Should I go to Design School?
- Started
- Last post
- 24 Responses
- eighteen
A college in my town recently got a graphic design program. This is my area of interest/where my strengths are but I don't have much illustration experience. It's a two-year program that's based on working in studios and learning design software. I'm wanting to secure a career in a creative field and design seems to be the most solid creative profession, as opposed to going to school for film, music or some general media studies program.
Am I right in assuming graphic design is my best bet for a secure career? What kind of schooling did you have to get the job you're in now? Also, is a new program from a non-design oriented college going to get me a job or should I try a school that is more credible in the design industry?
- GeorgesII0
to be honest,
don't waste your money and time on a graphic design diploma,
the field is over saturated,invest in a new machine instead,
look at the rising field like machine learning or computer vision (this is where the real money will be), see if there isn't a course near your place.while you take these courses, try to build a solid portfolio by following one of the hundred courses or tutorials you can find online,
network like a bitch,
you'll find a job
- oey0
what kind of school?
what kind of degree?two years?
what's the course program?
which programs/software will you learn?graphic design?
web design?etc...
previous experience and area of studies if any?
- deathboy1
I don't think you need school. It's simply just asking yourself why you like something and than designing around those reasons. Only reason for school is to give you projects to work on, which you can just create yourself (albeit hard sometimes ot be motivated to do it, maybe social networks like machines can help motivate).
As far as a plain ol design as a career move I could totally see it becoming the new "fast food" when fast food becomes automatized. Seems like more and more jobs are templated or clipart due to increasing deadlines and client side not giving a shit. It really seems to becoming more of a commodity. Im sure there will be a market for decent pay but it will likely become much smaller do to competition and availability of resource and technology. Much like photography has seen with stock photos and needing to diversify with video offerings.
But I'm probably just a negative nancy that has worked with too many shit people lately.
- monNom5
Yes, commercial design work is probably the best option of those listed in terms of career prospects. There are a lot of companies out there and they all tend to need some type of design service at some point. It's also very competitive, so you'll need to work hard to build and constantly develop your skills in order to be successful.
A graphic designer is judged almost solely on their portfolio of work. If you can go to school to learn the craft and develop a solid collection of work to show, then it could be worthwhile. Though depending on your skill-level at the moment, it's also possible to learn in an apprentice-style by getting a job as a graphic designer and learning on the job. In 2 years, if you're hungry to learn and immerse yourself in the design world, you'll likely be on a level, if not superior to grads from the school programme.
I was lucky enough to get some early experience with design tools and was developed enough to get a junior design job without college. I've seen enough grad portfolios over the years to know that a lot of colleges are more interested in churning out classes than in producing good students, so don't think that a degree carries significant weight in this industry. It's all about your work, and how easy you are to work with.
Financially, I don't know if I could recommend going into debt for design college. Wages for a junior designer are pretty low, and school has gotten very expensive. I'd look hard at alternatives to get where you want to go.
Hope that helps.
- << +1GeorgesII
- yes, no matter what you do, you better come out with something to show, and no school can guarantee thatmonospaced
- hellobotto0
"A college in my town recently got a graphic design program."
Reputation of school can carry some weight. An okay portfolio can be lifted by a program with (perceived) clout.
"This is my area of interest/where my strengths are but I don't have much illustration experience."
You don't need illustration experience. It helps, but this is where illustrators come in handy. Not being snarky, it's why solid illustrators and copywriters are invaluable. Let designers design, coders code, illustrators illustrate, writers write, and accout folks be accountable when shit goes bad.
"It's a two-year program that's based on working in studios and learning design software."
If it's a springboard for learning new tech, then cool. I wouldn't overlook a Lynda subscription and asking some local shops if you could day-tern just to see how things operate.
"I'm wanting to secure a career in a creative field and design seems to be the most solid creative profession, as opposed to going to school for film, music or some general media studies program."
Fair observation, but know that marketing folks are now touting design skills when they're applying for positions. With broad appeal comes more compeition.
"Am I right in assuming graphic design is my best bet for a secure career?"
No. A good portfolio doesn't punch your ticket. Knowing people who can get you into a shop or having connections with decent clients PLUS a good portfolio gives you a viable shot.
"What kind of schooling did you have to get the job you're in now?"
4-year degree. But I landed my first job because a friend passed up an opening for another place and tossed me the lead. Before that my top prospect was making sandwiches. Granted it wasn't NY/LA, but still.
"Also, is a new program from a non-design oriented college going to get me a job or should I try a school that is more credible in the design industry?"
See above note. Design schools are stores which churn out product (you). Agencies often go shopping at the stores they like (or at least they used to).
Keep this in mind...any creative director will tell you, "I don't care where they went to school provided they have a body of work which complements what we try to do here."
In short, if a new 2-year program helps get you started = worth the investment. If you're hoping a 2-year program is a golden ticket = let's think about this. If you're hoping a 4-year program is a golden ticket = let's think about this x2. I've seen many folks go through a 4-year program who weren't solid to begin with (understandable) and didn't come out with decent books (oh man) and are now doing something other than design for their job.
