FAQs
Q: Do I really need formal training to work as a graphic designer?
A: Approximately 70% of individuals entering the field have a Bachelor of Arts or some college. Because this is a fairly competitive field the best chance for a successful beginning in this and related professions is to have a strong portfolio and formal education (a 4 year degree from an accredited institution). By completing a degree in graphic design, digital art, etc. a graduate will have a portfolio from work completed at school to show potential employers as a representation of their skills and abilities.
Additional research states :
■ A four-year Bachelor’s Degree is generally required for
entry-level positions.
■ A two-year Associate’s degree is sometimes adequate for
technical positions involving only basic design abilities.
■ Of the five design professions, graphic designers will have
the most new jobs opportunities through 2014.
■ Applicants will face the traditional strong competition for
the available positions.
■ A four-year degree and a good portfolio is required for most
entry through advanced level design positions.
■ An associates degree is adequate for some entry level
technical positions.
Q: With things being digital nowadays, is a career as an Illustrator still a possibility?
A: Certainly. You would follow the same educational path with an emphasis on illustration. All graphic design and digital arts programs require traditional drawing/painting, color theory etc., Computer generated images or CGI and hand created illustrations require the same strong knowledge of how shape, color and layout reflect the image they project and how these images affect the viewer or user psychologically. The digital age has simply added to this repertoire with the required proficiency in software and electronic processes. Today’s multi-media artists use the computer exclusively or combined with images created by hand. Often a hand created image is scanned and incorporated into a digital layout, or used as the primary image to be recreated in digital form.
Q: Is the visual arts field really open to anyone? I’m well past my college years…
A: Employers and clients will evaluate you by your portfolio, education and personal presentation. The core study of all visual and design disciplines is one’s ability to access and express creative thoughts from the sum total of images (data) they have observed throughout their lives. Therefore, the more diversity, life experience, and expanded view of our world a designer can bring to their work is a strength. The attributes below strongly support this.
ATTRIBUTES OF A SUCCESSFUL GRAPHIC DESIGNER
■ The ability to communicate ideas and concepts verbally, in writing and most importantly, visually.
■ Creative thought processes and abilities.
■ An interest in being well read, currently informed, and open to consider new ideas and influences.
■ Sensitivity to changing trends in what consumers prefer and the ability to react quickly to incorporate such changing trends in their designs.
■ Personal communication skills, general business knowledge and adequate sales abilities are also beneficial, specifically for self employed free-lance designers.
■ Problem solving skills.
■ Self disciplined to work independently and under pressure.
■ Ability to coordinate projects, budget time successfully and meet deadline and production schedules.
■ Attention to detail, neatness and technical abilities.
Q: How much will the various graphic design and multi-media colleges cost and is there financial aid available?
A: There are three options:
1. A two year AA (Associate of Arts) degree from a community college or junior college.
2. A bachelor of arts from a four year public/state university such as California State University, University of Denver etc.
3. A bachelor of arts from a four year private university or college.
Some private colleges and universities offer two year AA or certificate program.
Tuition Amounts are outlined below.
AND Numerous forms of financial aid are available for students in the form of grants, scholarships and student loans.
TUITION COSTS for public state universities and colleges
IN-STATE, APPROXIMATE TUITION PER SEMESTER
FULL TIME (6.1 + units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,700.00
PART TIME (0–6.0 units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,200.00
NOTE: Students who are not a resident of the state they are attending college in, typically pay up to $5000.00 per semester for tuition at public universities. After 6 months a student may apply for state residency and thereby qualify for in-state tuition rates.
PRIVATE ART OR DESIGN—College, University, Academy etc.
APPROXIMATE TUITION PER SEMESTER
FULL TIME (6.1+units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,000.00
PART TIME (0–6.0 units) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7,000.00
NOTES: For private design or art colleges tuition is the same for in-state as for out-of-state.
Q: Are community colleges or adult education classes good alternatives to formal training or design school course?
A: Community colleges will offer a two year Associates Degree (or AA) or Certificate in Graphic Design etc. Adult education programs would be more limited and very basic.
Typically 2–3 year programs offered at community colleges or professional schools focus on technical and entry level design skills with little advanced design instruction. By completing a 2 or 3 year program, individuals will qualify for technical positions such as layout and production artists or as graphic design assistants or may transfer to a four year university to complete a bachelor of arts degree.
As design professionals we strongly urge you to choose a school from the accredited list in our book if you are committed to a career in graphic design. If it is not possible to attend one of these institutions, then do your best to attend a program that closely meets the standard of these accredited programs.
