Is it possible to step into a career as a Graphic Designer without a qualification?

I am unemployed and I expressed an interest in starting a career by doing a graphics design course to the job centre (UK). I was strongly discouraged and told the jobs were almost impossible to get, the market is very competative and that I'd have to start my own company to be a graphics designer. Hmm. I suspect that this is not altogether accurate information.

you're unlikely to be able to step directly into that job role without proven experience and/or qualifications a good idea would be to get a job in a design studio, and work your way up, if you don't have time to get a qualification

A friend who's daughter is at college told me that it was really hard to be employed as a graphic designer even when you have all the qualifications.

Freelance means you would work for yourself. The only qualifications are the ones you set for yourself. The real question is, would someone PAY you to do any design work for them? Any freelance designer soon learns that the PRIMARY job is that of a SALESPERSON. You have to go out and SELL your business. There is no point in creating designs unless there is someone willing to pay you to do it. So, the only "qualifications" you "really" need is the willingness to market yourself, and, the ability to do the design work your clients need. Can you do a newspaper ad layout? Do you have the tools needed if the paper requires the layout in QuarkXPress? InDesign? Illustrator? PDF? or other? Can you create vector based graphics for a client that needs a logo to fit everything from a business card to the side of his building? If a client asked for a coloring book with illustrations of various birds of North America, do you have access to the reference images and, the skills to create NEW drawings WITHOUT infringing on someone else's copyrights? Do you KNOW copyright law? What do you tell a client who asks you to design a tattoo with Mickey Mouse, Yosemite Sam, or Jimmy Neutron? Before you go freelance, you only have to ask your self, "Are you ready?"

Work experience tends to be more important than education in graphic design; however, it's hard to get that experience without a degree. Entry level graphic design jobs are very hard to come by, and while you can get work without a degree you'll be at a competitive disadvantage to people with certifications, and you'll have far fewer opportunities. That said, if you're talented enough to build a strong portfolio without going to school you'll be able to find work with someone.

My son is a highly qualified Senior Graphic designer.He has an honours degree in design and visual communication and a Masters degree (1st Class honours) in digital media.Works in a Magazine Publishers,also freelances.It's true getting a foot in the door is not easy as they invariably look for the ones who have experience and good qualifications as there's a deal of skill and knowledge required in these fast paced jobs,clients to please,deadlines to meet,etc. Having said that there's nothing to stop you advertising yourself as offering free lance graphic design services.Build up a portfolio and find evening classes to hone your skills and gain qualifications.God loves a trier as we say here in Ireland.Good luck. It's a case of advertising yourself well and coming up with the goods on time.One client then recommends you to another and you can build up a good client base. Where are you based?

Get a PORTFOLIO together of your work. If you can get a toe in the door, a good portfolio will do the rest. You might try putting your stuff on a website, and linking to it when making online applications.