Should one get a degree in graphic design? Are there jobs? Institute of the Arts?

Does anyone have insight into the wisdom of getting a degree in graphic design? It has always interested my friend and she is considering going to the Institute of the Arts to get a degree in graphic design. Is this a good idea? Are there jobs for young graphic designers?

What about Institute of the Arts? Is it expensive? Is it worth it?

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

I only know of one person who completed such a degree, and she develops advertisements for a local sign manufacturing company. It probably depends on your area, as well as your talent / portfolio. Institute of the Arts... are they affiliated with the Art Institute of *wherever*? I know those schools are ridiculously expensive. You could probably do comparatively well with a degree from your local CC, at a fraction of the cost. Of course, it might mean taking your job search more into your own hands, as I doubt companies will be recruiting at the CC for graphic designers. But if you have skills that's a chance I'd be willing to take.

 

I have a Certificate in Graphic Design from UC Berkeley Extension (took 4 years evenings and weekends) and learned a few things along the way. First, it is a very diverse field. While there are some core skills and ways of thinking to grasp most people gravitate towards a particular focus after half a dozen classes or so. Second, the work is almost always collaborative so you need to learn the concepts in a face-to-face environment. Third, working freelance is tough and can involve long hours, not for those with time management issues. Most people should expect to make no money, beyond expenses, and money reinvested to the business for at least two years. There are also considerable liability issues if you are a small graphic design business. Fourth, by doing free or cheap graphic design jobs (like those constantly advertised on craigslist for "graphic design students") you are devaluing your own work and the field in general. Fifth, you need to perfect your computer skills, see lynda.com and your social/fraternal skills, see aiga.org and graphicartistsguild.org. Sixth, if you are not an employee always work with a contract, see the "Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines." Lastly, only study at a school where the faculty are working in the field full-time and teaching part-time, and you are required to produce and build a portfolio. In the end it is the portfolio that will get you a job.

 

Graphic design is a good degree option and I know someone who has an associate's degree in graphic arts. There are a lot of opportunities available for those looking for a career in this field. One can get hired as a graphic designer in advertising firms, publishing houses and more. To get a better opportunity quickly, I would advise that one should start building his/her portfolio when attending the course. This way time can be saved and you are ready as soon as you earn a degree.

 

I agree that community colleges are a good place to start. Also, your friend should learn some Web design at least.

 

You are never devaluing yourself by working for a low wage. I am a highly paid computer software engineer (in my opinion of highly paid ) and I started at the absolute bottom of the pay range getting $5.00 per hour building computers in 1992. I worked my way up to where I am now and moved from building computers to building computer software at $8.50 an hour in 1996. Yes it takes time to develop a skill and as a new entrant into the job market, you may actually be more of a liability than an asset so take any remuneration you receive as a bonus.

My 2c

 

For some reason many people think design work should be free. You don't see anyone on craigslist asking people to write code for programs for free or to be part of some fake "contest" instead of paying a professional. In your case were were working for someone and they were paying you, albeit a low wage. This is fine, everyone has to start somewhere. In the graphic design business students will work for free or very low wages during an internship where they probably spend more time copying, scanning, and producing comps than designing. Higher wages come with time, experience, and proof of what you can produce.