ChoosingCareer.co.uk

A Passion For Graphic Design? Why Not Learn Web Design Skills?

Can you spot great style when you see it, whether we're talking brochure, book cover or website for example - then studying to work in graphic design might be appropriate. A typical graphic design student will have left school with an art A Level.

But that's not to say you can't become one if drawing's not your strong point - you'll probably find you spend more time designing on the computer now than by hand.

Graphic designers can work for large design houses, smaller specialist companies, or as self-employed freelancers working from a studio at home. Many trainee designers find they're more comfortable studying in a commercial college than at university - in fact it's well known that commercial colleges take in many graduates to fine-tune their skills for industry. If you're not sure which route to take, why not try a short course first as a taster to see if the work suites you?

How Do I Pick The Right Training College?

It's easy to get overwhelmed with the number of training providers who offer courses in graphic design! Where should you start? Training standards differ between colleges, as do prices so be sure to research thoroughly.

You could start by digging into several of the companies featuring on this site (you will learn a lot in a couple of hours time). If you add this page to your 'favourites' you can return to it quickly when you want to research further. You'll be able to compare key factors on each site when you've familiarised yourself with enough.

The quality of a graphic design college's website will speak volumes about what you can expect. When design is their product, all their marketing must reflect that.

Next, do you want to attend a college full time, study at home on evenings and weekends or maybe a blend of the two? Over what time period will help and assistance be provided? What others items will you need that aren't included in the training costs? Which colleges give evidence of satisfied customers? Look for happy student comments.

Working Portfolios

Building a professional portfolio of your designs is going to be a vital aspect of your training. When the time comes to apply for your first job, the standard of the work you've done so far will be the most relevant thing to an employer.

All design colleges worth noting will help you to create your own showcase of designs and images, so look for a selection of student designs on their site to see the work they're proud of.

Adobe Software

To be a graphic design student today you must have proficient computer skills, as much of your training will require the use of software.

The principal software applications used are Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, all elements of Adobe CS4 which are well recognised in industry. MACS are the preferred choice of most colleges, and many design students prefer them too. However, if you normally work on a PC you can get the relevant software.

A graphic designer must have an ability to relate well to others, as a lot of the work involves dealing directly with the client. Just about every stylised message that we see around us willhave come from a graphic designer - yes even on a tube of toothpaste!

Graphic design puts together shapes, wording, colour and imagery in a stylised presentation that at its best communicates a statement for the product it represents.

Design Fundamentals

A design student will learn to use key principles to bring their work to life, like balance and alignment.

Successful individuals will master these elements and present unique and stunning designs that can completely revolutionise the future of a company. Graphical images on products can be really big business, and many designers have used them for years to build and retain brand loyalty.

The right college will take you from where you are now to where you want to go. Always remember to keep your commercial head on - the course is a means to an end, not the end in itself!