Tag: College of Graphic Design

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Graphic Design Students Put Heart into Art for Health

Graphic design students participate in community projects to learn about working with real clients and practice invaluable problem-solving skills. When this type of project is cause-worthy, it can be even more rewarding. Students in one School of Art found were called upon to design art for a public health show:

Yale Daily News – School of Public Health and School of Art students opened an exhibit this week of posters promoting health issues.

“The Art of Public Health” show — which opened in a School of Art gallery on April 13 and closes April 24 — features themes ranging from vaccines, to nutrition and global health. According to organizers, the posters aim to condense “complex” public health information into visually striking posters, while targeting parents, teenagers and Spanish speakers. After the success of this year’s pilot project, the group expects to produce a similar gallery next year, said Vanessa Lamers SPH ’13 FES ’13, one of the gallery organizers. This project marks the first time students from both schools have collaborated on interdiscplinary work, she added.

“We wanted to focus on bringing the ideas we were learning in the classroom to the public,” Lamers said. “So we chose an interdisciplinary project that condensed all that information into powerful visuals.”

The idea for the project, said School of Public Health professor Catherine Yeckel, originated as an outside activity in her “Physiology for Public Health” class. She said the more students learned about the scientific concepts behind public health, the more they realized that they were losing focus on the “public” part of it, to which Yeckel responded by challenging the students to create a public project.

“It’s easy for students to learn lots of things, but they are not often implemented in the community,” Yeckel said. “Students became so creative that they decided to bring the project outside the classroom and came up with this brilliant idea.”

Read more on this graphic design school project from The Yale Daily News.

More News about Graphic Design Schools:

Art School Announces Short-Term Multi-Media Training

London College Drops Graphic Design Print Program

CalArt Students Win Scholarships

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Graphic-Design-Schools.net Encourages Graphic Design Students to Explore Entrepreneurship

Students in graphic design schools are cautioned against limiting their talents to a specific genre of graphic design. Graphic-Design-Schools.net says that the best way to win high-paying jobs is to branch out as a freelancer and build a great reputation as a graphic designer.

 

FLORIDA — April 18th, 2012 — As a leader in information resources, Graphic-Design-Schools.net advises graphic design students that flexibility and the ability to offer a broader range of design services is essential to their future success. Thriving in other areas of design often requires professionals to be great in a niche part of their overall market, but Graphic-Design-Schools says that graphic designers need to remain very flexible – especially those who intend to own a business or work as an independent freelance graphic designer.

Beverly Lansing of Graphic-Design-Schools.net says that graduate students need to be focused on learning all they can learn about their favorite part of the market but warns that there are repercussions for sticking to a specific aspect of the industry. “In graphic design schools, students learn to love what they do and are encouraged to choose the area that best suits them. The truth is, most graphic designers have the skills necessary to work in their preferred area of graphic design or to do work for a specific agency. The problem comes when limiting yourself to a niche also limits income potential,” she said.

There is on other catch according to Lansing: A well-paid graphic designer is first a great artist, but he is also an astute entrepreneur. “Professionals who are earning the most as independent graphic designers are those that cans step outside of their comfort zone and win the jobs that pay well. They are businessmen and women who market themselves as much as they market their clients.”

The labor department says that graphic designers earn a median annual salary of $40,000, but Lansing says that number isn’t representative of graduates who are starting a new business. It takes time to build a thriving business, but it may be well worth it in the end. Lansing also points to industry statistics that claim that graduates of graphic design schools have a tough time finding those jobs. “Not all graphic designers are constantly searching for work; flexible designers are great at all areas of design. Their clients know it, and they tell their friends about it. Given enough time, a good graphic designer can easily earn $70,000 a year by starting his or her own firm,” she said.

 

Graphic-Design-Schools.net

Graphic-Design-Schools.net brings together the best info on graphic design colleges, student life, and professionals in the graphic industry to help you make an informed decision about your career and education goals. All resources, including the graphic design school directory and helpful graphic design articles are presented as a free service to users. Graphic-Design-Schools.net helps individuals considering graphic design careers find powerful information for success in college and beyond.

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Students Admitted to Program Based on Graphic Design Class Scores

One graphic design school is making access to a graduated program a fierce competition among students. The university of Georgia currently enrolled in a class where the outcome of their final project decides who gets into the next phase of the curriculum.

“Of the 32 students enrolled in the graphics design survey classes at the University, only 14 are chosen to enroll in the major. The arduous process turns students into competitors,” according to the graphic design school’s article on redandblack.com

Graphic design students must become acquainted with competition, however. The graphic design market it a highly competitive arena where plenty of graduates are vying for similar jobs. Some students have to adapt their social skills to accommodate the competition:

“Because it is so competitive, you can’t make friends because you kind of want them to get cut,” said Kaitlyn O’Connor, a senior graphic design major. “It is ridiculous in hindsight, but during it, it was a really heated competition.”

