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iranfromthezoo · Jul 3, 2005, 01:48 PM

Hey guys, just graduated high school and will be heading off to cllege for some graphic design studies. Just wondering if you have advice, not like advice like use this program or not, but knowledge advice, something you wish someone would have told you when you were a young lad, also, should I pursue a BA degree or is a AA good enough? Thanks

Randman · Jul 3, 2005, 01:55 PM

What's cllege?

Take as many diverse classes as you can. The more experience, the more you bring to your desired profession. Learn the history of your craft then try and do better. Enjoy life.

art_director · Jul 3, 2005, 02:05 PM

Art / Design schools are good but they're weak in the liberal arts. In time you'll understand that a well rounded education will be an asset. That's not to say going to art / design school is bad.

I would urge you to get a BA rather than an AA. This goes back to the breadth of education.

There are many people in the business of advertising and design who are without degrees. Agencies and design firms look at portfolios as the primary judge of your talent and abilities. I do not suggest skipping out on college but do know that it will not guarantee you a good job or strong portfolio -- those things will be dictated by your initiative, determination and hard work.

I would avoid the ad schools -- they're a sham. ( ie. Miami Ad School, Portfolio Center, Creative Circus, Brainco, etc. ) Those places just cash your check and shove you through the system. They're also WAY OVER PRICED.

What schools are you considering?

art_director · Jul 3, 2005, 02:06 PM

BTW, Randman has given you good words of wisdom.

iranfromthezoo · Jul 3, 2005, 02:47 PM

I am going to Meridian Community College in Merdian, MS which believe or not has the best graphic design in the state, beside Unv. of Southern Miss which is where I think I`ll transfer.

I`l learn basically layout design, do you guys think I should take a web devlopment course? I know I sound like a friggin troll, but I am a lil baby.

belafonte · Jul 3, 2005, 04:47 PM

its going to be hard to find work without a good portfolio, everyone and there mother's are graphic designers (including my mom) I would take a class to where you learn new stuff like PHP and PEARL, learn illustrator, try to come up with super creative stuff,

Actually good advice, take a basic photography class, and a drawing and/or painting class, I wouldn't be anywhere without knowing the rule of thirds and other art related unwritten rules. Take a psychology class to, because you learn alot how our brains percieve things, and this has helped me with my photographs

Randman · Jul 3, 2005, 10:04 PM

Also, for layout design, take writing and editing courses. Journalism ones. They'll help in the long run and give insight to a major part of your professional life, if that's what you end up doing.

budster101 · Jul 3, 2005, 10:38 PM

Great advice already given, so here is what I think was left out drink a lot of beer and eat a lot of pizza.

mitchell_pgh · Jul 5, 2005, 11:45 AM

I wish someone would have sat me down and said this regarding my design skills.

1) Make EVERYTHING you work on a reflection of your best work.
Don't let the class, professor or your friends hold you back. Make every project personal... and something you WANT to be working on. If you don't like the project, ask the professor if you can do something different.

2) Be VERY organized.
Organization is almost as important as design skills. If you aren't organized, you will always have a hard time in the design world. I'm talking about work AND FUN. Schedule nights "off" from studying.

3) Surround yourself with the best/smartest people.
If you want to be the best, hang out with the best.

mitchell_pgh · Jul 5, 2005, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by iranfromthezoo

I am going to Meridian Community College in Merdian, MS which believe or not has the best graphic design in the state, beside Unv. of Southern Miss which is where I think I`ll transfer.

I`l learn basically layout design, do you guys think I should take a web devlopment course? I know I sound like a friggin troll, but I am a lil baby.

You should take web classes, but don't take programming classes unless you want to be a programmer.

Thorzdad · Jul 5, 2005, 02:41 PM

Manage to work in a few business classes. Especially ones focusing on running a small business. Chances are you'll be freelancing and a little business knowledge will help you manage things.

KeriVit · Jul 5, 2005, 08:27 PM

You NEVER know as much as you think you do.
(Expert and fluent are relative)

There are NO EXCUSES in the design world.
(LATE= F in the real world, Software crashes don't mean **** to the client with a deadline, Tomorrow won't do if it was on press yesterday)

Never open a presentation with negative words.
(i,e.- "I didn't have much time on this, but..." "I know it's not what we talked about but..." etc.

Never present an idea you can't confidently explain and justify it's meaning.
(When the client/professor says they don't like green, you better be ready to explain to them why green is GOOD!)

Most of all - glean everything you can from the talent that surrounds you, it will serve you best in the long run.

Good job and good luck!

KeriVit · Jul 5, 2005, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Randman

Also, for layout design, take writing and editing courses. Journalism ones. They'll help in the long run and give insight to a major part of your professional life, if that's what you end up doing.

KeriVit · Jul 5, 2005, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by belafonte

its going to be hard to find work without a good portfolio, everyone and there mother's are graphic designers (including my mom) I would take a class to where you learn new stuff like PHP and PEARL, learn illustrator, try to come up with super creative stuff,

Actually good advice, take a basic photography class, and a drawing and/or painting class, I wouldn't be anywhere without knowing the rule of thirds and other art related unwritten rules. Take a psychology class to, because you learn alot how our brains percieve things, and this has helped me with my photographs

Help me- what are "PHP" and PEARL"? What am I missing?

The degree should include the other courses if it's worth its salt. Well, cept psychology- fun stuff!

Macola · 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by KeriVit

Help me- what are "PHP" and PEARL"? What am I missing?

Not much. PHP is a scripting language that allows web pages to communicate with databases. Perl (not PEARL) is also a scripting language but much more limited in scope.

To the OP: If you want to get into web design, learn HTML and CSS. A course or two in usability engineering won't hurt, either. Leave the programming/scripting to someone else, unless you like programming. I know very few outstanding web designers who are also outstanding programmers, and vice versa.

mitchell_pgh · Jul 6, 2005, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by Macola

Not much. PHP is a scripting language that allows web pages to communicate with databases. Perl (not PEARL) is also a scripting language but much more limited in scope.

To the OP: If you want to get into web design, learn HTML and CSS. A course or two in usability engineering won't hurt, either. Leave the programming/scripting to someone else, unless you like programming. I know very few outstanding web designers who are also outstanding programmers, and vice versa.

I've NEVER seen an amazing web programmer and an amazing designer. They generally are one or the other.

Macola · Jul 6, 2005, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by mitchell_pgh

I've NEVER seen an amazing web programmer and an amazing designer. They generally are one or the other.

I've been lucky enough to work with two. One of them is also an accomplished musician (currently on tour).

tpicco · Jul 10, 2005, 07:51 PM

If you plan on running your own design studio... Take bookkeeping and basic business courses...