How to make a transition from fine arts to design?

Hello,

• Master's degree programs in industrial design train designers to be responsible for studying, developing and creating machine-made products. Applicants to industrial design master's degree programs are required to possess a bachelor's degree. While many applicants will have pursued undergraduate study in the field, it is not required. Most schools require the submission of a portfolio of work; this portfolio should demonstrate a student's abilities in a variety of facets of industrial design, such as 2-dimensional communication, 3-dimensional communication, mechanical aptitude and aesthetics. Depending on the school, applicants to master's degree programs in industrial design may be required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Studio projects during a master's program could include practice with color, form, construction, cost and safety for a wide spectrum of products.

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree, portfolio of work, possible Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
Other Requirements: Studio projects, internship

Industrial designers develop concepts and designs for manufactured products. They typically specialize in one product category, such as automobiles, furniture or housewares. They must be imaginative and persistent to communicate their ideas about new product design. A bachelor's degree in an area like industrial design, engineering or architecture is essential for this career.

Industrial designers are responsible for the look of many of the products bought, used and consumed every day. It is the job of an industrial designer to create, plan and style manufactured goods, including automobiles, household products, food packaging, consumer electronics and medical equipment.

An industrial designer considers the usability, ergonomics and aesthetics of common mass-produced items and works to improve the design, function, engineering and marketing of these items. Industrial designers are responsible for the familiar look of brands and products like Jeep, iPods and the Coke bottle.

Industrial designers work with many different specialists, like materials scientists, engineers, marketers and accountants, to create new products. When beginning a project, industrial designers may start with a client meeting in which they advise the product planning team on how existing products can be improved and new ones introduced. They also work with the market research department to assess the product performance characteristics required by consumers and establish visual characteristics that will give the sales team an edge in the marketplace.

Next, the designers may create and sketch several different design ideas and present these options to the client. After the client has decided what ideas are to be pursued, the industrial designers go to work creating computer renderings with CAD programs and graphic design or photo imaging software; they also create 3-dimensional mock-ups to help clients visualize the final results. After the client decides on the final product design, the project moves to the engineering department for the manufacturing process.

In: http://study.com/industrial_design_masters.html
http://study.com/what_does_an_industrial_designer_do.html

Have a great journey!!

Hello Santa:

Yes, your skill set in fine arts could be easily applied towards any sort of design, graphic, industrial or product or whatever, but it won't be easy. As a previous reviewer noted, you will have to acquire skills in using the different computer software programs for your chosen design field. You will have to come up with a portfolio that shows your design abilities and talents. So, it seems like it would be like starting over in some respects. Don't be discouraged, you can do this.

I would talk to your art teachers and then see if you can do an "informational" interview with someone in the area of design you are interested in. Find out what computer software programs and other skills you need to know about. It would be good for you to get some sort of an internship at a design studio, but I still think you would need the basic computer skills for that design field before they would take you on as an intern. Check this out.

Any design field is very competitive, and there is really no on the job training; your competition will be students who already have degrees in industrial design (or whatever area). If you can't change your major, then your best bet might be to get a masters in your chosen design field.

Best wishes!