If you have natural artistic talent and self-taught experience using a variety of graphic design software programs, you may wonder if you really need a graphic design college degree.
You most likely do, and here’s why:
1. A graphic design college degree will increase your odds of getting a job. Job-seekers today find themselves in a highly competitive job market, vying against many similarly qualified applicants for a single job.
Because employers can be choosy, candidates without college degrees are often eliminated from all consideration for an open position. And those who do manage to get hired without having a college degree will almost always be paid less money than co-workers who have one.
2. A graphic design college degree will expose you to design topics and resources you won’t likely discover on your own. You can certainly buy software and read books all on your own, but the vast resources provided by a college campus cannot be duplicated.
Your graphic design coursework will expose you to additional computer software programs, some of which may be too expensive for you to buy on your own. Your courses will also teach you about the history of graphic design, graphic design theory, graphic design trends and industry terminology. You’ll also learn to troubleshoot graphic design problems.
3. A graphic design college degree will help you build connections. You’ll meet other aspiring graphic design artists in your classes and benefit from the tutelage of experienced graphic design instructors.
Perhaps even more importantly, any internship requirement you fulfill for your degree will put you in touch with graphic design professionals. The connections you build through college graphic design internships will no doubt aid in your job search after you graduate.
4. A graphic design college degree will enhance and diversify your portfolio. Your graphic design college coursework may be demanding at times, and assigned projects may be difficult to complete.
But what you’ll have by the time you graduate is a thick portfolio that showcases a variety of your work. If an internship was part of your curriculum, you’ll also have professional-grade samples of your graphic design to show future employers.
5. A graphic design college degree will make you a better graphic design artist. Your instructors and peers, though constructive criticism and honest feedback, will push you beyond your current creative limits and teach you to view your work with a critical eye and from different perspectives.
In addition, you’ll learn how to perform under pressure and meet deadlines, and you’ll gain valuable experience learning to satisfy people who may be difficult to please. You’ll learn to practice tact and diplomacy that will come in handy later when, as a professional graphic design artist, you will have to figure out how to please a variety of clients.
It’s easy to see the multiple benefits afforded to graduates of graphic design college programs. Think of your college degree as one of the most important investments you will ever make in your future — and one you won’t likely ever regret.