Graphic Design Education
If you want to work as a graphic designer, you’ll probably first have to undergo education and training at a graphic design college. Almost every job in the field requires an associate’s degree at least, although many entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree to be hired.
Some of the things that you’ll study in your graphic design degree are the fine arts, computer programs, and the importance of spatial design – all of which are important aspects of a career in graphic design.
Educational Options for Graphic Designers
If you’re trying to decide which school or program you should attend, or which of the online graphic design degrees you should get, look up the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. They list roughly two hundred and fifty graphic design colleges and schools from anywhere around the country that offer programs in graphic design. However, be sure to check into the school’s requirements, since many of the programs require prospective graphic design students to complete prerequisite courses and a year of basic art and design classes before they can enroll in the specialized graphic designer degree.
If you have past experience in these fields, look into programs or a graphic design online degree that allow you to place out of introductory courses.
Also, in the current competitive job market, it’s imperative that you be fluent in computer skills as well as design methods. You’ll probably learn how to use graphic design programs like Illustrator and Quark in your regular classes, but you may find it helpful to take additional classes in computer technology. Enhancing your resume with these classes makes you a much more appealing candidate to graphic design firms.
Most entry-level positions in the field of advanced graphic design require that employees have graphic design degrees (bachelor’s degrees) or a degree in a related program.
The education that’s involved in getting a graphic design degree generally includes art, the principles of design, designing with computers, commercial production, printing techniques and web site design. Many times the college or institute that you’re attending will also require general education courses that revolve around history, psychology, English, marketing, business, and sociology. It’s the combination of all of this useful information that will help you put the study of graphic design into actual real world practice.
If you plan to get an associate’s degree or certificate from a technical school instead of a bachelor’s, check into these programs to see exactly what you’ll be studying and what, if any, requirements the program has. Many times, postsecondary schools consider a degree in graphic design to be part of the school’s art program, so you may have to submit drawings, sculptures, or other examples of your art in order to be admitted into the program.
When you begin your entry-level position as a graphic designer, you’ll learn that one of the most important aspects of the career is being as detail oriented as possible. It’s important that you have an eye for details and that you use this talent for the benefit of your graphic design career. You’ll need to make sure that you’ve kept all of the best examples of your work in a portfolio so that you can easily demonstrate to potential employers the range of your work and what you are capable of.
Graphic Design Schools
Many colleges and universities offer degrees in graphic design, but which university you’ll want to attend really depends on what area of graphic design you want to get into.
If you’re looking to create graphics for advertisements or marketing publications, you may want to select a graphic design school or college with a good marketing program, as well as a good graphic design program. However, if your goal is to work in animation or film, you’ll want to look for colleges that have a strong program in those areas.
Choosing a Graphic Design School
However, no matter what you do, you’re going to need at least a bachelors degree for most entry level jobs – although some positions will only require an associate degree. You’ll probably want to get the four year degree, though, because you’ll be able to learn more about graphic design and command a higher salary when you do complete your all your graphic design courses.
A few decades ago, graphic designers did most of their work using pencil and paper, while today, nearly everything is done on computers. As such, one of the things you’ll want to look at in choosing a graphic design program is how many classes in computer design you’ll be taking.
To really get the most out of your degree, you’ll need to learn as many different graphic programs as you can. The programs you’ll want to learn may also depend on the career path you plan to pursue – check with a firm that specializes in your field to see what programs they use regularly.
However, that’s not to say that you’ll want to find graphic design courses that focus solely on computer graphics. You’ll most likely be required to take at least a few standard art classes during your first year in school. If you have a specific field you want to work in, it’s a good idea to find a few elective classes to supplement your program, or even consider minoring in that area. If you’re thinking about going into business for yourself or doing freelance graphic design work, a minor in business may be helpful.
As a graphic design student, you’ll take classes on principles of design, computer-aided design, commercial graphics, and possibly even web site design or a class specifically focused on creating graphics for websites. Since you’ll be working closely with your clients and colleagues, it’s not a bad idea to take a basic writing course – especially one that focuses on technical or business writing – to improve your communication skills.
Don’t expect to stop taking classes once you finish your degree. Graphic designers have to stay current with the newest graphic software, so you may need to do some continuing education classes during your career or take courses from an online graphic design school. Fortunately, most companies will pay for your training. However, if you’re a freelance graphic designer, you’ll either have to learn the new programs on your own or pay for the classes yourself.
With most colleges offering associates, bachelors, or even masters degrees in graphic design, chances are you’ll find a program that you enjoy and that suits your specific career goals. You may even be able to find online graphic design courses that meet your needs. Several online graphic design schools offer online degrees in graphic design and related fields that allow you to work full-time while pursuing your goal of building a career in graphic design.