- tl;dr version: if you aren't afraid of no ROI but it helps start you down a path, then yes. If you expect it to guarantee a job, then maybe not.hellobotto
- robotron3k2
It's not really about the school, it will always come down to a few things you will need to do regardless of education:
- Mastering design software
- Understanding history of design and typography
- Being able to design
- Being convincing in your design rational
- Being able to hit a deadline and deliver perfection
- Building a portfolio (this is where school helps)
- Being able to network within your design community for work (again school helps)If you are a natural designer this should not be a problem, if you want guidance or be told what to do and how to do it, you'll need school.
If you are ambitious and driven skip school, if you want it spelled out for you go to design school.
- These are all good points, to meet that list there needs to often a catalyst though (school) Theres a very long road and hard work involved to meet that list..sofakingback
- of goals. I feel like it would be very hard to do own your own. But then again there are some guys out there that have done it. Seems a bit on the rare side thosofakingback
- eryx0
Don't know if this helps but here is my story when it comes to my education. I was always told to get a degree, it could be in anything but just a degree.
I went to university to and received my B.A. in film studies but I did not really have any marketable skills. The local collage just started a new program called “interactive media development”. Lots of people were washing out so they were looking for people they would allow to jump into the second year of a 2 year program. Because I had a degree I convinced them that I could handle it even though I had NO experience with any of the programs or programming languages. I got a touter and worked my balls off to catch up.
The course was interesting because it had a wide range of different of digital medias that were touched on. Web development, 3D development, Video editing and special effects and as well as design. We used 3Ds max, Flash, Photoshop, dreamweaver, After FX and Macromedia Director (yea I know). You were not an expert in any of them but you did become familiar with how they worked and what they could do.
This one year of college gave me the motivation to learn what direction I wanted to go and to gain experience with a lot of tools of the industry. I would really look at the program that you want to take, if it is a new course it might not have very experienced professors or a very good course catalog. If the course only focuses on one or two program than I would watch out. Only learning one program can burn you if it becomes obsolete. The year I graduated was the last year that they made Macromedia Director and all of my skills gained from this were for nothing. I also focused almost all my efforts into Flash after that and well we all know how that turned out.
Most of the advise on here is more or less the same, it is going to be a lot of hard work and lots of networking more than you education.
I also would maybe not take my advise as I no longer work in the industry (one that did not make it). So I would say skip it all and become a tradesman.
Cheers and good luck!
- fyoucher13
If I were you, I would go to school for 3D -- and try to really become one of the BEST at it or even a niche in it. With VR making waves, I can see 3D going into a ton of different directions, in all areas of the industry. And it's used everywhere (movies, VR, ads, graphic design, etc etc). Plus it's freakin dope. Skip graphic design, I wouldn't call that secure at all.
- imbecile0
give all your money to full sail
good luck!
- Beeswax2
- Go to school. You will meet people there that will be helpful to you in the future. Plus you will have an obligation to learn.
- Graphic Design? I'm not sure. If you can add new media knowledge to it, like CSS/HTML & UI design skills you will be golden.
- I wouldn't suggest 3D because you will mostly become a worker if you can land a job. People will tell you what to do and you will be doing those day and night.
- During school try to do pro-bono or cheap works to people. This will help you learn more skills and a good addition to your CV/Portfolio
- After 2 years you can decide on which direction you want to continue. You can take extra courses or enroll in a different program that will teach different skills.Basically school will help you to draw a direction. Without it there's so much to learn and your mind might get scattered and you might end up not being good at anything.
I went to school for two years at first then switched to 4 years. I had that option. But I assume you're young so a pre-undergrad education might help you to enter better schools/programs.
- imbecile1
get a bachelor's in anything. That's all the resume robot will be looking for by the time you graduate and are looking for a job. Without experience, your degree will open more doors for you
- BK3
Why would anyone want to be a graphic designer?
- drake-von-drake-7
teach yourself, I don't care which field.
- You miss 100% of the shots you make.eighteen
- has it worked for you?ben_
- Do not listen to this person. Seriously.sofakingback
- lol @ sofakingback, so truemonospaced
- monospaced2
I wouldn't bother with design school until you're already familiar with the software. You don't want to waste time and money learning those and not on the design itself. The school is also a huge factor, so make sure that the curriculum and teachers are actually set up for your success. So many schools don't actually prepare students for the real world.
- freedom2
It depends a lot on who the teachers are. Both talented and terrible designers come out of any program. If you're driven and pick the right teachers, opportunities will come naturally.
It takes a long time to learn typography and there is no easy route.
- Peter-1
Oh, I know
let's sell all of ourselves short and say you don't need a degree for what we do. Our jobs are that simple. In fact, my aunt has photoshop....Some notes, fwiw
- It's true, you don't need a degree to do something. Anything. Even brain surgeons could probably learn their trade somewhere unofficial.
However most people would probably prefer some accreditation.- It's pricey, and more than likely overpriced no matter where you go. You'd be in debt for a long time.
