Whichever way you look at it, choosing a graphic design school needs some thought, since most graphic design students are not studying the subject for fun but are looking for an educational qualification that will hopefully land them a great job in one of the major publishing houses, advertising agencies or packaging design companies. And it is the job that the student wants that should be the main focus when it comes to choosing Graphic design courses Portsmouth, in order to make sure that the right course is taken.
The basic job for a graphic designer is the same no matter the type of work they end up doing, but some courses will concentrate on one type of design above others, and the student would do well to bear this in mind.
When deciding which school to attend, make sure that you discover where most of the students were places, and what the syllabus actually teaches. Those colleges which place students in publishing will have, or should have, modules which are directly related to magazine and newspaper production. There should be instruction on the mechanics of magazine printing, editorial work flow, and how to use the type of technology that is used in the modern day editorial office.
Choosing the right graphic design school can mean the difference between enjoying your time at school and dreading every day of it. More importantly it can mean the difference between having the skills required for employment once you finish your courses. Thankfully, most graphic design schools are so well organized that it is hard to pick one that won’t empower you with the skills you need. Graphic design is receiving much more attention now than ever before and the increasing demand in graphic design related education has led to a new wave of educational facilities opening up solely dedicated to this burgeoning field of work.
So what are the main points you should look for when choosing a graphic design school?
- Cost and fees
- Facilities on site
- Class sizes
- Length of course
- Location
- Online or offline
- Qualification level
- Work placement opportunities
- Experience of teachers
- Subjects covered
These 10 points should all be considered when you are choosing a graphic design school. Your chosen school may not meet your desired criteria for each point, but as long as most of your desires are met you will gain tremendously.
Online vs. Offline Graphic Design Schools
There are an increasing number of online graphic design courses available. These courses are great for students who live in rural areas or who are unable to commit to regular set hours in a classroom environment. Of course, studying online means that you must have discipline and persistence when it comes to completing projects and study sessions as there is no one there to push you along. You also miss out on the social aspects of college, however many online schools conduct regular chats, teleconferences and provide student forums for interaction and help.
Once you have completed graphic design school you can start looking for work. Ideally you will want to be working part time while studying to gain practical experience. You may then be able to continue with that employer or use your new experience and skills to find work elsewhere. Whatever the case, your degree or certification from graphic design school will make your resume stand above those who are unqualified.
Graphic design, also known as communication design, is the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content. The form of the communication can be physical or virtual, and may include images, words, or graphic forms. The experience can take place in an instant or over a long period of time. The work can happen at any scale, from the design of a single postage stamp to a national postal signage system, or from a company’s digital avatar to the sprawling and interlinked digital and physical content of an international newspaper. It can also be for any purpose, whether commercial, educational, cultural, or political.
A graphic design career is rewarding and exciting, as it is an ever changing industry and one where you can let your creativity run wild.
Those looking to enter the advertising field should make sure that the course teaches more about the layout of print advertising than editorial, and will probably need far more instruction in the use and commissioning of photographs and illustrations, as well as concept development.
Those looking to enter packaging design as a career will need an education that has some overlap with advertisement design, but will also need instruction on the mechanics of packaging development, and the various materials used.
It is possible to attend a general graphic design course, but it is always better to specialize right from the very outset if you want your career to get off on the right foot.
