The Super Secret, Hush-Hush, Magic Key to Design

Rather than writing it all out again and just changing a few words, read About.com Drawing / Sketching Guide Helen South's post on No Secrets, No Quick Fixes and simply substitute desktop publishing or graphic design (or whatever other skill you wish to acquire) where appropriate.

What? You were expecting it to be spelled out for you in a few short sentences? Sorry. But it is spelled out here -- the secret to doing good desktop publishing and graphic design is behind those tabs at the top of the page (Basics | Software | Tasks & Techniques). Happy Learning!