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Online Graphic Design degree advice.
handsomehomeless
Registered User new member
Registered User new member
Hey all. I was going to put this in the artist corner, but I'm sure there is enough artists and graphic designers on this forum that I can stick my question here.
So I'm looking to go back to school and get a graphic design degree online. I have a couple questions as any online searches are too riddled with thinly veiled advertisements for various colleges in the form of websites like "top online colleges.com" etc.
1. Does anyone know of any genuinely accredited online graphic design programs? I've found a couple that look promising like RMCAD and some others. Any industry professionals have any insight?
2. If the basis for getting most graphic design jobs is the strength of ones portfolio, how important is having a degree from an NASAD etc accredited school? I'm sure there are many people working in the industry without degrees but with strong portfolios and talent.
I want a degree, but most of the top rated acceddited schools are super expensive. Could I skate by with a good portfolio and a degree from somewhere else?
3. Is Fullsail a scam? It's hard to tell.
Thanks everyone.
So I'm looking to go back to school and get a graphic design degree online. I have a couple questions as any online searches are too riddled with thinly veiled advertisements for various colleges in the form of websites like "top online colleges.com" etc.
1. Does anyone know of any genuinely accredited online graphic design programs? I've found a couple that look promising like RMCAD and some others. Any industry professionals have any insight?
2. If the basis for getting most graphic design jobs is the strength of ones portfolio, how important is having a degree from an NASAD etc accredited school? I'm sure there are many people working in the industry without degrees but with strong portfolios and talent.
I want a degree, but most of the top rated acceddited schools are super expensive. Could I skate by with a good portfolio and a degree from somewhere else?
3. Is Fullsail a scam? It's hard to tell.
Thanks everyone.
0
Posts
The absolute most important thing in graphic design is not a degree from any college, accredited or not. A strong portfolio and marketable skills will outweigh a diploma. You'd be better off doing projects on your own time, buying books and building up a client list. It will be more powerful than the half-assed vectored cars that most GD students have in their portfolio.
Be ballsy, go to ad agencies and ask for internships. I learned more in a month there than I did in college. This way you can also build up a network of designers that can help you get your foot in the door. Connections are just as important as portfolios.
As for fullsail- you might end up paying more than your salary may allow you to pay off and still have an acceptable adult lifestyle.
if not, you need the classroom/studio environment
Fullsail, in person, is legit, but extremely expensive and occasionally absurd
no comment on their online program
there are no shortage of horror stories from Full Sail, but most of them are from people who had no idea what the fuck they were getting themselves into
disclaimer: i know people who work at full sail, and attended a competing school
IN GENERAL
career colleges like Full Sail, Art Institute, etc, are going to do a good job of training talented people on how to work in an industry, and freely and carelessly take the money of all the people who suck and don't have a chance in hell of succeeding in fields like graphic design
After going through a similar education and being around people who have done it for decades, I am convinced that you either have what it takes or you dont. if you can't draw right now and you are expecting a career college to teach you how to draw, save your money, because it will not happen.
we also talk about other random shit and clown upon each other
If you have a portfolio, link it and some of our more hard nosed posters may tell you if you have what it takes to totally forgo the college experience.
Work on your skills, build an incredible portfolio, network, network and network.
I can't speak to the quality of these online learning institutions, but I don't think any institution in today's climate is a foot in the door.
Don't go to art school by Noah Bradley
The student studio art experience can be pretty cool, but depending on the school the cost can be ridiculous.
Having a degree is not important at all for most folks. The only time I've ever seen degrees have any relevance whatsoever is in making it easier a visa to relocate internationally for in-house positions -- that is seriously it.
If you want training/practice/a curriculum, then find a local Community College or University. You don't have to be a degree seeking student to take classes..just go sign up for the ones you actually think might be interesting. *Discriminate* between the bullshit and the quality courses - talk to the students, look at the course, determine the value vs. the money spent.
You'll get a ton more "experience" in hands on stuff and save an ocean liner full of cash. Also, you'll make contacts in your classes and meet other artists.
If you're doing this specifically for a "Degree"...then you've been lied to. Graphic design is all about what you can DO.. and the only way to show that is to have a Portfolio of your work.
Once you have a portfolio, you're gonna have to get it out there - so you'll learn to go to artist meet ups and hang outs. You'll have business cards - that you should have made yourself - and you'll have a website showcasing some of your best work.