Is college necessary to be a graphic designer?
i am a junior in highschool and I am interested in knowing if college is a must. Can you take classes on your own and still get hired to do small projects? And if so, what is required to be a graphic designer #graphic-design #photography #3d-graphics #python
5 answers
Justin’s Answer
Put simply, absolutely not.
Most of my employers have never asked where I went to school, and quite a few of the designers I've worked with never attended a design/art college. Having a degree is a great thing, and by no means is it necessary.
There are countless resources online which can help you learn the tools of the trade. Much like anything else, you must first learn the basics. I would suggest finding books on amazon or at your local library on graphic design. From there I recommend starting to learn photoshop, one of the most versatile tools a designer can use. Tuts+, Lynda.com, photoshoptutorials.ws, are all great places to learn how to use photoshop.
In the meantime, continue learning about design as an art, color theory, typography, iconography, interface design, desktop publishing, branding, product development, etc. After you're comfortable with photoshop, there are several other adobe products I would consider learning.
If you manage to find a curriculum for a school you wish to attend, perhaps start searching for online tutorials related to those courses, and start learning now to get a jump start on your path to an amazing career.
Best of luck to you!
good question
Mason
Sally Barnett
Sally’s Answer
If you are a highly motivated person who also has a business sense and knows what you want to do, you can go far, very quickly. But for most people, motivation is short and needs to be fed. A constant supply of ideas and projects and motivational like-minded people around you, helps a lot.
There is a mountain of websites giving you tutorials (for free even) online. For example: Creativelive, Skillshare, etc etc...where people like you fulfil projects designed by online mentors and then you all have a chat about each other's work and get great critique in order to improve your skills.....
Never discount the opportunity of a wealth of knowledge and tutoring which can be given to you by experts in their field (whether through college or professionally).
If later, you find work alongside a team of graphic designers, they will inspire you, BUT!!!!! you need to get to that stage first and my advice for you is to gain knowledge of the industry and practice practice practice your skill, to build up a portfolio of good work. College worked for me, big time. I wouldnt be in the position I am now if I hadnt taken the plunge into doing graphic design at University. It helped me to build up a portfolio very quickly.
Good Luck!!
Gianni’s Answer
I'm a classic case of someone who never finished college, but has had a long (15+ years) and pretty successful career in film, animation, and games. I would say that depending on your drive, it is definitely possible to become a graphic designer without a degree. No employer has ever asked me why I didn't finish college. All they really care about is my portfolio and whether or not I can work with people and get the job done on time.
That being said, unless you are extremely driven to be self taught - not just on the tools but also on general art theory: design, color, shadow, light, line, form, composition, etc, then it will be extremely challenging to compete with other artists who have had this training. Your greatest asset as an artist will be your experience and the training you receive in school with give you a very good foundation and head start towards achieving a great eye and skill for your craft.
Li’s Answer
Here's the lowdown: College isn't necessarily the only gateway to graphic design greatness. Picture this – you, armed with talent, passion, and a killer portfolio, can definitely kickstart your graphic design journey sans the traditional academic route.
Yes, you heard it right – you can absolutely venture into the world of design by taking classes on your own. There's a plethora of online courses, tutorials, and resources waiting for you to dive in. From graphic design principles to mastering the tools of the trade, the internet is your digital classroom.
Now, about landing those small projects – totally doable! Clients care more about the quality of your work and the creativity you bring to the table than where you earned your design stripes. Build a killer portfolio showcasing your best pieces, and you'll be turning heads in no time.
But, and here's the twist – having that college degree? It's like having an extra sprinkle of magic on your resume. It opens doors, adds a layer of credibility, and sometimes, employers love to see those academic credentials. Plus, you get to hone your skills, network with fellow designers, and maybe even discover aspects of design you never knew existed.
And to be a graphic designer, you need a few key ingredients:
1. Master the design tools. For example, Adobe Creative Suite. Learn Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, After effects and Animator. You can even learn canva since that's what some prefer. But I'd recommend you to master the Adobe softwares.
2. Your portfolio is your golden ticket. Curate a collection of your best works – logos, posters, web designs – showcase your versatility and unique style. You can build your digital portfolio and online presence on sites like Behance and Dribbble. If you're doing art, Deviant Art and Art Station will be helpful too. Also, a LinkedIn for your professional presence and job opportunities.
3. Graphic design is all about visual storytelling. Let your creativity flow, experiment with different styles, and bring your unique perspective to each project.
4. The design world evolves, and so should you. Stay updated on design trends, explore new techniques, and keep refining your craft.
5. Connect with other designers, attend meet-ups, and showcase your work on platforms like Behance. Networking opens doors you didn't even know existed.
Now, if you want a final answer for "Is college necessary to be a graphic designer?," the choice is yours. College or no college, what matters most is your passion, dedication, and the fire to create jaw dropping art and designs.
Rahul’s Answer
No, You needn't have a college degree to pursue in this field. Although typical U.S. graphic design jobs may require at least some form of degree. Also proficiency in one or more graphic design tools like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign is vital.
Rahul recommends the following next steps: