Drawing On Part Time Graphic Design Courses For Inspiration...
Can you spot great style when you see it, say on a book cover, a magazine, or a brochure - then why not retrain to become a graphic designer? Lots of graphic designers have an artistic bent, and maybe studied art at school. Yet if you didn't study art as a teenager and are not sure of your drawing skills, don't worry - graphic designers these days don't necessarily need traditional drawing skills as much of their work is likely to be computer-based.
Working as a graphic designer could mean being employed in a small design company, a large international concern, or working on projects for yourself. Many trainee designers find they're more comfortable studying in a commercial college than at university - it's actually common knowledge that specialist design colleges are much better at preparing students for the commercial world. Then again, you could choose a taster course to build a small portfolio prior to applying for a university place.
How Do I Select the Right Trainer?
Selecting the best design college and their most appropriate course elements can appear a bit daunting, but there are simple steps to follow. Training standards differ between colleges, as do prices so be sure to research thoroughly. We don't make recommendations, but try looking at a variety of design colleges accessible from this site as good preparation will pay off down the road.
You might like to add this page to your Favourites file if you want to come back and research more sites. It will start to become apparent what you're looking for as you surf the different sites and become more informed.
Fundamentally of course a good college will prove their graphic design skills first and foremost on their website. The training probably won't be up to much if the website leaves a lot to be desired! Plus the course has to fit your current commitments.
Can you tailor in a full-on five days a week training programme, or do you need the flexibility of a home-based system? What kind of support is offered, and over what period of time? Will you need to buy any extra kit to take on the training course? Are there convincing testimonials on the site from current or ex students, or perhaps from companies who've employed their graduates?
Portfolio Presentations
Your design portfolio will be the biggest statement of the measure of your work. To get your first foot on the career ladder, you'll have to have some case studies to show to potential employers. All training schools should make it possible for you to create your own presentation material showcase, so a good look through their student presentations will show you a representative selection.
PC or MAC?
To be a graphic design student today you must have proficient computer skills, as much of your training will require the use of software. Naturally an ability to do print-based design is still important, but fundamentally training will be focused on using Adobe software, such as Photoshop and InDesign. Design colleges often favour using MACS as opposed to PC's. It's possible to obtain software versions for either though so you should be able to use whichever machine you feel most comfortable with.
As well as having good design skills, you'll also need to hone your sales and marketing skills in order to sell your ideas to clients. Graphic design encompasses just about all visual imagery, from brochure covers to chocolate wrappers. By presenting typography and images in a visually aesthetic manner, the job of graphic design is to enlighten, stimulate, encourage and relate with it's audience in the most effective and engaging way possible.
Creative Design Tools...
A design student will learn to use key principles to bring their work to life, like balance and alignment. Clever designers use the fundamental laws to put together simple yet mesmerising images and ideas, many of which have transformed the fortunes of dwindling companies. Businesses everywhere are desperate to hang onto their existing clients, and attract many new ones. Great graphics can help them to do that.
Professional tuition will turn your aptitude for design into your ability to design. Look for courses that exceed your expectations in terms of quality content, tutor support and commercial viability.
