Graphic Design College

Hey guys! I hope everyone is having a good night. I’ve got some questions that I hope I can find some answers too. Recently, I’ve finished my degree in web design, and I’m wanting to move forward. I’ve been seriously considering Graphic Designing, with some of my family pushing and encouraging me to do so. I’ve got some really decent talent with art already, meaning that I can draw almost anything that I set my mind too. I’m really good with realistic portraits, and things of that nature. I’ve decided that I would like to give this graphic designing a go. However, I have NO experience in the field, and I was wondering if I do start the classes, do you think that these classes would actually teach me how to do the things needed to be successful?

 

The field of graphic design does not require a degree to the same extent as e.g. engineering. Designers usually have their own portfolio and your employer will take a look at your previous work, your talent and what skills you possess. There is a jungle of online courses and guides on graphic design so I don't think it's necessary to go to college (unless you desire a degree).

(I'm not a professional and I'm all self-taught, so I might not be the best person to give advice).

 

I would suggest not to take people saying "a degree in college is pointless" seriously. I know you can become a designer without a degree, however, the environment, the knowledge, and the community that a college has to offer are by far better than learning design on your own.

As also, having a degree certificate will prove that you understand the fundamentals of design and how design works. According to research, you are more likely to be considered with a degree for a job compared to a person who doesn't have a degree. Besides, most job requirements do ask for a degree in a related field. This is based on my experience. I graduate as an Interaction Designer in a few months as I'm doing my final year.

Being surrounded by designers, speaking to professionals, collaborating with others, conducting research for design, and many other benefits are benefits that you will not get being on your own. The past 3 years of my degree I have learned a lot about myself as a Designer, and if it wasn't for attending university, I wouldn't be where I am today. Be glad and happy that you're doing this.

Most of the designers in this community don't have degrees in design, and are self-taught, but because they are self-taught (based on signatures and avatars) I don't believe their criticism and arguments bring any value because they have not worked in the industry. They are simply sharing their experience based on designing signatures and avatars on this website, which is not industry-related at all. Rather it's just extra pocket money which does help them.

Some may take my reply as 'ego-testicle'. Rather I'm just sharing my opinion after speaking with professionals about this, designed in the industry (several internships), done work for startups/small businesses(still do), and have conducted research throughout my degree till now. While I still have a lot to learn, I will most certainly acknowledge what I have achieved till now.

This is my 2 cents.

 

Thanks for your response! Honestly I expected my thread to be spammed with comments like Izad’s. But I do appreciate the post and the intelligence that you’ve shown.

 

I do not know how many interviews you've been to or how many positions you've had. All my employers have looked at my competence and work experience within my field. Not only at my degree. The only reason I'm taking a 2nd degree now is to have a ground to fall back on. While a degree may help you get your first job, competence and work experience will take you a lot further.

You asked if classes would teach you how to do the things needed to be successful. The simple answer to that question is that classes are not necessary (but can definitely help you) for learning skills that may lead to success. I, however, wouldn't trade my university experience for anything. One of the few valuable points that @Mister Slyther brings up is that you would miss out on the social spectrum by skipping college. The friends, contacts and network of professionals you get from attending is invaluable.

How naive to believe that people that are self-taught don't bring any valuable arguments.

You certainly are a master at tarring everyone with the same brush @Mister Slyther. Who do you mean with they? And what do you know about our experience in the industry? Quite sad that you have that condescending tone towards other users in the graphic marketplace when you know jack sh*t about our backgrounds. Studying design doesn't automatically make you qualified to take a dump on others. Get off your high horses man

 

Again, I don't mean to come off offensive in any way, and we can keep debating this, but because this is online and the way I say things and believe can be easily interpreted wrongly. This is why I don't post frequently in regards to matters like this because it's controversial easily. This is a problem within myself failing to say things 'online' without intentionally saying them the way they are if that makes sense.

I'm not on a high horse and I don't look down on anyone. If this applies to you or not, that's up to you to determine, but those who base their arguments by designing avatars and signatures --->ONLY<---, then yes, you're arguments are invalid and are not based on any actual experience I am sorry. This is what I believe.

