So you think you might have what it takes to become a graphic designer? Where do you go from here?
Time to get educated...
Although there may be some that make it to the industry just by talent alone, most, if not all of us (I'm talking you and me here) need some sort of certificate or degree to land a job as a graphic designer. Employers won't even bother to look at you if you lack the piece of paper that shows that you have been trained and seasoned by some sort of graphic design related program.
Getting a degree or certificate doesn't reflect your talent, but it does show that you have a good firm base of knowledge and you take the industry seriously. So what are your training options?
There are many graphic design schools and colleges across North America, Europe, and abroad that offers graphic design related degrees and programs. The range and scope of these programs all depend on what you want, and where you want to go. There are programs in multimedia, graphic design, visual communication, advertising, animation, web development, and so on. All have much of the same principles and structure at work, but they all can have a different slant. Often people lump these categories together into "graphic design". A multimedia program for example may focus more on the TV industry. Other programs may focus more on print or website development. Often there is some overlap with all of these kinds of programs, but they can be quite different. It's important though to know what slant the program has, and if you're happy with that slant.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division offers very strong programs in Graphic Design, Video Game Development, Multimedia & more. The great thing is that you can get a degree from home through the Internet. This is the way a lot of people are doing things these days.
Recommended Graphic Design Schools
There are many graphic design schools and colleges offering a range of degrees and certificates. Below are some of the best education options for those wanting a strong start for a career in graphic design. Request more information (it's totally free), and get your dream career started in this exciting industry.
ITT Technical Institute (Hot!)Location: 100+ Campuses Nationwide!
Graphic Design Program:
The Graphic Design program in the School of Drafting and Design at ITT Technical Institute offers skills and knowledge to help graduates communicate ideas and concepts through print and electronic media. The program emphasizes creativity, visualization and critical thinking to help graduates generate technologically appropriate, functional and aesthetically pleasing graphic design. Instruction in design theory, graphic design tools and media production is included. The program also includes hands-on applications using equipment and software.
Request their School of Drafting and Design Brochure today to find out more about these programs.
Westwood College Online (Hot!)
Location: Online + Various Locations
Visual Communications Bachelor of Science Degree:
Get the skills you need for creative positions in advertising agencies, in-house design departments, design companies, web-design firms, and Internet companies.
Associate's Degree in Graphic Design:
Learn the fundamentals of graphic design and turn your ideas into reality with hands-on experience with the latest technology and software. Courses can be completed in as few as 17 months and are taught by instructors trained in online course delivery.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division (Hot!)
Location: Online
Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design:
The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design degree program provides students the opportunity to develop an understanding of color and composition, design and typography, and drawing board skills. As they progress through the program, students are trained in creative problem solving and learn to offer solutions that are effective in the business world. This program also offers students an opportunity to developed advanced graphic design skills and focus additional studies in associated art and design areas.
Associate of Science Degree in Graphic Design:The Graphic Design program at The The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division is the first step toward a career in commercial graphics. Initially, students develop an understanding of color and composition, design and typography, and drawing board skills. As they progress through the program, students are trained in creative problem solving and learn to offer solutions that are effective in the business world.
The Art Institutes
Various Locations Across the US and Canada**Click on the school link to check the location availability for your area*
Program of Graphic Design:
Good designers are an interesting breed; they live and breathe in the aesthetic and functional realm. Their discerning eyes notice type treatments on commercials and movie credits. A great-looking chair makes them green with envy.
If you are a kindred soul to this kind of thinking, welcome to design. We know you. You create the interesting visuals that make all the difference in the world.
But first things first. You’ll need an education, taught by faculty, who act like clients. Then mentors. Then back again. And you’ll need a portfolio, which will become your all-consuming passion as you’re preparing to graduate. Potential employers will want to see what you can do. You’ll be ready.
Begin a career in Graphic Design today through The Art Institutes' Graphic Design program.
American InterContinental University Online
Locations: Various Locations + Online
Visual Communication / Bachelor of Fine Arts or Associate Degree:
The Visual Communication program is designed to educate and develop artistic and imaginative students for careers in the fields of commercial art and design. Emphasis is placed on the development of the thinking process and the ability to solve design problems creatively. Students learn the principles, practical applications and methodologies used in completing competent and creative design solutions.
IADT Online
Location: Online
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
To help meet the demand for more experienced creative professionals, IADT Online will also begin accepting applications for enrollment into its Bachelor of Fine Art degree program in Graphic Design. In this dynamic curriculum, students will focus on hands-on projects and professional portfolio and résumé building as they have an opportunity to acquire career-specific skills in advertising, layout, type, color, and illustration.
Associate of Science in Graphic Design
For students just embarking on a creative career path, the Academy's Associate of Science degree program in Graphic Design is structured to provide a real-world understanding of the roles and responsibilities of today's graphic designers in the modern workplace.By studying the fundamentals of computer graphics, advertising and design, students can learn how to work with clients to help them communicate ideas visually. They will also be instructed how to generate creative ideas for packaging, imaging and design as they become comfortable with graphics programs like PhotoShop and Illustrator.
High-Tech Institute
Locations: Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix
Graphic Design and Animation
People in this profession create or design things on computers. Though this sounds simple enough, their work often requires them to know several different software programs in order to edit or create images, graphics, sounds and video files, websites, 3D images, CD's and multimedia presentations.
What does our Graphic Design and Animation program offer you?- The knowledge to create and edit images and graphics in Photoshop, and to use Macromedia Flash to create Internet presentations - The skill to use Adobe Premier to create and edit digital video and audio files - The training to use 3D Studio MAX to generate animations and 3D images - The ability the create interactive web sites - The proficiency to build multimedia presentations using Macromedia Director.
Collins College
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Communications:
Students who graduate from this program can enter the above career fields depending on the specialization as Graphic Designers, Internet Web Designers, New Media Production Designers, Graphic Communications, Multimedia Designers, Graphic Designers for interactive Media, Digital Video Editors, and Commercial Production utilizating non-linear editing. The length of the BA Program will be approximately thirty one (31) months for those students who are taking the lower division Associate Program at Collins College.
Associate of Arts Degree in Visual Communications:
The educational objective of the Associate of Arts Degree Program at Collins College is to provide the knowledge, skills and experience needed to prepare the student for entry-level employment in the Visual Communication field. The required core courses educate the student in traditional and computer-based design concepts and technical skills necessary for the professional Graphic Designer.
