What is graphic design? Essentially, graphic designers are artists. In modern times, we think of graphic designers as essentially artists with a purpose beyond art. Fine artists make art for the sake of art and utilize the inherent qualities of art to convey ideas and emotions.
Graphic designers generally make non-artistic things better by using art, like packaging, signage, and advertisements.
These days, there are many more avenues for graphic designers than ever before, thanks to progressions in the field by US designers and those across the world. Some popular job titles for graphic designers include:
- UX/UI Designer
- Package Designer
- Illustrator
- Art Director
- Brand Identity Designer
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Print Production Designer
- Advertising/Marketing Designer
- Environmental Graphic Designer
- Layout Designer
If you’re interested in getting into a creative career that isn’t restricted to fine arts, graphic design can be a great subject to learn! Let’s explore how you can enroll in a good program at an American design school or learn how to do graphic design in another way.
How to Get Into Graphic Design Schools
Many graphic designers attend a college or university and earn at least a BA, BFA, or BS in graphic design or a closely related subject before getting into the field. While this isn’t mandatory, since many self-taught artists and designers go on to have thriving graphic design careers, it can be a great way to learn tried-and-true techniques while mastering industry-standard software, start building your network by making connections with staff and fellow students and obtaining a degree that shows employers you have dedication and formal education.
The first step for getting into a graphic design program is the same as any college: ensure you meet the GPA and SAT or ACT requirements for the schools you are planning to apply to and have a letter or two of recommendation from teachers or other mentors in your life. Then, you need to tend to the creative aspects of your application.
Learn the Basics of Graphic Design in High School
Of course, you’ll not be expected to know a lot about graphic design before you begin your college degree program. However, for many schools, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have a firm understanding of artistic concepts and the ability to execute these skills adequately.
For non-competitive programs, you may be able to apply and enroll without showing a portfolio. This is helpful for students who discovered their interest in the arts late, didn’t have access to many art tools or supplies in high school, or who simply don’t want to be competitive.
However, whether you present a portfolio or not, it’s best that you learn the basics of art before you graduate high school so you aren’t starting from square one in college.
Learn these concepts and practice applying them in various projects and sketches as often as possible.
- 5 Elements of Design (space, line, form, color, texture)
- 7 Fundamental Principles of Design (Emphasis, Balance/Alignment, Contract, Repetition, Proportion, Movement, White Space)
- Exploring ideas and problem-solving
- Experimenting with different styles and mediums
- Learning about contemporary designers and trends
- If possible, learn the basics about as many software programs as possible (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc)
- Practice as many physical mediums as possible
You’ll feel much more confident in your design program when you have some prior experience under your belt!
You can earn a good degree from a school with a graphic design program that doesn't require a portfolio to be accepted. However, if you are already pretty experienced with art and graphic design before college, it's a good idea to try to get into a competitive program.
Prepare a Portfolio
Next, you’ll need to know how to make a graphic design portfolio for your entrance application.
Fill your portfolio with examples of your sketches and finished pieces that display your problem-solving skills, creativity, technical skills, and range.
Include examples of digital work like digital art and website designs. Additionally, include examples of print media like posters. Fine art is also an excellent inclusion, so paintings, drawings, ceramics, and other tangible media are great to include either physically or in photograph form.
Be sure to read the requirements for your chosen college’s application process and include all the things they ask for.
Where to Learn Graphic Design: Formal Education
Ready to look at and apply to graphic design schools? There are tons of well-renowned institutions across the country. Many of them also offer online courses, so you can complete a degree at a great college thousands of miles away without leaving home (or while living in your preferred area)!
Here are some of the institutions to explore when you’re looking to pursue a degree in graphic design or a closely related subject.
Colleges and Universities
These institutions offer some of the best arts and graphic design programs in the world; but, you don’t have to attend a prestigious university to get a good education! The most important thing is to practice and hone your skills, build your portfolio, and develop your confidence as an artist and designer.
No matter where you study graphic design, your dedication to the craft is what will ensure your success, not the name of your school.
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) - BFA in Graphic Design
- Parsons School of Design - BFA in Communication Design or Design and Technology
- Pratt Institute - AOS in Graphic Design, AAS in Graphic Design/Illustration, BFA in Art + Technology, Digital Arts
- Virginia Commonwealth University - BFA in Graphic Design or Communication Arts
- ArtCenter College of Design - BFA in Graphic Design
- Carnegie Mellon School of Design - BDes in either Communication Design or Environments Design, or an interdisciplinary BXA Degree
- Savannah College of Art and Design - BFA in Graphic Design; Advertising; Service Design; UX Design
- School of Visual Arts - BFA in Design
- Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) - BFA in Design
- Minneapolis College of Art & Design - BFA in Design
Offering Graphic Design degrees
Online Institutions
Earn an online graphic design degree from an accredited school while you live anywhere in the US! The advent of online courses is a boon for many students, especially those who want to complete a degree in a major like graphic design.