I meant SELF-TAUGHT based on signatures and avatars (a lot of designers in this community). You can learn design on your own and practice designing useful products for the industry in your own time and get far.

You are miss-understanding the point. Designing signatures and avatars simply doesn't mean you will make strong arguments in regards to this. If this is how you define taking a dump on others, then you really have an incorrect definition of what taking a dump on others is, honestly. I'm simply stating what I believe, and if you don't agree with it, that is absolutely fine. It looks like you feel offended because I am saying many people in this community have design experience that is purely based on "avatars" and "signatures" ONLY. I don't know what you have done in the industry if you have, then good for you, you have done well. Therefore this doesn't apply to you.

Most of the users in this community who are 'self-taught' design signatures and avatars all the time. There are many self-taught designers I know who work in the industry because they practiced UI/UX/Graphic/Motion Design on their own. In other words, their design experience is based on designing real products. Signatures and avatars don't have any industry value (this is a fact - companies won't ask you "We need a signature and an avatar"), but they can teach you some design.

Finally, you are miss-understanding my points completely. You are free to interpret what I say in any way you want. If you still think I am on a high horse, after clarifying my point, then honestly, I have nothing else to say other than each to their own.

This is my perspective, and I hope it is clearer to you now.

 

See, now you come off as more respectful.

You are correct that things written online can easily be misinterpreted, which is the reason I prefer discussing in real life. I still do believe that it’s very naive to think that self-taught people don’t have any valid arguments. It is often the other way around; that self-taught people who don’t go through standardized schooling systems have an interesting and unique perspective on things. Take Ford, Irwin, Tesla and Cobain for example. I doubt you would tell them their criticism and arguments don’t bring any value because they are self-taught. I think we both can agree on how absurd that would be.

It just doesn’t look good. Being humble will get you longer. And people who actually know what they’re talking about will take you more seriously. Doesn’t hurt being open-minded instead of assuming that people have limited knowledge/experience.

 

Many self-taught designers who work in the industry are amazing because they practiced designing real products. By real I mean as in websites, apps, logos, banners, etc...and they might have done signatures and avatars on their own free time.

You then have Self-taught designers who design only signatures and avatars (many in this community for example). There are 2 groups, is this clearer? I'm terrible at this and I can convey my points better as you said, in real life.

Honestly, I apologize for coming across as a dickhead or an asshole. I would hate to have that kind of reputation since Sythe brought me many customers and actually helped me with maintaining my life. Still does.

 

Just noticed you edited your post. That’s kind of attitude was what I was refering to in my previous response. I understand what you mean with the two different groups and you are correct. But you also have to understand that those designers who fully devotes themselves to designing ”Sythe User Graphics” have a role as well. Experienced designers or ”real” designers if you will, would most likely not take those kinds of commissions. And I don’t believe Sythe designers are less entitled to give advice, because who knows what other qualities they may possess? Qualities that they show off-site? That is the only reason I talk about being open-minded and not judging people.

I am not here to argue. But you should really listen to my advice on being humble. It’s a quality college/university wont teach you, but that improve one’s character greatly and I think it’s easily forgotten in online environments. I am no exception.

However, I feel like you have some kind of grudge against me since we had a disagreement on a topic regarding professionalism before. Online feuds are unnecessary and often arise due to misunderstandings. With this being said, I hope we can maintain a professional relation with the ability to both agree and disagree on some points

 

I can whole-heartedly tell you that as I am typing this that I do not hold any form of grudge towards you.

Personally, I have always avoided online discussions like this because I simply can't express myself online as well as I do personally face-to-face in real life.

In the past, I have tried to, when I was younger a couple a years ago and that has given me a lot of personal issues, so I told myself that I will no longer contribute to these sorts of discussions. I am starting a youtube channel during Christmas break this December, a professional one that is talking about UI Design, so I am working on my character to prepare. By professional I mean like how other Youtubers do it, good lighting, somewhat decent camera, etc..

 

Appreciate that. Saw on your thread that you’re a student in Norwhich. I know a couple of people studying design there. The world is small lol.

 

Go to college and uni cant beat having the qualifications, spesh if it is a decent college/uni.