DDS Graphics
What is a way to become a graphics designer?
I'm in highschool and I would like to become a graphics designer designing things with a computer for advertising. I am unsure of which courses to take. For sure, I am taking art, but what else is needed? Also, which college would you recommend? What kind of experience do I need to become a graphics designer? Answers would be appericiated!
Public Comments
- graphic designer is a good major because you can do a lot with it after you graduate. there are plenty of jobs in every field. you gonna have a lot of computer classes like Adobe photoshop, illustrator, probably flash and so forth. you also have to be creative and fast thinker. any college that has this major should be good. it really doesn't matter what college you go to, the jobs just want to see experience. so while you're in college, try to get internships in the industry. Even if you're filing papers or getting coffee, it will really help your resume and you will have no problems getting a job. you will also need a good portfolio, so dont fuck around during college, do the projects that you wont be ashamed to show on a job. its a fun major. you will play on the puter for the rest of your life! it cant get any better...
- Since you are still in high school, try to find a part-time job at a local print company (even something corporate like Kinko's) - this will familiarize you with many different technologies, such as plotters and software. This will also give you a good contact base for your future, as many designers bring their work to printers since their companies generally do not have these resources. As for colleges, ask each university you are interested in for a media packet on their art/graphics/new media programs. You can even do this with a simple phone call, and they will mail this packet to you. Any experience you can gain on your own is helpful. Try to get demos of computer graphics programs if your high school does not offer them. The more you work with any program, the better. This career is fun and creative, but there are also other skills you will need, such as interacting with a client, meeting deadlines (highly important!), and possibly even selling your talents to potential clients. Build an impressive portfolio (ask you art teachers) and with luck and hard work you'll be on your way. Always remember, however, "Work to live, not live to work" :)
