How do you become a graphic designer?

Answer 1

It is often said that in the arts, you are either born with it or you're not. Simply put, graphic designers must possess some artistic skill. A painter can paint with nothing but some motivation and a paintbrush, but to be a truly skilled painter, one needs years of experience, preferably under a master painter, and preferably an education in the arts.

You can design graphics with just a little knowledge of art tools, including Photoshop and Illustrator. However, to be a GOOD designer, you must possess critical thinking skills, problem solving mentality, artistic skills, and the motivation to work your ass off.

Becoming a good graphic designer requires training. Some argue that you can go straight into an internship, learn some software, and begin your career. That may be true, but you will never be good with just a little software training, even if you intern for 2 years under competent designers. You must get the education. The graphic design field only supports about 200,000 employees and nearly 40,000 students are released into the field per year, which means there is heavy competition. You need at least a B.F.A. to competitively enter this arena, preferably a B.A. or if you intend to teach, an M.F.A.

Finding a design school that fits your situation can be difficult, and expensive. Most are privately owned and have high tuitions. Hundreds of schools in the US offer Graphic Design majors, but if your mind is made up, it is hugely beneficial to find a good design school or portfolio school. Here are just a few to check out:

Yale, RISD, Arizona State, Cranbrook, SCAD, Ringling College of Art, Art Center College

Be leary of design schools that excessively advertise. (Like the Art Institutes)

If you are looking for a cheaper, excellent 2 year program to develop your portfolio, I highly recommend Portfolio Center, in Atlanta, GA. However they consider themselves a post-graduate program so it is best if you have a Bachelor's going in or you won't survive.