Los Angeles is one of the best places, if not the best place, for aspiring creatives in a multitude of fields to find a way into their dream careers. Those in graphic design are no different! With hundreds of opportunities for designers working in print, web, UX/UI, game design, animation, environmental, and any other type of design you can think of at every corner, finding education and subsequent employment in the graphic design field in Los Angeles is a great bet!
While graphic design is a competitive field, and LA is a competitive city, those who can work hard and network well are sure to find fantastic and unique opportunities for learning and working.
Let’s explore some of the resources available in Los Angeles for learning graphic design, getting involved with the arts community in the city, and finding a place to work.
The Best Graphic Design Schools Near Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a hub of creativity and innovation, home to some of the world's leading design studios, advertising agencies, and entertainment companies. This vibrant creative ecosystem provides students with incredible opportunities to meet industry professionals, witness (or participate in) cutting-edge projects, and find inspiration from the city’s diverse culture and art scenes.
Taking advantage of the city and its offerings as a student is a wise choice for those who want to unleash their creative freedom while building a support system in the vast creative network woven throughout the City of Angels. Here are some of the best graphic design institutions in LA for earning a degree in graphic design.
Otis College of Art and Design
Otis College offers a BFA in Graphic Design as well as many other artistic and design-related majors. Students can also choose a minor in graphic design or another artistic field. With classes encompassing techniques and concepts like typography, professional practice, creative action studios, visual language, a capstone, and an entrepreneurship class, Otis makes it realistic to learn graphic design in a way to succeed in the real world.
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - Department of Design Media Arts
UCLA is a well-renowned institution for a wide variety of reasons. Regarding the arts and design, the school is a great place to study graphic design due to the curriculum which includes tutoring graphic like design futures, tangible media, word + image, 3D modeling and motion, game design, interactive animation, and network media, followed up with a capstone. You can earn a BA in Design Media Arts with this program.
University of Southern California - Roski School of Art and Design
Earn a BFA in Design at USC and take classes like art and design studio, web design, publication design, Global Art, Design and Visual Culture; and complete a capstone project to prepare you for a career in design.
Graphic Design jobs posted on LinkedIn in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC)
For a more affordable and shorter course at a graphic design school in Los Angeles, students can earn an AS or Certificate in Visual Communications from LATTC. Courses include graphic design, digital typesetting, drawing and digital drawing, advertising concepts, digital page layout, designing logos and trademarks, graphic design business practices, and portfolio development.
Los Angeles City College (LACC)
Likewise, LACC also offers an associate’s degree in graphic design, conducting classes like animation and digital imaging, and website design.
Santa Monica College
Another option for an associate degree or certificate in graphic design is via Santa Monica College, just outside of LA. Classes include options like design foundations, user experience design, interactive advertising, information design, industry project, web design, mobile design, internship, and portfolio development.
Find Online Graphic Design Courses
You can cast a wider net for educational institutions while still living in LA with online degree programs for graphic design. This way, you can still immerse yourself in the creative world of Los Angeles while earning a degree from a renowned establishment anywhere in the US!
Here are some of the best online graphic design degrees to pursue while living in LA.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Earn a BA in Graphic Design with SNHU’s online degree program; you can also choose a concentration in UX or web design. Take classes like fundamentals of design, digital graphic design for the web, user interface and experience, designing a brand identity, personal branding and self-promotion, and complete an internship to finish this course.
Franklin University
Franklin University offers a BS in Interactive Media Design, meaning students graduate with an education equipping them to work in a variety of artistic jobs such as mobile and game design, web design and UX/UI, print media, and more! Students also have the option of obtaining “microcredentials,” which are like certifications in specific skills that can be built into your educational curriculum. IMD students can obtain a microcredential in graphic design and/or digital media design.
Arizona State University
Obtain a BS in Graphic Design from ASU to prepare for your creative career. Students learn subjects like visual communication, typography, design rhetoric, motion graphics and interaction design, and exhibit design.
ASU also offers similar degrees, such as a BS or BAS in Graphic Information Technology (GIT), with the option of specializing in UX or full-stack web development.
There are around 400 art galleries around LA for artists of all sorts to find inspiration, network, and potentially display their own work.
Where to Learn Graphic Design Skills in LA - Classes, Bootcamps, and Workshops
Earning an entire degree is not always feasible or practical, so knowing where to find shorter and more affordable classes for specific skills is important when you want to boost your skills repertoire.
Here are some great options for shorter courses when you want to learn a specific skill instead of embarking on an entire college journey.
For in-person graphic design classes in Los Angeles, check out these programs.