While certain auxiliary concepts in graphic design use specialized equipment, like printmaking or silkscreening, for example, you can still learn a lot with just a computer. Investing in a good printer (or printing your materials at a local print shop) and a pen tablet or specialized mouse can also be beneficial.
Here are some great online graphic design programs to explore!
- Academy of Art University - BFA in Graphic Design
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) - BA in Graphic Design
- Sessions College - BFA in Graphic Design
- Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) - BFA in Graphic Design
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - BFA in Graphic Design
- Penn State World Campus - BDes in Digital Multimedia Design
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are like a lite version of a bachelor’s degree. Some programs are focused on one skill or a handful of concepts, and some have a more broad approach. Depending on what you want to learn, either type of certification is a good choice!
Parsons School of Design
Take non-credit courses for your own benefit or work towards a certificate in Digital Marketing, Graphic and Digital Design, Infographics and Data Visualization, Motion Design, and User-Centered Design
The Graphic Design School
Take a variety of online graphic design courses with the first 100% online-only graphic design school in the world!
Adobe Certified Professional via Certiport
Earn a certification in specific Adobe Suite products to show you really know your stuff.
University of New Hampshire (UNH)
Earn a Digital Design Certificate in two years or less when you complete only six courses with UNH.
Emory University
Earn a Graphic Design & Visual Communications Certificate in only three months with Emory’s streamlined program.
The New York Institute of Art + Design (NYIAD)
Complete one of the best graphic design courses online to prepare to complete the Adobe Certified Expert exam.
How to Learn Graphic Design On Your Own
You can pick and choose what to learn and when with the buffet of art classes found outside of a university setting. It can take longer to learn the skills than if you were to dedicate years to a degree, but you can certainly save quite a bit of money and make your education fit into your already busy schedule much easier.
Since graphic design is a career that mostly depends on your portfolio and demonstration of skills, it’s the perfect industry to learn everything on your own.
Bootcamps, Workshops, and Classes
You can find tutoring graphics at many different colleges and universities as well as at places like museums, art centers, libraries, and more. These may be a bit expensive, however they are cheaper overall than a whole degree program.
Check out these resources for different types of classes across the states.
Parsons School of Design
Yet again, Parsons has another opportunity for you to learn with them! Take non-credit courses in various subjects like 3D modeling, brand identity, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and even a professional practices course. Many classes are available both in-person and online.
Boston University
Complete a one-year, in-person graphic design program to pivot your career or transition into an MFA program in graphic design.
CourseHorse, Noble Desktop, and More
Check out these sites plus Designlab, Dribbble, and LinkedIn for free and paid, in-person and online graphic design classes.
Your Local Museums and Libraries
Your local public library can be an excellent resource. If they aren’t hosting any helpful events on-site, ask the librarians if they know of any other such events that may be taking place at your local art museums, art galleries, small businesses, or other locations.
The most common 4-year degrees held by graphic designers are in Visual & Performing Arts, Communications, Business, and Engineering
Many designers learn all the required skills on their own and find their way into a job position organically, or begin their own freelance business
YouTube & Other Free Resources
What is one of the best graphic design schools online? YouTube! While there is no set curriculum or teachers, you can learn just about anything on YouTube. Discover how to use various software programs and even how to create physical media with the helpful creators on YouTube who want to help people like you learn and succeed!
Other free resources include Reddit, EdX, and other open university classes (although they might be more likely to teach you things like art history).
Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future.
Robert L. Peters
Learning with a Graphic Design Teacher
Perhaps the most direct way how to do graphic design is simply to hire a graphic design tutor to teach you everything from beginner graphic design to advanced concepts.
Once again, getting into a career in graphic design relies heavily on your skills, regardless of how you acquired and developed them. With a graphic design teacher, you can learn all the concepts and technical skills you need to begin creating amazing graphic design pieces. Your private graphic design teacher can also help you develop your personal style and build an impressive portfolio!
Find an excellent graphic design tutor easily when you search on Superprof! You can find in-person or online teachers from all over the United States and more.
Diving into a career in graphic design is a creative journey in and of itself. The most important part? Practicing your craft and cultivating your passion for design. Begin your educational career or augment your existing artistic knowledge with all these different resources for learning!
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
