How did I become a Graphic Designer?

My Journey as a Graphic Designer from 2014 to 2024

Back in 2014, I was in secondary school and had a deep interest in technology, even though I didn’t have easy access to it. I remember being particularly attentive whenever our teachers mentioned anything related to technology, even if it was just a passing reference during other subjects. My fascination with technology has been with me since I was a child.

Fortunately, our school offered a subject called computer applications, although it was taught theoretically from a book, as there was no computer lab for us to practice on. Most students didn’t take the class seriously, as they found it hard to understand without hands-on experience. Some even skipped the class or played games on their phones during lessons. However, a few of us, out of respect for the teacher, paid attention.

One day, after class, our teacher (Ustad Alasow)  advised us, “This subject requires a lot of practice. It’s not just about memorizing information. If possible, join the private section of the school where there’s a computer lab, and you can get hands-on experience.” A few friends and I, including my friend @Araye, took the teacher’s advice and enrolled. They even gave us a 30% discount since we were already students at the school.

I was extremely excited because it was the first time I had ever touched a computer. We attended classes in the afternoons, covering basic computer skills like MS-DOS, Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, which we completed in about six months.

Despite completing the course, I didn’t fully grasp everything, but I gained some valuable knowledge. I even returned to the school after finishing the course to practice on the computers, staying late until I was asked to leave because they were closing.

One day, our computer teacher introduced a Photoshop CS5 course that would run for a month, with classes on Thursdays and Fridays. Although I didn’t fully understand what Photoshop was, I enrolled. However, due to my busy schedule and lack of a personal computer, I found it challenging to practice, and as a result, I didn’t learn as much as I hoped. Nevertheless, I completed the course and received a certificate.

After leaving school, I couldn’t continue going there every day without paying since I was taking up a space that could be used by a paying student. I began thinking about how to further develop my computer skills, but the biggest obstacle was that I didn’t own a computer, and I didn’t know anyone who could help me get one. I came close to giving up on my dreams of learning more about computers.

Life wasn’t as easy as it is today, and financial struggles were a big part of the challenge. However, I always believed that things would change one day.

For a while, I didn’t have access to a computer, and I forgot much of what I had learned. To keep practicing, I saved up small amounts of money and occasionally visited an internet café, where I would rent a computer by the hour. At that time, internet cafés were thriving, as there was no mobile internet like we have today. People either had to install expensive home internet or visit internet café.

Unlike most people who used the internet cafés for entertainment or socializing on Facebook and similar sites, I went there to practice on a computer and search for information online. I spent a lot of time on YouTube and educational websites, downloading tutorials to watch later at home.

One day, I met the owner of an internet café and print shop who was looking for someone to help with the printing side of the business. I told him that I had learned some basic computer skills and could use office applications. After discussing it further, he offered to let me work there in the afternoons and evenings, with the promise of training me in printing. I agreed enthusiastically.

Although I didn’t get paid, I was thrilled to have access to a computer and free internet. I spent my days at school, and my afternoons and evenings at the print shop, learning as much as I could. Over time, I became proficient in designing with MS Word, as that was the primary software used in the print shop.

Eventually, I started receiving a small daily allowance of $1 for transportation, which I mostly saved. I also got free meals, as I would rush from school to work without stopping at home. My passion for the work was so strong that time seemed to fly by.

While I was working with MS Word, I continued learning Photoshop on my own, watching tutorials and practicing whenever I could. I discovered that graphic design was a vast field, with many different aspects beyond just Photoshop. This realization fueled my curiosity, and I continued to explore and learn.

After a few years, I decided to leave the print shop to focus on my final year of secondary school and prepare for my exams. I asked for permission to leave, and they agreed. While I was still in Form 4, the school I was attending offered me a part-time job as a math teacher for primary and middle school classes.  thanks to Ustad Dhaley, one of the school managers, who gave me this opportunity.

I eventually graduated from secondary school and began looking for a university program related to graphic design. I visited several universities in the city, but most of them told me that there wasn’t a specific graphic design program available, but some IT programs offered related courses. I decided to study IT, as it was the closest field to what I was interested in. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the fees at the best universities, so I enrolled in one that was within my budget, paying my fees on my own.

I also continued working part-time while studying. I bought a second-hand laptop and continued learning online, dedicating more time to my personal studies than to my university coursework.

To further improve my skills, I created a Facebook page called “Abdalla Designs,” where I showcased my work. I offered free designs to people who reached out to me and even approached some people offering free designs. Over time, I gained experience, built a network, and secured several good job opportunities. I worked with various clients both locally and internationally.

Through this journey, I realized that many Somali students faced similar challenges in learning graphic design due to a lack of resources. To address this need, I decided to create courses on graphic design and video editing in Somali, with the help of one of my friends, Abdirahman Abdullahi AKA Macruuf.

This led to the creation of Haldoor Academy, an online platform where students can learn various skills. Thousands of students have graduated from the academy, with many now working for major companies, running their businesses, or freelancing independently.

Conclusion

My journey wasn’t easy. I faced many challenges that could have made me give up on my dreams, but I kept going, trusting in Allah and pushing forward.

What lesson can you take from my story?

If you reflect on my story, you’ll see that I’ve shared mostly the struggles and setbacks I encountered, rather than my successes. That’s because the real value lies in perseverance through hardships, which can inspire you to keep going despite your challenges.

If you’re facing difficulties today, I hope you find encouragement and determination in my story. Never stop learning. There’s no point where you can say, “I’ve learned enough.’ As long as you’re alive, keep learning.”

I’m still learning graphic design every day, discovering new ideas and techniques, and this applies not just to graphic design but to all fields of knowledge. Keep learning and keep growing.

This is the essence of my journey to becoming a graphic designer.

What are your thoughts? Share your story with us, as everyone has their own unique journey. Thank you.

Written by: Abdalla Abdikarim,

Graphic Designer, currently living in Djibouti.