Otis College of Art and Design
Learn more about graphic design in Los Angeles from a renowned institution without the commitment to a full degree. The Otis College, in addition to a full bachelor’s program, also offers certificates and extension courses in various graphic design-related classes.
Santa Monica College - Community Education
The Community Education branch of SMC has a handful of useful courses for those interested in graphic design and design-adjacent topics. Check out their Web Design Value Suite to learn about the basics of web design.
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - Extension
Sample some of UCLA’s courses with UCLA’s extension offerings, such as Motion Graphics, Advanced Portfolio Design and Graphic Storytelling, Comics and Graphic Novels Toolkit, Entertainment Graphic Design, and Package Design.
Self Help Graphics & Art
This organization hosts a variety of events and workshops, including silkscreening, that can be beneficial for designers interested in learning print and physical media.
The LA art scene began in the 60s when Allen Ruppersberg opened Al's Cafe and rented studio spaces for as little as 3 cents per square foot, which invited many artists to come and work in the city.
Online Programs
The field of graphic design has become more accessible than ever, thanks to a wide range of online educational options. You can now immerse yourself in this creative field without the need to enroll in a full degree program.
American Graphics Institute (AGI)
The American Graphics Institute offers a Graphic Design Certificate convenient for self-paced learners. This 112-hour course is ideal for those seeking flexibility and a more affordable alternative to a university education. The package includes career guidance and personal mentorship, ensuring you receive comprehensive support. While the institute is based in Boston, MA, the course can also be attended live via videoconferencing. If you prefer a slightly condensed version of this certificate, the Graphic Design Bootcamp is also available, which omits the career counseling aspect.
AGI - Comprehensive Introduction to Graphic Design
For those who prefer a brief yet comprehensive introduction to graphic design, the American Graphics Institute offers a one-day crash course. This course covers everything from design principles to color theory and beyond. An added advantage is the option to repeat the classes for up to one year, allowing you to thoroughly absorb all the knowledge on offer. Additionally, AGI provides a variety of other courses related to graphic design.
Noble Desktop & CourseHorse
Noble Desktop & CourseHorse connect you to online and in-person graphic design and arts classes.
Take Private Graphic Design Classes in Los Angeles
Private classes in many subjects tend to be more expensive, but when it comes to graphic design, you might find that it’s more affordable than a certificate program! Learn from an experienced graphic design tutor online or in-person to gain the skills needed to build your own portfolio and advance your career. Easily search for your perfect graphic design teacher on Superprof!
Learning Graphic Design Skills On Your Own
Last but not least, you can always teach yourself what you need to know! Through free resources like YouTube and online college courses offered for free, you can build up the knowledge you need to be able to pursue a creative career. The most important part is that you practice, practice, practice! Build a comprehensive portfolio to show employers you are competent and capable, even if you don’t have a formal education in the arts.
Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.
Robert L. Peters
Getting Involved in the Graphic Design Scene in Los Angeles
One of the best ways to ensure a thriving future in the arts is to network. Artists help each other learn new things, gain new perspectives, and find inspiration. Additionally, making friends with artists of all disciplines can lead to incredible collaborations and work opportunities.
Find local art collectives, clubs, groups, and galleries where you feel comfortable getting involved and join in the artistic community flowing through LA.
Some places to investigate are:
- Arts for LA
- Nova Community Arts
- Keystone Art Space
- Beacon Arts Building
- Los Angeles Design & Development Community
- ALL(MOST)
- Santa Monica Art Studios
- Artist-Run Alliance
Find Internships and Jobs at a Graphic Design Company Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, a hub for the creative industry, there are numerous internship opportunities available at prestigious design studios, advertising agencies, and entertainment companies. These internships not only allow students to apply their skills to actual projects but also enable them to establish professional connections and gain insights into the day-to-day operations of the design world. Many schools in Los Angeles have established partnerships with local businesses to facilitate these internship placements, ensuring that students have access to valuable hands-on learning experiences.
Search for internships and jobs on websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, Prosple, Zippia, Glassdoor, and ArtBound Initiative.
To secure an internship or job, no matter what kind of experience or education you have, you’ll need to ensure that you know all the applicable skills and have a professional, comprehensive portfolio. Your portfolio is the most important thing; it will prove to your potential employer that you have the knowledge and skills to be a successful designer in their firm or agency. So, make sure you create an impressive online portfolio website as well as print a physical copy to view with interviewers in person.
Los Angeles is a great place for all kinds of creatives, so if you thrive in the hustle and bustle of a busy city with dozens of communities coexisting in the same place, you’ll find that your creative career can really bloom in the City of Angels!
Find online graphic design lessons with a professional tutor on Superprof!
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