Do you need a degree to be a graphic designer?
Graphic Design
A while back I answered a question from Mr. Muhammad Rashid; is it possible for everyone to become a good graphic designer? He told me that he was learning in his own pace and with the internet as his only source of knowledge. Although I believe that with a lot of reading and dedication, anyone can teach themselves any profession, I strongly recommend getting a formal education. Studying will provide you the opportunity to interact and receive feedback, something that will never happen when you learn from a book or web page.
Graphic design is a very complex career. It is filled with many technical chores mixed with artisan abilities. You have to work hard. Many times you won’t be able to sleep in order to make the dead line. You have to put up with criticism and negotiate with the client your artistic freedom and fees. These are an integral part of being a graphic designer. Taking classes and earning a degree will prepare you for this and so much more.
Going to a university of college will give you the advantage of having professors. They are guides that will show you the way and even give you advice on what you should and shouldn’t do as a designer. You will also have class mates with whom you can have conversations, from which innovative ideas will spring for your projects. They offer different points of view and suggestions that will often improve your designs. Aside from this, the classes will teach you the 5 elements of design, the 6 visual components, typography and many other topics.
The 5 elements of design are: 1. Line, 2. Forms, 3. Texture, 4. Mass and 5. Color. These are shown individually. Once you dominate these elements you are taught the 6 visual components: 1. Balance, 2. Proximity/unity, 3. Alignment, 4. Repetition/consistency, 5. Contrast and 6. White space. These components are used to combine the 5 elements. Typography is normally it’s own course that teaches the anatomy of a font and their different families. Have in mind that these are only the classes that teach the basics. You will also have take courses that teach you how to use computer programs.
As a final note, I want to point out that taking classes will prepare you for your life as a professional. Each course will demand a series of projects that show how well you control a certain skill. You will have to work alone or in a group and keep up with deadlines. These are the bread and butter of a graphic designer.
The career of a graphic designer is difficult but full of rewards. At the end of each project see can see your grain of sand become a pearl. What do you think; do you need a degree to be a graphic designer?
Written by: Juan Rivera
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March 9th, 2010 at 9:05 am
I agree wholeheartedly. Even though the net is full of great knowledge and insight, nothing beats being mentored in all aspects of design. In my current job (alongside college) I have next to no direction and all the learning I’m effectively doing I do in my spare time using the web and in school. While I’ve grown accustomed to teaching myself, completing projects or running a business is far and away too complex to just learn by yourself, there are way too many variables and fields you won’t notice until it’s too late.
So if you can, do try to find people to mentor you; you can do internships or summer jobs, whichever suits you best. Try and find people with extensive knowledge and success and learn as much as possible. And take every opportunity to complete a formal education along the way.