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what classes did you take in high school for graphic design
I'm in 9th grade and I'm wondering about graphic design #graphic-design #graphic-designer #web-design #graphics #game-design #game-design
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Alwyn’s Answer
Well when I was in high school, long ago, there were no graphic design classes offered. I was thankfully exposed by my high-school art teacher, to individuals who practiced in a variety of creative professions, painters, photographers, commercial artists to name a few. Wanting to make my life in the arts I chose to learn more about commercial art (aka now graphic design) as that is the only way I saw of earning a living while doing what I’ve always felt compelled to do and have loved. All that I was exposed to in high school led me to a design school from where I emerged as a newbie designer - knowing little but wanting to learn more.
In today’s world, I encourage you to take a variety of courses that will round you as a design professional in areas of business (just in case you want to go at it alone and need the skills on how to run your own business), tools (software and specifically applications as tools to do design work), skills (design theory, practice methodologies like agile and coding, not necessarily to become a coder but so you are competently conversant in it as you may have to work with developers if you choose to design software). Become knowledgeable in many areas, master a few, excelling in what you know and can do best. Design provides a lot of opportunities for personal and professional growth along with many challenges; it requires you to be a perpetual learner. Design is a constantly evolving, changing discipline. Strive to be the best!
In today’s world, I encourage you to take a variety of courses that will round you as a design professional in areas of business (just in case you want to go at it alone and need the skills on how to run your own business), tools (software and specifically applications as tools to do design work), skills (design theory, practice methodologies like agile and coding, not necessarily to become a coder but so you are competently conversant in it as you may have to work with developers if you choose to design software). Become knowledgeable in many areas, master a few, excelling in what you know and can do best. Design provides a lot of opportunities for personal and professional growth along with many challenges; it requires you to be a perpetual learner. Design is a constantly evolving, changing discipline. Strive to be the best!
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Hi Hannah-
I initially started out in the Print Industry never really studying for it specifically. When in high school and college, I participated and numerous variety of "creative" groups and courses. I found that you kind of build your "creative-toolbox" from a collection of different experiences. There definitely needs to be an approach from "progress over perfection" when starting out. It's kind of like riding a bike, you'll become more and more comfortable with the various tools that are out there. While younger and with the opportunities, test out as many as you can. You'll gravitate toward those which give you the desired results you're after. Also, reach out, like this site, to others for "their ideas" so you can try new things as well. Try to get internships with companies doing what you're interested in. It might not be the environment you think it is. Start a club, if there isn't one, in your school focused on your media of interest.
I initially started out in the Print Industry never really studying for it specifically. When in high school and college, I participated and numerous variety of "creative" groups and courses. I found that you kind of build your "creative-toolbox" from a collection of different experiences. There definitely needs to be an approach from "progress over perfection" when starting out. It's kind of like riding a bike, you'll become more and more comfortable with the various tools that are out there. While younger and with the opportunities, test out as many as you can. You'll gravitate toward those which give you the desired results you're after. Also, reach out, like this site, to others for "their ideas" so you can try new things as well. Try to get internships with companies doing what you're interested in. It might not be the environment you think it is. Start a club, if there isn't one, in your school focused on your media of interest.
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Hannah,
As it directly relates to graphic design, I took some digital photography classes in high school which exposed me to Photoshop. If your school has any digital photography, graphic design, or web design/coding classes, those might all be helpful. Outside of that, my advice is to take as many fine arts classes as you can because all aspects of art and design are relevant to developing your talent as a graphic designer. I like to look at the computer as a tool, just like a paint brush and canvas, to create your ideas/designs. Color theory, drawing, and painting are all good places to start. You'll likely want to sketch out your design ideas, so you'll want a really solid drawing base. I also took AP Art in my senior year, which helped refine my drawing skills and build my portfolio for college. Good luck!!
As it directly relates to graphic design, I took some digital photography classes in high school which exposed me to Photoshop. If your school has any digital photography, graphic design, or web design/coding classes, those might all be helpful. Outside of that, my advice is to take as many fine arts classes as you can because all aspects of art and design are relevant to developing your talent as a graphic designer. I like to look at the computer as a tool, just like a paint brush and canvas, to create your ideas/designs. Color theory, drawing, and painting are all good places to start. You'll likely want to sketch out your design ideas, so you'll want a really solid drawing base. I also took AP Art in my senior year, which helped refine my drawing skills and build my portfolio for college. Good luck!!
Updated
August’s Answer
I'm not entirely sure there would be classes in high school to address this issue, however, there are outside classes you can take to really build your conceptual skills. As above, highly recommend courses in photography, colour theory, and art history (specifically contemporary art). If you're near a city, I would even recommend snapping pics of street art you come across. And museums. Visit LOTS of art museums.
For a more technological grounding, if your school publishes a yearbook, perhaps get involved there. That will likely involve such things as InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, all of which are currently industry standard. In fact, Adobe Creative Suite will let you trial software for a month. You'll see that the entire toolset has a somewhat common vocabulary that will let you learn the language of each program.
For a more technological grounding, if your school publishes a yearbook, perhaps get involved there. That will likely involve such things as InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, all of which are currently industry standard. In fact, Adobe Creative Suite will let you trial software for a month. You'll see that the entire toolset has a somewhat common vocabulary that will let you learn the language of each program.
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
I did not take any class beyond computer coding that was useful for graphic design, but there are a lot of courses that you can take online that could help you learn graphic design skills. Skillshare has a lot of online classes that you could take for yourself at your own pace. Google also has a UX Design course that they're starting now on grow.google .com.