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How much training do you need to be a graphic designer?

My instructor told us that we don't get certification in our program because "you can't certify talent." That being said, how do I know when my skills are adequate? What kind of training is most important for a graphic designer- knowledge in the software, artistic skill, or raw creativity? Thanks! #design #graphics #personal-development #graphic-design #career-details

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Spartaco’s Answer

Well, there's a lot to it. Most important thing to focus on is finishing something. I would recommend college and finishing a degree in something related to what you might be pursuing as a career. But in graphic design, as stated above, WAY overly saturated with people. WAY too many people calling themselves "graphic designers". Doesn't matter if they majored in it in college, still they need to have a skill set and an eye for it. Most graphic designers aren't real designers. They hack there way around and don't really have the skill set. YOU need experience, period. That is the most important way to learn. Your teacher is partially right but mostly, you need to get out there. Research, internships, look over all the place, do small jobs for friends or businesses, of course, always paid. Get dirty, what I mean, you need more and more experience. If myself, with a ton of experience and a skill set, still has problems finding work. So, what does that tell you? Teachers in school, college, try to glorify every choice you make and don't get real with what it's like. It's war. There's way too many people in a "artist" capacity that truly aren't qualified at all to do the gig but were lucky or something. Luck and who you know play a very important roll. I would really figure it out if it's for you and be focused on whatever you choose, 1000% percent. If you watch sports, football, for example, a QB or any player, needs to practice and practice, over and over again. The same thing, some days good, other days not. all the time. Remember, how many QB's are in college? How many want to play in the NFL? A lot! So, what I am saying, concentrate and focus on something specific, a teacher I had used the word " specificity" being very specific, clear about what you are doing or talking about. Be focused on what you can control and not what you can't. Anyhow, work hard, be yourself and do what YOU want to do. Don't be guided by money or whatever but that's your choice. Experience in work and life is the key, it's all too short. Good luck.
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Julie’s Answer

Talent is important....but a degree is even more so. Just to be considered for basic level Graphic artist positions, you need to have an Associate's degree to show that you have a basic understanding of the technical skills that are required in software. A strong portfolio helps as well. Given the amount of graphic artists out in the job market as it is, if it comes down to talent or a degree.....at least in a full time company setting (not freelance) a degree will get it every time....
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Taylor’s Answer

Following up on this... It's not just about training/formal schooling. During school and after you graduate, you have to keep trying to learn! Take Skillshare courses, watch YouTube, and try to get involved with projects because you need to continue to learn to stay relevant in any career. Reading books on the subject in your spare time is also incredibly helpful. Lastly, a successful career doesn't just hinge on who you know but also who you spend time with. Make friends and work next to people who do the same thing you do!

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Simon’s Answer

My son just got his degree in graphic arts (actually part of the fine arts program at this school) with a minor in business. At this school it's a 5 year program with 25 art students picked for the final 2 years of graphic arts each year. The field is very competitive. Talent is important but there is a lot more to graphic arts than raw talent. My son worked with many media, from graphic to photo and video. They did presentations to real clients. The project they develop are incredible, from posters and commercials to cell phone apps. The program also shows the students how to prepare a professional portfolio. These are the folks you will be competing with. If you are serious about this career I recommend you look into at least a two year degree. Good luck.
PS...my son landed a associate graphic design job with an advertising company here in town after they saw his classes final art show and portfolio.

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Cuong’s Answer

Like most jobs requirements, having a degree is your certification of your training to being a graphic designer. Unless you get a part-time job as assistant graphic designer or internship, if you have some skills and have a portfolio, you could show your talents to try your luck with no degree. You could also build your training by doing freelance design work for friends and family and clients.

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