In order to apply to the graphic design major, students must register for a graphic design survey class, ARGD 2010. The work they produce in the class is used as their application for the program.

Richard Morgan, a senior graphic design major, said the class is a “history of graphic design put to practice.”

He said participants make renditions of each era, sometimes spending several hours perfecting their work.

They then submit the portfolio for faculty to judge and critique at the end of the semester. Morgan added that faculty also take into account how dedicated students are and how researched their projects are.

“It was a very stressful [experience],” he said. “I had to be very competitive and strong about it. We literally almost fought for it. We all visited professors after class hours, talking about what we could do to be better in the class.”

Junior Sarah Lawrence, who is also an editorial cartoonist for The Red & Black, said she decided it would be easier to sleep through the decision process.

Read the rest of the story from redandblack.com

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Graphic Design Student Wins Scholarship

Graphic Designs, Art on Display at Trinity

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Getting Ready for Graphic Design School: Tips from the Pros

Preparing for graphic design school might make students think of college applications, financial aid forms, and choosing which school to attend. As it turns out, there is a lot more that you can (and perhaps should) do to prepare for a successful start at the graphic design school of your choice while also increasing your chances of being accepted by the school you want to attend.

A recent article by YouTheDesigner.com points out some important considerations for students interested in a career in graphic design. This article names seven ways in which students can prepare for graphic design school so that the student stands out among hundreds or thousands of other applicants, including:

1. Have a Versatile, but Focused Portfolio – As a graphic designer it is important to have a versatile Graphic Design portfolio…

2. Show Basic Art Skills – When applying to art school its important to have some fine art in your portfolio, even if you are a designer, because it shows you have a solid foundation in art…

3. Practice Your Interviewing – Practicing your interviewing skills can go a long way…

4. Dress Appropriately – You may be a free spirit, but you should dress properly for your interview…

5. Know Your Projects – Nothing is worse than not being able to talk about your projects…

6. Have Goals – This may seem silly, but surprisingly a lot of people have no long or short term goals in life…

7. Learn About the School and Program – Applying to a school you know nothing about is an easy way to push yourself into a trap…

(Read more about all 7 tips over at YouTheDesigner)

Let’s Look at Step 6

While preparing for entry into a graphic design school is important, it is just as important to prepare yourself for success once you’ve achieved the first goal. Just like step 6 above, you’ll need new goals once you’ve reached your school.

On this thought, Naldz Design steps out 12 ways to become a successful graphic designer (starting with joining a graphic design school). Among the twelve steps, they’ve listed some interesting points that apply to all types of schools and career oriented education programs.

#2 Know what you’re good at, but be flexible:
“Most graphic designers specialize in a certain field, like magazine designing, logo designing and others. You may practice that field but still you have to make sure that you are well rounded. It is important for designers to know everything pertaining to design.”

#4 Work starts during graphic design school:
“Attend seminars and join organizations related to design while in school. This is a good experience in handling different situations and this will also develop your leadership skills. Take advantage of field trips and seminars where you can learn a lot.”

Read all 12: Getting Yourself Ready for a Graphic Design Career

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15 Graphic Design Interview Tips

A-Z Degrees: Graphic Design (UK)

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Graphic Design News

Graphic Design Students Appreciate Tough Professors

Graphic design school is challenging, which is one of the many reasons a good education from an accredited college is an important step for any would-be graphic designer. Students find that registering for classes can be as stressful as the curriculum itself, but thanks to some hard-nosed teachers those students are grateful for their choices later one. Teacher Wendy Shapiro recently lifted the veil and explains why some graphic design classes are so hard and how that helps the student:

The moment before registering for classes can evoke a variety of emotions among students. Some experience excitement as they take a step closer to graduation. Others lose sleep from the fear of registering for a required course instructed by a professor known for stringent grading and high demands. Their fingers tremble with trepidation as they make the mouse click of no return. Many students, however, look back at their experiences with these instructors and realize signing up for a class was a decision they would never regret.

Graphic design professor Wendy Shapiro is known for her attention to detail and high expectations of students. While they acknowledge the difficulty of her class, Shapiro’s students agree they’re better graphic designers because of it.

Shapiro hails from Norristown, Penn., a small town outside of Philadelphia. Growing up in a family rich with a history of educators, she seemed destined to follow their footsteps. However, after taking four years of graphic design in high school, her love for the subject created a difficult decision for which career path to take. She eventually decided to switch majors from education to graphic design for her last two years of undergraduate study.

“I thought I would get tired of teaching after a period of time and my grades were so much better in graphic design,” Shapiro said.

