What do you do if you're unsure which graphic design program or school is right for you? (2024)

Before you start looking for a graphic design program or school, you need to have a clear idea of what you're good at and what you enjoy doing. Graphic design is not just about making things look nice, it's also about communicating messages, solving problems, and creating experiences. Think about what kind of graphic design projects you've done in the past, or what kind of projects you'd like to do in the future. What skills did you use or need to learn? What aspects did you find challenging or rewarding? What kind of feedback did you get or seek? These questions can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your preferences and passions.

Graphic design is a broad and diverse field that encompasses many different areas, such as branding, web design, illustration, animation, typography, print design, and more. Each area has its own requirements, standards, and trends. You don't have to specialize in one area, but you should have a general understanding of what each one entails and how they relate to each other. Research different graphic design fields online, look at examples of work from different designers, and read about their experiences and insights. This can help you discover new possibilities, learn new skills, and find inspiration.

Once you have a better idea of what kind of graphic design you want to learn or pursue, you can start comparing different graphic design programs or schools that offer the courses, resources, and opportunities that match your needs and goals. You can use online platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, or edX, to find online courses or certificates that cover different graphic design topics, tools, and techniques. You can also look for offline programs or schools that offer diplomas, degrees, or certificates in graphic design or related fields. You can check their websites, brochures, reviews, and rankings to find out more about their curriculum, faculty, facilities, fees, and reputation.

Another way to find out which graphic design program or school is right for you is to ask for advice and feedback from people who have more experience or knowledge in the field. You can reach out to graphic design instructors, mentors, peers, or professionals who can give you honest and constructive opinions about your skills, interests, and options. You can also join online communities, such as forums, groups, or blogs, where you can interact with other graphic design learners or enthusiasts who can share their stories, tips, and recommendations. You can also attend online or offline events, such as webinars, workshops, or meetups, where you can network with graphic design experts and influencers who can offer you guidance and support.

Another factor that can influence your choice of graphic design program or school is the type of graphic design tools that you want to use or learn. Graphic design tools are the software or applications that you use to create, edit, or enhance your graphic design projects. There are many different graphic design tools available, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Sketch, Figma, Canva, and more. Each tool has its own features, functions, and advantages. You don't have to master all of them, but you should have a basic familiarity with the most common ones and how they work. You can try out different graphic design tools online, by downloading free trials, watching tutorials, or taking courses. This can help you find out which ones suit your style, preferences, and goals.

The last tip we have for you is to experiment with different graphic design styles. Graphic design styles are the visual elements, such as colors, fonts, shapes, textures, or images, that you use to create your graphic design projects. There are many different graphic design styles, such as minimalism, retro, vintage, modern, abstract, geometric, or grunge. Each style has its own mood, message, and appeal. You don't have to stick to one style, but you should have a sense of what style works best for your project, audience, and purpose. You can experiment with different graphic design styles online, by browsing portfolios, galleries, or magazines, or offline, by sketching, collaging, or printing. This can help you develop your creativity, versatility, and identity as a graphic designer.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Graphics

+ Follow

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.