with competitors. In any case, knowing your subject and knowing how to teach it are two different things, and you may find a teaching qualification of practical use.

Setting Up as a Graphic Design Tutor

 There are numerous preparations needed in order to become a tutor. You'll have to plan your curriculum, decide how your lessons will be delivered (e.g. in person or online) and ensure that you have all the necessary resources. You'll also need to set your fees, create a website and register as self-employed with HMRC. If you decide to become a limited company, this will also need to be registered.

 And, needless to say you'll have to find students — and being on TutorExtra can help with that. Register with TutorExtra to take advantage of our range of resources and to be seen by people looking for a graphic design tutor.