Are you artistic and tech savvy? Do you find yourself captivated by certain advertising campaigns, posters, websites, magazines or music promotion ads? Do you often have your own ideas for advertisements and campaigns? These are the kinds of questions you should consider if you’re thinking about graphic design for your college major. Graphic design majors learn the various forms of design and computer skills necessary to create the look for books, magazines, CD jackets, websites and much more. Prospective majors should prepare themselves for entering student competitions, completing internships, compiling a portfolio and showing their work in exhibits and galleries. Students will also work in small groups for critiques and work long hours in the studio. Being creative, able to collaborate, organized and having computer knowledge are all important skills for potential majors.
Education
This degree is typically offered in the form of a bachelor’s degree. The College Board lists helpful high school courses such as AP Art History, website design, computer/graphic arts, AP Studio Art, drafting and photography for potential students. Once students begin their college courses they will take classes related to graphic design studio, history of graphic design, graphic design techniques, Photoshop for designers, production design and typography.
What to know before you apply
Students should be aware that during the completion of their coursework they will be striving to show improved work and showcase this work in student shows, through internships and finally in their senior portfolio. Working with programs like Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator are huge component of the major. Students will need to show skill in both an artistic setting and a technologically advanced setting. Once in the interning or career field, graphic design majors will need to remember that although work depends on artistic talent, the client comes first in this field even if it means not going with an idea you think is best.
Colleges offering related fields of study
Miami International University of Art & Design: Miami, Florida.
http://www.nextstepu.com/profile/miami-international-university-of-art-design/
The Art Institute of Atlanta: Atlanta, Georgia.
http://www.nextstepu.com/profile/the-art-institute-of-atlanta/
Daemen College: Amherst NY.
http://www.nextstepu.com/profile/daemen-college/
Quinnipiac University: Hamden, Connecticut.
http://www.nextstepu.com/profile/quinnipiac-university/
Salary
Graphic designers typically work for advertising agencies, publishing companies, magazines or papers and can also work freelance and find their own work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers earned a median pay of $44,150 per year in 2012.
