Are there graphic designers that know the basics and can succeed with just that?

I am starting to realize that although my portfolio was well liked by many professional designers I struggle understanding the more complex parts of the software. I understand the basics, I can photo retouch and create basic things but I realize design is much more complicated than that.

Is it unrealistic for me to hope as a guy with average intelligence I could still make this into a career?

Thanks everyone!

Great design resource

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter) Submitted October 01, 2015 at 04:28PM by LLment http://ift.tt/1OJzzJV