However you're more likely to earn more with a degree. More money that pays back for what you spent.- It's the same sort of stuff found online, you could probably even get the very same textbooks the university uses.
However, some of the things learned at universities covers things you didn't know you needed to learn, and you're being properly guided in the process.- It's outdated, most stuff online is probably more relevant.
However, what's online is usually very software oriented - things that will get outdated in any which way. Instead, at universities you'll get a sound foundation that works across platforms.
- freedom3
A good design program will teach you how to think and how to approach projects like branding or environmental and teach you how to use type.
A bad program will just teach you the programs and how to make basic layouts for realtors.
But a good teacher at a bad program can inspire you.
- monospaced3
Design school is also only good if you're ready to be a designer. What does that mean?
For example, a majority of of the students who go to design school do it because design sounds cool and they think that even though they have little natural talent, the school will teach them everything. This is the main group. The school has no problem accepting them and their money, and giving them passing grades for years. The teachers know who they are, and so do some of the students, which brings me to the other group.
The other group is usually 15-20% of the class, and they are those who have a passion for design and are there to apply it and dedicate time to it, because they love it. They put in 2-3 more time and love into each project, more late nights, and more everything. The teachers know it, and the first group is oblivious.
Don't go unless you're part of the second group.
- At what point do you find out which group you are?eighteen
- good question... mostly from what people bring to the table the first few projects, and from recognition among the staff, I guessmonospaced
- ^if you're asking that Q you are part of group 1
:)PonyBoy - group 1 is NOT bad btw... sometimes you need more exposure to the field... school can give you plenty of thatPonyBoy
- Good work ethic is the key. I sucked until 2nd year, then had a superb prof and an epiphany of sorts. It was pretty cool. But I ALWAYS worked my ass off.formed
- This is great advice. +1nb
- yes, a great prof should create the passion, and provide the design exposure, and generate trust through their art direction and praisemonospaced
- Research the professors (check their folios) and make sure they're not just tech-nerds who secretly work for Adobe or some shit :) You want GOOD exposure.PonyBoy
- totally, my professors were current ADs at great firms, and treated us like they would any designer in the real worldmonospaced
- < This was my experience in school as well. I know a lot of people in the first group that just never made it in the field. Its tough to know where you stand...sofakingback
- before you actually attend school... but its definitely passion. You gotta love creating. Are you creating anything now? Doesn't have to be graphic design.sofakingback
- formed2
Design - needs to be taught, you can't just "pick it up"
Good schools are worth it for learning to design, not only because of the professors, but the students. 75% of the skills you learn as a designer you'll learn from your peers. It's a symbiotic thing - a good school will be full of hungry, passionate people that push each other to do better and better.A "bad" design school is next to worthless. You'll learn software, and if you are super lucky, you'll find one professor that actually cares and has some talent (if you are really, really lucky). Students will just be skating through, content learning the new filters or liquify tools.
So, to answer your question, a "good", credible school is generally "good" and credible for a reason.
Forget "secure", design is about passion. If you don't have the passion and hunger, then focus on something that is stable (programming, nurses, whatever). If you have passion, then you can find a career doing something you love and get paid for it. That's a good deal, but you need passion.
Lastly, whatever you do, get a business degree too. Everyone should have one of these. It's easy, just a few extra classes here and there. Dismiss anyone that tells you this isn't applicable - EVERY business needs business knowledge, learn how money works and it can empower you.
Software - you can learn this with Youtube, forget paying for classes. Pay for Lynda.com if you want solid, consistently good tutorials. They have everything and anything, including business stuff, for a very reasonable cost.
Software is the easy part, don't let some school try to tell you it's everything and you need to spend 1000's to learn. A "good" school will expect you to be an expert simply because it's a tool that enables you to express your passion.
Find that passion, it'll carry you through. Learn who is the best, learn why they are the best, ask, ask, ask, and you'll be a decade beyond your classmates.
- Business degree... like MBA?monospaced
- If you get your bach you can get a bAdmin and take care of your gen ed requirements all at once.formed
- They don't tell you, but if you have a dual major (or minor) the classes will meet two requirements. So you get biz classes and eliminate dumb gen edformed
- interestingmonospaced
- requirements. That's how it was for me, anyway. I didn't learn this until half way through, though, but it still saved a ton of classes and money.formed
- You don't need an MBA, but if you have a business degree your options will be a lot greater, and it can give you an understanding of clients, etc., earlier.formed
- Every business has a business guy, which is usually the designer with a biz degree. They are crucial and it can get you higher up, faster. My 2 cents, anyway.formed
- and even if you don't want to do "business stuff", it gives you insight into things that do really matter.formed
- I had my gen ed from a major university, so I blew through design school in 2 years basically. Only once I started freelancing did I feel I needed some bus. ed.monospaced
- I never cared for it, but having run my business for 12 years now, I actually like making pro formas and financial projections. I do with I had an MBA.formed
- eighteen2
Thanks everyone for the HUGELY helpful and honest responses. I feel like this is invaluable advice that most students wouldn't get a chance to hear until well after they've graduated. Got a lot to think about.