flibodria_1

So I know this probably isn't a usual topic on here, but I'm wondering about those of you that went to college for Graphic Design. I'm a senior and looking at schools, I want to do a double major with graphic design as one. But i don't have a clue of a good school! Oh....another problem, i don't want to major in art and concentrate in graphic design, i don't want to take all the art classes. So I'd be interested in knowing where you all went or have heard of, my folks would probably appreciate it too..... :P

Welles

Hi flibodria_1 and welcome to the forum. I believe MsOz is probably familiar with graphic design schools. Perhaps she'll find this thread. In the meantime, out of curiosity, I ran a Google search with the terms 'graphic design colleges' and came up with a number of interesting hits including several which were specialized search sites for exactly your concern. For example...

http://www.uscollegesearch.org/graph..._colleges.html

That said, over a number of years I've read a number of threads on various forums, particularly the Adobe Photoshop forums about importance of degrees. The general consensus is that when it comes to entering the commercial world of graphic design it doesn't matter particularly where you went to school or what your credentials are (Adobe ACE and that sort of thing) but what your portfolio is and your demonstrable skills. If you have a personal drive to exile in the field, you can start now, without the organized structure of a school and keep expanding your abilities through your own efforts.

In the final analysis, what differentiates really excellent artists/designers from the norm is that they are self motivated. So, while your search for a good school is under way keep practicing your skills and capacity for using inspiration (the old light bulb going off in your head) by doing them. Then, when you get to school you will be using the resources to advance your own directions, rather than being just directed by outside influences.

Good Luck! You live at an exciting time to become a graphic artist! [righton]

flibodria_1

Thanks so much Welles, I've run some searches too, and I've come up with a couple schools to visit. My favorite being John Brown University in Arkansas (their gd program is pretty small, but elem. ed. is big.) Thanks for your ideas on the portfolio and advancing myself, I have a tiny portfolio full of things mostly made for my teacher and I definitly need to go deeper into these programs on my own! Your ideas were great and they are definitly being considered/done.

(please call me Kara, flibodria just doesn't work as a name!)

devastatorx

I am currently attending Gibbs in Boston. Not the most prestegious schools, but you get a good education if you're willing to put the effort into it.