4 answers
Taylor
Student
Roseau, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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If I want to pursue a career in graphic design, what specific classes should I take in college?
Beyond learning to use a software, what subjects, specialized electives, or classes should I take to help me pursue a career in the competitive world of graphic design?
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4 answers
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
563
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Taylor, good question! Graphic design is one of those fields where the classes you take beyond just software tutorials can really set you apart. I'd definitely recommend taking classes in marketing and business analytics because understanding how design fits into a brand's bigger strategy is huge, and from my own experience, having that business and marketing background has been super valuable in making work that actually connects with people. Also, look into data and analytics courses since it might sound surprising, but knowing how to read data helps you understand what designs perform well and why. Don't sleep on project management classes either; in the real world, you'll be juggling multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders, so learning how to manage workflows (even something like Scrum or Agile methodologies) goes a long way. I'd also suggest communications or workshop facilitation type courses because being able to present your ideas, run feedback sessions, and collaborate with non-designers is a skill that separates good designers from great ones. And if your school offers anything related to engineering or systems thinking, that kind of structured problem-solving mindset can really elevate how you approach design challenges. Finally, consider studying abroad if you get the chance since exposure to different cultures and perspectives will massively enrich your creative eye and make your work stand out in a competitive market. Good luck!
Jessica Gegner, CCMP™
Change Partner Senior
99
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi, Taylor! Great question! There is already a lot of great advice here. A few courses I might add to this list for you to take are:
- Digital Photography courses: Depending on what facet of graphic design you want to dive into, being able to take and edit your own photos for your designs can really enhance your resume of skills and your portfolio of work, preventing you from needing to rely on stock imagery and subscription services to bring your design to life.
- A course about copyright law: There are a lot of things you should know as a designer regarding fair use, copyright, trademarks, Creative Commons, and more. You may be put into positions where a client or even a boss asks you to design something using an image, brand, or other materials that aren't yours. Knowing the law related to these things will help you navigate the legal requirements at play when leveraging these materials to protect you and the company you work for from stealing someone else's work.
- (If desired) Motion Graphics, Animation, 3D Graphics, or Video Editing courses: This is a little more of a niche skill for Graphic Designers, but highly coveted by marketing departments. Knowing how to design "in linear time" or in a way that your design can be brought to life through motion or in a way that enhances video or can be animated can be valuable, especially in the highly digital world we're beginning to live in where designs can become gifs, added to social media, or included in YouTube videos/ads or digital signage.
Hope these help!
- Digital Photography courses: Depending on what facet of graphic design you want to dive into, being able to take and edit your own photos for your designs can really enhance your resume of skills and your portfolio of work, preventing you from needing to rely on stock imagery and subscription services to bring your design to life.
- A course about copyright law: There are a lot of things you should know as a designer regarding fair use, copyright, trademarks, Creative Commons, and more. You may be put into positions where a client or even a boss asks you to design something using an image, brand, or other materials that aren't yours. Knowing the law related to these things will help you navigate the legal requirements at play when leveraging these materials to protect you and the company you work for from stealing someone else's work.
- (If desired) Motion Graphics, Animation, 3D Graphics, or Video Editing courses: This is a little more of a niche skill for Graphic Designers, but highly coveted by marketing departments. Knowing how to design "in linear time" or in a way that your design can be brought to life through motion or in a way that enhances video or can be animated can be valuable, especially in the highly digital world we're beginning to live in where designs can become gifs, added to social media, or included in YouTube videos/ads or digital signage.
Hope these help!
Hi, Jessica. Your second point is an incredibly important one, and I appreciate you making it. In my company, I have a mature legal department which includes a group devoted to intellectual property that I can call on to ask questions about elements I might use in a design. Some organizations do not have those resources, so understanding what can and cannot be used in a design can save an employer or client a great deal of headache.
Claxton Graham
Claxton Graham
Business Analyst
30
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Claxton’s Answer
Graphic design is a field that is fairly vast in its scope and opportunities. It encompasses everything from analysis and design of business forms like applications and legal disclosures, to marketing collateral for advertising campaigns, to artwork for movie posters and record albums. And it's a field that can be a satisfying blend of creativity and practicality.
As far as courses that would be helpful for you to take, I'd suggest the following:
1. An art course, where you use pencil, ink, paint, or other media to create images. Although computer software is used extensively in graphic design, hand-drawn artwork still has a place in the business.
2. A course in computer aided drafting (CAD/CAM), or better still, if you can find one, a class in which mechanical drawing is done manually, with pencil and paper. A course like this would provide good guidance on how to draw objects with perspective and at scale, which is important in such regimens as house floor plans, gears, and other precision items.
3. Classes on specific software such as Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator. These software packages are commonly used in graphic design.
4. Classes in the communication field such as public speaking, meeting management, If and technical writing. A graphic designer has to be able to communicate their ideas and tailor that information to the audience they are working with, from colleagues on the team to top level executives.
5. Classes on accessibility, if they are offered. Creating functional designs that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act is more important than ever. This is especially true for graphic design in the business world, but other industry sectors must also be compliant.
6. Working in student media such as the school newspaper or yearbook, where graphic design and layout are an important part of preparing those publications.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
As far as courses that would be helpful for you to take, I'd suggest the following:
1. An art course, where you use pencil, ink, paint, or other media to create images. Although computer software is used extensively in graphic design, hand-drawn artwork still has a place in the business.
2. A course in computer aided drafting (CAD/CAM), or better still, if you can find one, a class in which mechanical drawing is done manually, with pencil and paper. A course like this would provide good guidance on how to draw objects with perspective and at scale, which is important in such regimens as house floor plans, gears, and other precision items.
3. Classes on specific software such as Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator. These software packages are commonly used in graphic design.
4. Classes in the communication field such as public speaking, meeting management, If and technical writing. A graphic designer has to be able to communicate their ideas and tailor that information to the audience they are working with, from colleagues on the team to top level executives.
5. Classes on accessibility, if they are offered. Creating functional designs that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act is more important than ever. This is especially true for graphic design in the business world, but other industry sectors must also be compliant.
6. Working in student media such as the school newspaper or yearbook, where graphic design and layout are an important part of preparing those publications.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Robin Gulcher
Sound Designer for Film & video
7
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Robin’s Answer
Taylor, I cannot offer any other advice that Rafael hasn’t already.. (Great advice.) If you do go into a design college, make sure it is well respected, with instructors whose work you admire. (I’m talking a track record of personal successes.)
I teach Sound Design in Film at an Art school in the US. I’ve found that the students seem more interested in my IMBD profile than anything I’ve created. However, I have also seen that knowledge and personal experience turn on the lightbulb during the Semester. Surrounding yourself with pros will give you the same experience.
I wish you all the best.
Enjoy!
I teach Sound Design in Film at an Art school in the US. I’ve found that the students seem more interested in my IMBD profile than anything I’ve created. However, I have also seen that knowledge and personal experience turn on the lightbulb during the Semester. Surrounding yourself with pros will give you the same experience.
I wish you all the best.
Enjoy!