She went on to work for the North County Times as its marketing and advertising designer. Instructional Technology Services at San Diego State also utilized her services as a graphic designer.

Read the rest of her story at The Daily Aztec.

More Reading about Graphic Design School teachers:

Teens get lessons in financial literacy

Mott Community College professor Mara Jevera Fulmer heading to Russia as a Fulbright Program specialist

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Graphic Design News

Graphic Design Exhibition Samples Artistic Style

For future students of graphic design, exhibitions offer a unique chance to peek into the world of graphic design schools and get a glimpse of the quality of work that they can obtain.

Years of hard work at a graphic design school typically culminates with a senior exhibition, which gives students a chance to showcase their work through a collection of graphic designs. Exhibitions are generally free and open to the public, where design firms and others interested in graphic design can get their first impression of the newest generation of artists.

Interested parties in McPherson Kansas can experience such a display at McPherson College through the 24th of April:

As senior studio art and graphic design students prepare for graduation from McPherson College, they have one more opportunity to demonstrate their skill and creativity. The current exhibition at the college features more than 200 pieces of work by seven seniors in a huge variety of styles and mediums.

“I can’t believe how prolific they are,” said Wayne Conyers, professor of art, “The amount of work and the quality of work they create is just phenomenal. There’s such a range here. They’ve all developed their own style, which I think is absolutely wonderful.”

The work is on display in McPherson College’s Friendship Hall through April 24, with a reception for the artists from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 22.

Bethany Schoenwetter, McPherson, Kan., works mostly in large, broadly sketched human figures in monochromatic colors. In this exhibit, her work mostly consists of charcoal drawings inspired by classical figures in paintings and sculpture, but with the faces replaced by people she knows. Also in her work are intriguing figures of dancers in India ink over yellowed sheet music.

Just across the hall, Wes Story, Little Elm, Texas, has displayed two motorcycles he designed, as well as works in a variety of mediums with a Western theme uniting them.

Read more from McPherson College here.

More Reading on graphic design schools:

Tactical Magic Design Featured in Textbook

PBL raising funds with McCook College’s history

South Tech student is over the moon about Venus’ T-shirt design

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Your Graphic Design School Portfolio

A portfolio of all of the designs you have created during your time in graphic design school is one of the most important items you will have when you graduate college. Second to a degree, the portfolio will show future employers and clients the kind of work they can expect from you and the level of your expertise in the art of graphic design.

For this reason, many graphic design schools use the student portfolio as an important part of the grading process and many consider a student’s portfolio to weigh heavily in determining the overall score that student will receive. So what goes into a student’s portfolio in graphic design school and why is it so important?

According to GraphicDesignBlog.org, there are five not-so-secret ingredients when formulating the perfect graphic design portfolio:

It’s always GDB’s top priority to bring helpful tips and resources for aspiring Graphic Designers. Therefore, before you start getting inspired with “38 Impressive Designer Portfolios” from net, I would like you all to know “5 must-have” features of an ideal portfolio.

Logo: An exclusive portfolio helps us to promote our self as a brand, therefore it is important to have a dependable logo. First thing a visitor checks on your portfolio is a logo and it should be catchy to tempt the user to check your complete portfolio.

Tagline: Your tagline should well define your services and creative abilities. It should be short, snappy and summarize about your goals. Your tagline should be catchy enough, to change an ordinary user into a potential customer.

Services: This feature of your portfolio should be detailed and well explained. This is the feature where you get to explain your area of expertise like web design, development, video, copywriting, branding, etc.

Blog: We all know blog is always a casual and successful way of sharing your creative thoughts with your visitors. It helps to promote you and prevent your website from lying static. It allows people to search you on different social networks and drop comments about your portfolio.

About Me: To cut the long story short, a portfolio is all “About Me” Share your family background, education and interests with people. The more details you give, the better a bond of trust is created between you and your users.

Apart all these listed features, just remember that an online design portfolio should be easy to use, should be clearly sectioned and simple in design to allow your design artwork to shine.

Anyways, now without squandering any more time, let’s start with the tour… 38 examples of most exclusive portfolios have been put together here for your inspiration.

You can read more about portfolios from GraphicDesignBlog.org and view 38 of their favorite portfolio designs here.

Read more about designing a portfolio from graphic design school:

Portfolio Center

Preparing Your Portfolio for College Admissions

12 Steps to a Super Graphic Design Portfolio

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Graphic Design News

Competition Now Open for Students of Graphic Design

The  Taiwan International Design Competition is now calling for submissions from students of graphic design schools and professionals.

The Taiwan International Design Competition entering its 11th consecutive year. In the 11 years of its existence, it has received tens of thousands of entries from nearly 50 countries.

