Hey guys,
I have a degree question for you.
You guys have a graphic arts or designing degree, right?
If not, what do you have a degree in?
I have a cousin that is looking to go into a graphic arts program.
Would you guys recommend a particular school for this type of program?
KR
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WOW what a really great question. Here is the short answer.
Personally I got a 2 year Visual Communications Tech Degree from Century College with a focus in Graphic Design. The program was shitty and I really didn’t learn anything. However the pice of paper allowed me to get my first job and through on the job experience I have learned everything I know now. I am also in PrePress and not design which is more technical and focuses less on the creative.
Early on Prep was just easier to break into then design, and my new found affection for all things Apple also helped to fuel this. In this role I learned that most designers are fucking hacks and don’t have a clue as to what they are doing. See to be a really good graphic designer you cannot simply be taught because, contrary to popular belief, it does require talent. You can work at it and get good over time, but this requires a highly motivated person willing to commit time to learn on their own. Given the proper guidance and through use and understanding of the internet you could teach yourself and pickup work online.
The internet also provides another interesting angle. Some programs are geared solely toward print design and barley touch on the internet at all. A truly good designer needs to be able to go both ways. Print is a dying medium and it would be foolish to pay for classes that do not cover web design as well as print. My program did not cover web and everything I know about it now I have learned on my own. This is in no small part due to my internet porn addiction leading me on my endless quest to download every scrap of HCP on the net.
I guess to sum things up, in my opinion it would be stupid to get a 4 year degree. I would recommend getting the cheapest piece of paper you can. OK I mean degree, but in the end all it is is a stupid piece of paper. No body has EVER check do see if my degree was real. In fact I am seriously considering upgrading my degree on my resume to a 4 year soon. Who the fuck would know? The money you save getting the cheap degree will need to be spent on your very own Macintosh Computer and maybe some software, unless like me while downloading internet porn you casually learn how to download and krack software. Then spend at least four hours a day in front of it, then 10-12 after you get work and are able to put in a full 8 hours. After that you need to develop a stuck up elitist always right attitude toward your work. Everyone else’s methods suck and you rule ass!! Oh ya make no mistake about it, I get better and better at my job every day and I am constently learning.
So that’s it, hope that is helpful and you decide to be a member of the club.