Comments on: How do you Choose a Graphic Design School?

By: Tulsa Signs Designer

Tulsa Signs Designer — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 02:51:27 +0000

I design signs, but really all design is a communicating an idea or message visually.
There are lots of great books/blogs/online tutorials on the subject of design.
I studied a book many years ago called “Mastering the Art of Eye Appeal”.

You don’t necessarily need to go to college to be a designer, but you will need to study.
Study and read everything you can and look at lots of designs.

I like the class that Suziq took: Graphic Communications.
That really says it all.

By: Tara: Freelance Designer

Tara: Freelance Designer — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:21:45 +0000

Hi road signs
I think if you want to get a job with a design company the likelyhood is you would need some professional training in design. If of course you want to be self employed you could try to teach yourself and once confident start looking for freelance projects.

By: road signs

road signs — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:03:40 +0000

Do you think that going to school for graphic design would be better than learning about it on your own and getting a degree in say, business or something like that? or do companies only hire from schools where you get a graphic design degree?

By: Volapuk kitai

Volapuk kitai — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:16:40 +0000

i have been desperately trying to look for a course that suits me but from your column i realise that the area where my interest may lie may not suit me and i wont know until i try but that may cost alot of money and time and i know how frustrating its going to be eventually…but if i were to go look for a job related to the art field and start exploring from there, its also rather difficult cos i do not have any relevant experience in this field (although i know i wan to be in it but which area, i am still not sure) and employers, i find out, wont wanna ‘waste time’ on people like that and would prefer they come with the necessary skills and recognised diplomas and degrees… so i feel kinda ‘stuck’ actually

By: Sam

Sam — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 17:22:21 +0000

I’m not too sure on this one, many colleges and universities have good reps, but I think it probably does come down to where you feel most at ease as this will let those creativ juices flow. I chose mine by chance, I had some work copied and went to see a local design tutor about what I could do…ended up there was nothing I could do but he thought it was a good idea I enroll there instead of CSM’s…good choice now when I think about it.

By: sophie

sophie — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:32:55 +0000

well I think that’s a tough one. If you’re gifted, you’ll go places. And different colleges have different things to offer. :p

But I think one great way to learn more about design is really just immerse yourself in it. For example, I just heard about the upcoming Singapore Design Festival. Sounds interesting and seems like there’s lots to see and learn from there, so I’m definitely checking it out.

You can find out more at the Singapore Design Festival website: http://www.singaporedesignfestival.com

By: Tara: Freelance Designer

Tara: Freelance Designer — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 09:34:33 +0000

HI Maniu, thats a shame courses aren’t available near you.

Hi Ben – it’s a great idea to try working in the design field before going to college but in my experience not that easy to achieve. i wanted to learn design while working for a design company but most won’t look at you without design qualifications – degree/HND.

Hi Suziq – you sound like you manage to find a really prcatical course, I think more teaching should be like that. When I was at college we had ridiculously log deadlines – a monh to design a poster – when you got in the real world it was a major shock.

Hi Aaron – it’s good to have your input having recently graduated and succssfully found a job. Hope your new course is going well too.

Hi Louisa and Lauren – thanks for breaking down your thoughts into points these work really well as a check list really useful for people looking for a course.

Hi Dan, like Aaron you make a good point that if you have talent whichever college you go to you can do well.

By: LaurenMarie - Creative Curio

LaurenMarie - Creative Curio — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:32:27 +0000

1. I chose my school because that’s where a friend was going and what he was doing looked interesting

2. There are many things I liked. Most of the professors were top notch, they actually taught at UCLA (very prestigious). The school I went to was geared more towards continuing education for professionals, so I only had 1 class per course per week, which was 4 hours long and there was no social life at school. We were in the quarter system (11 weeks per term) which made it difficult if you missed anything. What I really liked about the program was the diversity: I did everything from print to sound design to web design/development to motion graphics, video production, animation and 3D. That was also a down side, no extensive experience in any one field. We started out with print, which also gave us an easier way of learning the basics of design and composition.

3. In the Southern California area, there is always UCLA and Art Center (“world famous” I’m told… have any of you heard of it?). I’ve heard Art Institute is good too. I went to Mt. Sierra College and I guarantee you even the people that live next to it have never heard of it. But I think I had a very good education there. Loved the professors, didn’t care so much for the administration, though.

4. I would look for a strong foundation in design, which I believe beings with learning layout (print). From there, I think you’re right, Tara, web training is a MUST these days. It’s frustrating when people don’t have websites! I think Louisa has a good point about at least touching on art history, and I would add graphic design history, too.

In all reality, most designers are self taught and get into the industry by themselves, no schooling. I think that’s becoming less the norm today, but it still happens and the education just gives you a little head start. It won’t turn you into something you’re not.

Great questions and subject, Tara! I hope some people find this information useful

By: Dan Anton

Dan Anton — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:50:44 +0000

obviously a school choice is huge, but you can also make the best of it no matter what school you choose. My best friend went to Montclair with me, which isn’t a huge graphics art school and excelled, and eventually got recognized. This probably isn’t the norm so you give sound advice

By: Louisa Nicholson

Louisa Nicholson — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:59:54 +0000

I agree about choosing a school based on practical issues. Also hard to pinpoint is cultural/area differences between your Universities/Colleges. Everyone has different opinions as well, so it’s best to see what’s right for you. Though I do recommend the following always:

- Getting that degree BEFORE working in the field but AFTER doing some independent client work. It’s better to know you’re not fit for the industry before dishing out a lot of money for it.
- A setting where traditional art, art history and direction are taught.
- A setting where new mediums are taught.
- Taking general courses across the board early on. You may find out you take a liking to video or painting more than design, and it’s better to find out sooner rather than later.
- Doing research online to see what the industry would entail.

Though I always say, with self direction you can learn anything!