3 answers
Roger
Student
5
Questions
Asked
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To people who are a graphic designer (the job not category of jobs) how easy or hard was it for you in college? Mainly classes and payment for stuff needed for class?
Hello, I'm thinking of being a graphic designer (I'm going say this every time the job specifically not the category of jobs), and the title/questions state everything I am asking. #graphic-designer #college #payment
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3 answers
Steven Trevathan
Founder & Co-CEO, Make&Model Inc.
7
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Steven’s Answer
I believe you're asking about the experience or difficulty graphic designers sometimes in their coursework as well as how much of a struggle it was to pay for the materials, so I'll answer that as best I can!
The coursework was not easy, to be honest, but I really don't know of a single career path that is easy. The challenge is just naturally part of learning. In any case, the classes I took were very rewarding and allowed me to develop my visual skills while also learning how to speak better about design. Design crit was always very helpful, though at times quite funny and if you take this path you'll for sure have memories made in your college design crit that you'll joke about forever. Honestly, I think graphic design is one of the more fun *and* rewarding subjects to study in college.
As far as payment for things I needed: I honestly struggled with that at times, but that was only because I didn't properly estimate how much I needed to take out in aid or loans for it. For me that was just a lesson in using a calculator and/or asking administration for an average I might expect to need to cover each semester. But I was able to get what I needed with barely any income at the time, so I wouldn't let this deter you from entering the field.
Hope you'll give it a try and like it!
The coursework was not easy, to be honest, but I really don't know of a single career path that is easy. The challenge is just naturally part of learning. In any case, the classes I took were very rewarding and allowed me to develop my visual skills while also learning how to speak better about design. Design crit was always very helpful, though at times quite funny and if you take this path you'll for sure have memories made in your college design crit that you'll joke about forever. Honestly, I think graphic design is one of the more fun *and* rewarding subjects to study in college.
As far as payment for things I needed: I honestly struggled with that at times, but that was only because I didn't properly estimate how much I needed to take out in aid or loans for it. For me that was just a lesson in using a calculator and/or asking administration for an average I might expect to need to cover each semester. But I was able to get what I needed with barely any income at the time, so I wouldn't let this deter you from entering the field.
Hope you'll give it a try and like it!
Caroline Nguyen
Marketing
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Hi Roger!
I majored in Visual Communication Design, and was always amazed by how many mediums 'design' covers. In a holistic program, you may be taking classes that range anywhere from sketching and painting to web design and 3D modeling. That being said, each medium requires different tools, and many of my classes required a full set of a 'certain brand' of x-acto knives, pastels, online programs, or materials.
I believe I ended up spending at least a hundred dollars a semester, but it was helpful to share materials with friends, look up coupons (Michael's Craft store always has a 50% off in-store) and check with the school if they have free software access or even leftover materials. When you work for a company as a designer, these things will generally be paid for or expensed, like your Adobe software subscription.
In terms of how hard it was, I can't say it was easy. Some colleagues found sketching very easy, while at the same time, found web design increasingly difficult. I loved my InDesign class, but almost failed my CAD class. It's really very dependant on your strengths and willingness to take critique and grow - as Steven mentions above. Graphic design is indeed extremely rewarding and incredibly personal. Perhaps take a class and see how you feel?
I hope this helped.
Caroline
Try an online graphic design class
I majored in Visual Communication Design, and was always amazed by how many mediums 'design' covers. In a holistic program, you may be taking classes that range anywhere from sketching and painting to web design and 3D modeling. That being said, each medium requires different tools, and many of my classes required a full set of a 'certain brand' of x-acto knives, pastels, online programs, or materials.
I believe I ended up spending at least a hundred dollars a semester, but it was helpful to share materials with friends, look up coupons (Michael's Craft store always has a 50% off in-store) and check with the school if they have free software access or even leftover materials. When you work for a company as a designer, these things will generally be paid for or expensed, like your Adobe software subscription.
In terms of how hard it was, I can't say it was easy. Some colleagues found sketching very easy, while at the same time, found web design increasingly difficult. I loved my InDesign class, but almost failed my CAD class. It's really very dependant on your strengths and willingness to take critique and grow - as Steven mentions above. Graphic design is indeed extremely rewarding and incredibly personal. Perhaps take a class and see how you feel?
I hope this helped.
Caroline
Caroline recommends the following next steps:
Brenna Jue
Instructional Designer
5
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Brenna’s Answer
Hello Roger and other aspiring graphic designers,
First, be encouraged and inspired that you are pursuing a fantastic field of endless opportunities, with countless ways to achieve your goals.
Next, the reality of cost. Don't think of these as, "I have to buy these," but rather, "I want to invest in myself." As a student, the dent to your pocketbook may feel bruising but the bruises heal.
You'll likely need to obtain any of the following:
- traditional tools: aka materials found in an art store
...now, assuming you're going to pursue a graphic design path that entails more than a canvas and drawing instruments…
- hardware: drawing tablets, cameras, digital devices with graphics acceleration
- software: luckily, students can get a discounted break on several top tools but the software titles you need can add up quickly
- storage: cloud, external drives
- network: moving graphic files require ample network enablers and speed to work on
- memberships and subscriptions: you'll want to stay informed by staying involved in your circles
For your classes, in terms of easy versus hard: higher education should be challenging and rewarding, more so than stressful and unattainable to make ends meet. Balancing a learning budget of schedule and cost is an art itself. If time and money are no object, I'd recommend exploring classes of every medium of design that you can fit in your schedule -- but first do the research and prioritize what's on your learning journey map. Starting broad and narrowing down may be wiser than limiting your sights in a narrow design focus area and then realizing it's not what you truly want to pursue. You may not have this opportunity to try on as many hats once you enter the workforce full time.
Seek out caring mentors, follow creative influencers, and develop your own unique style in your journey. Best wishes to you and your pursuits!
First, be encouraged and inspired that you are pursuing a fantastic field of endless opportunities, with countless ways to achieve your goals.
Next, the reality of cost. Don't think of these as, "I have to buy these," but rather, "I want to invest in myself." As a student, the dent to your pocketbook may feel bruising but the bruises heal.
You'll likely need to obtain any of the following:
- traditional tools: aka materials found in an art store
...now, assuming you're going to pursue a graphic design path that entails more than a canvas and drawing instruments…
- hardware: drawing tablets, cameras, digital devices with graphics acceleration
- software: luckily, students can get a discounted break on several top tools but the software titles you need can add up quickly
- storage: cloud, external drives
- network: moving graphic files require ample network enablers and speed to work on
- memberships and subscriptions: you'll want to stay informed by staying involved in your circles
For your classes, in terms of easy versus hard: higher education should be challenging and rewarding, more so than stressful and unattainable to make ends meet. Balancing a learning budget of schedule and cost is an art itself. If time and money are no object, I'd recommend exploring classes of every medium of design that you can fit in your schedule -- but first do the research and prioritize what's on your learning journey map. Starting broad and narrowing down may be wiser than limiting your sights in a narrow design focus area and then realizing it's not what you truly want to pursue. You may not have this opportunity to try on as many hats once you enter the workforce full time.
Seek out caring mentors, follow creative influencers, and develop your own unique style in your journey. Best wishes to you and your pursuits!