Graphic Design School is a great option for the creative and artsy. It is a perfect way to put your creativity and artistic ability into a career that can be rewarding and lucrative. If you want to be a successful graphic designer, education will be a huge step in the right direction.
When choosing a graphic design school, there are a few things to consider:
Field or Industry– choose something that interests you and find a graphic design school that has a specialized course of program for that field. If logo design is your choice, look in that direction. If you are hoping to be in game design, you may choose a different school based on that.
Location– Obviously location usually matters. If it doesn’t, and you are solely looking for the best Graphic Design School, you will have more choices. If location matters, this may narrow your choices.
Budget– This is a big one that affects most students. This may cause you to stay in state to attend graphic design school, because of in-state tuition. Research heavily the cost and fees with each college and be sure to apply for every grant and scholarship that you find. You may be surprised at what programs you qualify for.
School Reputation– This could heavily affect your job prospects afterward. Research the faculty and staff and also the facility. The credentials of the instructors should tell you volumes. This is very relevant and will determine your future, so be sure not to miss this step.
Salary– Be sure to check out the expected salary of any occupation that you consider. It would be a shame to graduate from graphic design school and be surprised at your starting (or ending!) salary.
Job Market- Always important to research the job market. Be sure you know what is available in the areas you want to live. I once thought I would go into forensics and saw that there was only 1 job in the entire US that fit the degree I wanted to pursue. Thank goodness I checked. I changed routes, obviously.
After you have properly researched the above list individually, and have decided to attend graphic design school, you are on your way. Here are a few of the top Graphic Design Schools in the United States:
- Boston University
- Cranbrook Academy of Art
- California Institute of the Arts
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Academy of Art University
- Pratt Institute
- Yale University School of Art
- University of Minnesota College of Design
If you choose to become a graphic designer, the Graphic Design School that you choose will be important. In a changing market and more competitive economy, graphic design firms are looking for graduates from the top graphic design schools. Choosing a school based on reputation is important, if you want to work for a large firm. The education you get is only as good as the instructors and professors that teach you. It is vital that you are taught by the best.