This page lists top Graphic Design Schools offering Graphic Design Degrees or a certificate in Graphic Design. Learn technical and creative skills and the software necessary to become a professional graphic designer, production or layout artist, illustrator, or multi-media designer. Start your graphic design career now and get a Graphic Design Degree!
What is graphic design?
Graphic Design refers to the branch of visual arts concerned with the aesthetics and production of layout, design and typography. The use of graphic elements and text to communicate an idea or concept. In the context of Web resources, graphic designers are responsible for the look of a site and all its visual elements including page layout, background and spot imagery, color scheme, typography, navigation buttons, or any form of visual artistic representation.
Graphic design is the visual interpretation of an idea, message, or concept. Graphic design can be used in print or electronic media, or you may come across graphic design on packaging, Web sites, or company logos. It is also involved in corporate identities with items such as typeface, page layout, and colors used to create a uniform or identity.
What graphic design programs are available?
There are many different types of graphic design degrees available. Some are short courses resulting in a diploma, but bachelor, associate, and master of fine art degrees are also available. The focus of these degrees varies a little between colleges; you might be interested in degrees in visual communications, graphic design technology, media production, or graphic design. Some graphic design programs are available in an online format, so if your free time is at a premium you can still study while you work or care for a young family.
What subjects do I need to study In school?
Graphic design is where technology meets art, so a good base of computer-related subjects combined with creative subjects is a good idea. Art, sculpture, photography, technical drawing, and computer studies are all useful. An appreciation of scale, form, and color are also imperative for this type of career.
What will I learn?
Individual courses will vary between schools and the exact subject and level of qualification you opt for. Typical courses might include some or all of the following: visual communications, creative thinking, presentation skills, digital photography, typography (print and electronic media) drawing, printmaking, and digital media. After the first year of learning these different techniques you might start applying your skills to experimental projects like advertising, editorial design, branding, publishing, and art direction. Most colleges will help you create a portfolio to showcase your work and graphic design skills as a final project.
What type of entry level jobs are available?
With a Graphic Design Degree you will become a Graphic Designer, an artistic professional possessing the skills needed to add just the right graphic images to your Web site and other public relations and advertising media. You will be the person responsible for producing artistic representations, usually under the guidance of an art director or creative director.
Graphic designers use computer software to develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. With a Graphic Design Degree you will be able to produce promotional displays and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive logos for products and businesses, and develop signs and signage systems or environmental graphics. An increasing number of graphic designers are developing material for Internet Web pages, computer interfaces, and multimedia projects. Graphic designers also produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.
Most graphic design graduates will probably find work as in-house staff designers in a graphic design agency. You might also find junior positions in advertising agencies, printers and letter shops, art studios, syndicated artwork services, or as free-lance graphic artists. Due to the similarity between graphic design and Web design, many graphic artists find work within Web design.
Where can I get more information on graphic design programs?
Since each program is different and there are different levels of qualification, it is probably best investigate each college on an individual basis. You can request a prospectus and full program details via this Web site.
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