Graphically Designed - Adobe InDesign CS3, CS4 CS5 Careers
If stylish promotions always catch your eye, for instance on the cover of a book or pasted on a billboard - then training for a career in graphic design could be for you.
Many graphic designers studied art courses at school, or were just always interested in artistic work. But that's not to say you can't become one if drawing's not your strong point - these days much graphic design work is computer-based and doesn't require conventional drawing abilities.
Graphic design workers can be employed by large corporations or small specialist design houses. Many go freelance and work for themselves.
Taking a commercial training course and becoming professionally certified is a viable alternative to academic study, essentially you probably learn a more commercial orientation at a design college. Alternatively there are many short portfolio courses that can arm you with diverse and interesting presentation material prior to applying for a degree course at university.
What Should I Look For In A Training College?
It's important to find the most suitable design college and course for your needs, as there are many to choose from. You'll find a great variation not only in terms of price, but also in terms of training standards. Be sure to dig into a good number of training colleges, like the ones featured alongside this report -your choice will impact the rest of your life so it's worth the effort.
You can type in Ctrl D on your keyboard to bookmark this page of our website, then revisiting us will be quick and easy. You will be in a position to compare and contrast the relevant points when you've visited enough sites.
The quality of a graphic design college's website will speak volumes about what you can expect. If they're claiming to be design experts, but even their homepage doesn't impress, you might want to move on.
Secondly, are you looking for full-time in-centre training, a part-time course that blends distance learning with college attendance or an entirely home-based on-screen course? What format does tutor support and assessment take? Should you expect to have to purchase any additional equipment to do the course? Which colleges give evidence of satisfied customers? Look for happy student comments.
Working Portfolios
Wherever you choose to take your training, you'll need to build a good portfolio of your work. 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. Any viable design institute will incorporate the facility for students to present their portfolios, so take a look through the student gallery pages to see what others have done there.
Is It Better To Have A Mac Or A PC?
Computer user skills are important for graphic design students, as a good deal of software is used in design today. Print-based training will still feature on most courses, but essentially you'll be working with the universally recognised Adobe CS4 applications, such as Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. It's thought by many that Macs are better for design work than PC's, but as a student you will be able to use whichever you choose, as software versions are available for both.
A graphic designer must have an ability to relate well to others, as a lot of the work involves dealing directly with the client. Graphic design work includes any form of visual communication - even if it's the label on a humble can of baked beans! Successful design work will capture the imagination of its audience. Through artistic presentation it will evoke a certain sensibility in the onlooker that encourages them to respond positively to the product.
Perspectives In Design
Designers have many tools in their arsenal - including colour, texture, composition, contrast, shape, repetition, white space, alignment and balance. Successful individuals will master these elements and present unique and stunning designs that can completely revolutionise the future of a company.
Great graphics contribute to attracting, informing and retaining a large client-base - and that's something every business in the land is desperate for!
The best training will creatively inspire you and practically prepare you for industry. Go for content, quality and a proven track-record.
