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The Unique Power of a Graphic Design School

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:12:47 +0000

Starting a career in graphic design is a thrilling prospect. After all, graphic design is a unique career path, allowing individuals to utilize their artistic talents for practical means. Graphic designers are essential to many businesses and organizations, often in charge of creating layouts and logos, maybe designing a sign, menu, or even advertising products. However, getting a job in this exciting career can sometimes be easier said than done, especially for individuals without proper training. Thankfully, a lack of experience is easily dealt with by enrolling in a quality graphic design school.

A graphic design school is an academic institution that can provide specific coursework and training to prepare students for the unique goals and challenges of a career in graphic design. A graphic design school may be a small, specialized institution, with a carefully selected catalog of tailored coursework. However, other schools may be a part of a larger college, with a graphic design program being only one of many options available to study. More specialized schools may have more intense coursework options, but a larger institution may give students more opportunities for cross-disciplinary work, which can sometimes be very useful when pursuing a career in graphic design. Some students even choose to pair their graphic design studies with another major, such as business or journalism.

To this end, there is much flexibility when it comes to a graphic design school. Students can be enrolled full time, part time, or even pursue coursework online. However, all graphic design schools will share some similar features in terms of the topics covered and the skills required. When enrolling in a graphic design school, students can expect to receive a broad foundational knowledge of artistic concepts, including topics related to color, design, and balance. Students will then have to utilize this knowledge in practical ways, creating various projects that demonstrate this knowledge. To do this, students should also expect to be familiarized with important tools of the trade in graphic design, including a variety of computer software such as Photoshop and Illustrator. The majority of courses in a graphic design school will require this type of hands-on learning in order to ensure that students are not only knowledgeable, but skilled as well.

A graphic design school is an integral part of a successful career in graphic design. Fortunately, students who do successfully complete the course of study at a graphic design school will have many career opportunities available to them. Many individuals with graphic design skills are well prepared for the business world, often in marketing and development departments. In these areas, individuals can use their skills to create appealing logos, signs, and other advertising products. Other graphic designers may hone their skills in the journalism and publishing industries, perhaps creating layouts and designing magazine or newspaper spreads. Other individuals who complete a degree from a graphic design school may prefer to use their skills in a freelance capacity, taking on clients for graphic design jobs on a contractual basis.

The cost of choosing a graphic design school will vary greatly. Public universities will usually offer a graphic design program as part of a larger art department. Tuition costs at state schools are generally the most affordable options, with yearly costs for an undergraduate degree ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 dollars. Private institutions will carry stiffer price tags, ranging anywhere from 15,000 to 50,000 dollars per year. The more prestigious the school, the higher the cost of tuition, and individuals who choose a graphic design school for a masters degree can expect to pay even more. Because of the high cost of some of these schools, students should be aware of the various financial aid options. Many schools have programs set up to help students afford their schooling, but students should always be proactive and apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible to ease the burden of their schooling expenses.

However, the cost is often well worth the end result. Many students who attend a graphic design school will be creatively stimulated, increasing their value in the workplace while also fostering their own personal growth and satisfaction. Because of this, choosing a graphic design school as a starting place for a career in graphic design can be a worthwhile decision. Whether the hope is to design magazine covers or work up the corporate ladder, a graphic design school can be a powerful stepping stone to get there. By fully immersing oneself into the schooling process, it is possible to grow as a person and a professional, which can sometimes be a rare combination in an increasingly stressful world.

Creativity and Practicality with a Graphic Design Degree

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:02:59 +0000

The ability to design and create is a powerful tool for anyone looking for a satisfying and productive career. Every organization and business employs individuals who have the design knowledge and creative skills needed to produce business logos, informational pamphlets, advertisements, and more. For individuals who are interested in meeting this ever-growing need, the best choice is to pursue a graphic design degree.

A graphic design degree teaches students both design concepts as well as practical how-to approaches to implement such concepts. A graphic design degree is often offered through an art department, since many of the ideas and concepts behind a strong design relate to other art genres. Graphic design, however, is much more focused on creating a visually appealing end product, often for marketing purposes.

More specifically, students who pursue graphic design will learn design composition, with an emphasis on drawing the viewer’s eye to the relevant information. In this way, students in graphic design will be expected to master design principles related to scale, balance, and color. In addition to this conceptual knowledge, students in graphic design develop their artistic skills by mastering various computer programs that are pivotal to modern graphic design, such as InDesign, Photoshop, or Illustrator.

A typical undergraduate graphic design degree will last four years. The specific requirements will vary, but many students will complete foundational art classes before taking focused graphic design classes. A graphic design degree will also involve significant hands-on work, and many courses will require students to produce various projects in order to receive a grade. Graduate level programs are also available to further refine one’s skill, and these programs may have more specialized focuses.

A graphic design degree is not only creatively invigorating, but it can be a powerful tool in the modern job market. Students who complete a graphic design degree have many career paths available. Some students may be interested in journalism. Newspapers and magazines may focus heavily on writing and photography, but these publications also require individuals with strong design sense to create appealing layouts. Related jobs may be found in virtual journalism, with a growing demand for individuals who can create engaging website layouts.

Individuals who hold a graphic design degree may be well suited for the business arena, perhaps working in a marketing department. In these positions, individuals may work on any number of projects, including creating logos, signs, brochures, websites, or television spots. It is also possible to use a graphic design degree on a freelance basis, perhaps starting a consulting business that accepts jobs from clients who have various design needs.

Students with a graphic design degree can expect a wide range of pay. For those who become a graphic design specialist, the pay begins around 34,000 dollars and can exceed 60,000 dollars. Base level web designers may start off earning anywhere between 30,000 and 57,000 dollars annually. Advanced web designer positions may see pay up to 93,000 dollars.

In all, a graphic design degree not only provides students with the skills they need to succeed in the job market, but also gives students everything they need to have a creatively stimulating career. There are few jobs that bridge the gap between practical application and creative production in this way, making a graphic design degree a great choice for anyone looking for a meaningful career that will keep them engaged for years to come.

Five Benefits of a Graphic Design College Degree

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:23:01 +0000

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.