Two Degrees You Might Need to Become a Graphic Designer

If you want to attain a position as a graphic designer, then you should know most companies require you to have a Bachelor's degree; however, you can find many positions which require an Associate's degree or an alternative trade degree or certificate.

Besides training yourself in graphic design, you also need to demonstrate creativity, and show you can communicate and solve problems as well. These skills are crucial to produce high-quality work which clients demand.

To stay competitive with other graphic designers, you need to familiarize yourself with many computer graphic and design software packages, such as inDesign, Photoshop and Dreamweaver. Perhaps your most important asset is a portfolio of work which represents your skills and work ethics and, ultimately, convinces the client or employer to hire you.

Let us take a look at some degrees you may need for certain positions within the graphic design industry.

I. Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree Programs in Graphic Design

Many universities and colleges, as well as private design schools around the country, offer these programs.

The program of lessons that you will take to earn your Bachelor's degree include studio art, the principles relating to design, how to design using a computer, learn about various different printing techniques, the production of commercial graphics and also about designing for a website.

Plus, you will need to take additional design courses, along with learning about liberal arts, art history, psychology (you need to know the wants and desires of the target audience), writing, sociology, cultural studies, foreign languages and marketing. All these courses help to produce quality work for clients.

II. Associate Degrees and Certificates in Graphic Design

Associate's degrees are 2-3 year courses at one of the many professional design schools across the country.

Typically, these courses focus on the technical aspects of graphic design. Plus, they only include a few sections to the course relating to liberal arts.

Many graduates who attain their qualifications after two years will generally work as an assistant to a graphic designer, or a position where their technical design abilities are required.

Designers who have a Bachelor's degree in another subject and desire a career in graphic design can complete an Associate's degree or trade school certificate as an effective way to learn about the technical aspects of the graphic design position.

Because of advances in computer technology, most employers expect graphic designers to educate themselves with computer graphics and widely-used design software packages. Therefore, you will need to keep current with the latest developments and updates of these software packages. You can learn about graphic design software used in the industry on your own via the Internet or by taking various software training courses.

After you have attained the necessary qualifications and an employer hires you as a graphic designer, you will often receive on-the-job training. When first starting out, you may find you will need an additional one to three years of on-the-job training before you advance within the company. Graphic designers with existing experience may advance upwards to the position of Chief Designer or an Art or Creative Director within the company.

I know some designers who, after working for several years within a position, will leave the company to become a teacher, training others at colleges, universities or design schools. Many graphic designers will work for several years at a company or ad agency and then start their own design studio or freelance part-time or full-time.