How to Choose a Graphic Design School

Graphic design is an exciting and varied career field. There are many paths one can take in order to become a graphic designer. Graphic designers have a large presence in the arts community as well as the business community. Designing brochures, bulletin boards, postcards, logos and much more, graphic design can be seen everywhere. If you have a desire to become a successful graphic designer, that journey will probably begin with an education.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take your current education into account. If you already have a bachelor's degree in art, for instance, it might make sense to go into a certificate program where you simply learn how to use the programs since you will likely already have a firm foundation in color and balance principals.

2. Consider your future endeavors. If you want to work for yourself, you can consider an apprenticeship or learning on your own. The key to working for yourself is to have an excellent portfolio, so if you can accomplish this and continue making excellent work after your apprenticeship, this may be as far as you need to go into graphic design education.

3. Decide what is important to you. Is having a graduate degree on your resume important to you? If so, it might be wise to look into a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design program.

4. Look into your local area. Is there fierce competition in the graphic design field? If you live in a place such as Chicago or New York City, for instance, there may be many graphic designers with whom you are competing. If this is the case, more education will make you look better on paper when stacked with an exceptional portfolio.

5. Consider your own life circumstances. If you are a busy parent, for example, a four-year full time program may be difficult, but a part-time certificate program may be doable. Either way, you are making active headway in your pursuit of being a graphic designer.

6. Visit the schools. Nothing will give you a better feel for the program than actually visiting the campus. Many schools also offer orientation sessions, which can offer an overview of the program.

7. Obtain enrollment materials. Items such as the school catalog program DVDs will help you to learn more about the school on your own time. This will also give you a more in-depth look into the program.

8. Speak to current and former students. No one is a better judge of the program than students that are currently in it or students who have successfully completed the program. They can give you a more realistic idea of what the classes offer and also give you the pros and cons to attending the school.

9. Find out if the school has a career placement program. Many schools offer assistance finding a job upon graduation. This is a critical component for many students in the journey to becoming a graphic designer.

Tips & Warnings

• Search your local area for programs. You may be surprised to find that local community education endeavors hold graphic design workshops.

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