International design authorities are invited each year to serve as our jurors. The jurors selected the most producible works and works possessing the characteristics of future trends as the winners. After a decade since its establishment, we have seen past winners of the competition increasingly emerge as young designers in the design industry. We are delighted to see their achievements and hope that winners in time to come will become the rising stars of the future.

Theme is “Maximinimization”:

Design is a kind of magic from the heart of the designers. Observing the subtle psyche of consumers, and giving expression to their needs in products – such is what design is! Designer brings an enormous amount of creativity with carefulness. This is just like people from the Orient who use the smallest seal to make their greatest commitment with their heart. Likewise, simple and easy steps are employed to complete a complex and difficult operation, employing minimum resources to create maximum effect.

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Product Design, Packaging Design, Visual Communication Design, Digital Multimedia Design….

More about this contest at 2012 Taiwan International Design Competition

Graphic design schools host exhibitions and showcase students’ work on a regular basis to prepare students for real-world presentations. Competitions are generally hosted by outside sources and allow students to add another element to their design portfolio. A great collection of graphic designs is critical when applying to a higher degree program at a web design school or when entering the job market.

More Graphic Design Competitions:

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Graphic Design News

Graphic Design School Hosts Conference for Teens

Graphic design students and instructors recently held a conference in Salt Lake City for teenagers who might be interested in the field of graphic design. Although high school students across the nation are becoming more and more exposed to computer systems and design principles through vocational programs in web and graphic design, many are overwhelmed at the prospect of design.

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The annual conference of the Academy of Information Technology convened on Wednesday, March 21, to host kids from five Utah school districts and reinforce the AOIT objective of offering better ways for students to learn. As a member program of the National Academy Foundation, a national network that supports the extracurricular development of professional and personal success, AOIT has branches to work with high school students all over the country.

Director of the local AOIT board Patricia Isom expressed the board’s desire to not only provide young students with education and opportunities, but to also build and maintain interest in the field, which Isom hopes will be contagious.

“We want to not only give students an idea of what’s available to them, but to wow them,” Isom said.

After the buzz of teenage chatter died down in the spacious conference hall before the keynote presentation, Jason Bangerter, adjunct instructor at UVU and owner of the nationally recognized design firm, “Struck,”explained to the students that both form and function are necessary for appealing interactions on the Internet.

As part of his presentation about design-emphasized engineering, Bangerter invited four students from his class, Special Topics in Graphic Design, to show the high school conference goers their class projects.

(Read more at UVU Review: Graphic design department offers expertise at conference)

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The conference hosted by Utah Valley University put emphasis on what is truly possible through a graphic design school and degree program.

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Two Ways to Become a High-Paid Graphic Designer

There are few self-taught graphic designers, so most people rely on a quality program at an accredited graphic design school to learn the skills of the trade. By utilizing the resources available at a college or training program near you, there are two ways to become a high-paid graphic designer: through a long-term commitment to education or through a long-term commitment to work.

In essence, students have the choice of becoming a successful and well-paid graphic designer through an advanced graduate program at a graphic design college or by completing an undergraduate program and working their way to a higher-paying job. Both methods are feasible ways to earn a great income in the field of graphic design and each carries its own set of benefits and sacrifices.

Regardless of the path a graphic design student takes, the traits of a graphic designer remain the same. Successful graphic design school students and professionals are creative individuals with artistic talent. They are able to take an idea or emotion and translate it into a visual retelling that motivates buyers, motivates a person to pick up a magazine, call a phone number, or simply click on a banner ad on the internet.

Graphic design schools, regardless of the level of the degree program, will arm students with the skills they need to work toward their personal and career goals. It is important for graphic designers to remain flexible because the industry and the standards in the profession can change rapidly. Graphic designers for print publications must be ready to take on the role of an online graphic designer. Likewise, graphic designers who specialize in online publications need to be always ready to take on a billboard or store advertising challenge.

The success of a professional graphic designer hinges on his or her ability to take a larger portion of the graphic design industries client-base. However, many graphic designers find great success by focusing on a niche within their profession, provided that there is little competition or that the designer has proven himself worthy of higher-paying jobs or contracts. Graphic design schools prepare students to face these types of challenges and decisions with confidence.

Become a Graphic Design through Long-Term Education vs. Long-Term Work

A long-term commitment to education at a graphic design school can expedite the student’s efforts to find a high-paying job immediately following graduation. By spending less time in the job market, however, the student loses work-experience opportunities. Some internships can help offset this sacrifice, however, and those with a higher degree from an accredited graphic design school often find it easier to land a higher paying job.

Long-term commitments to building a reputation as a graphic designer can help students graduating with a lesser degree earn more money over the long-run. While students who choose this route earn less money immediately following graduation from a graphic design school, they spend more time in the job market making connections and earning higher rate.