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This past Friday I was invited to speak to the students in a new Art Careers program at the high school from which I graduated 27 years ago. An interesting question came up in the discussion following my presentation:
"How did your education from design school/college fail you in preparing you for a career as a graphic designer?"
Having been out of college 21 years I think I have overcome most of the issues of not being prepared for a design career. However, I would be very interested in the experiences of others.
- Jeff
Jeff Fisher
Engineer of Creative Identity
Jeff Fisher LogoMotives
http://www.jfisherlogomotives.com
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This is a really interesting slant to the whole Q&A deal - I hope you get some feedback that's just AS interesting. Especially since I'm pondering making a return to school myself.
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Hey Jeff, I'm a student right now but I'm starting to see some areas that might not work out later.
I find that the school wants to keep jumping to the next latest thing in technology from print to HTML to Flash to 3D etc instead of teaching us the hard core principals of design. for example the program doesn't offer a color theory class at all.
It seems kind of annoying to learn how to how to make an image in the 5 newest programs if my image regardless of the medium can't communicate the right idea.
Sorry I'm venting but its a great question and i hope its making some people think a bit.
-graphixboy
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Graphixboy -
I'm not surprised by your response at all. I posted this question on several design forums and have gotten a lot of feedback.
I seems as if design schools are scrambling to keep up with the latest technology and passing on many essential elements for a well rounded design education. Color theory, as you mentioned, seems to be missing in many education programs. Other areas that seem to not be of importance to many design programs are basic design theory, graphic design from any kind of historical perspective, an in depth study of typography, and any education relating to the pre-press aspects of printing. Print is still a very viable design field and all designers should have the knowledge and ability to prepare a piece for traditional or digital printing. In addition, few graphic designers coming out of school are truly prepared for the business side of graphic design - especially marketing and self-promotion. Design education programs need to be so much more than "how to use software."
Jeff Fisher
Engineer of Creative Identity
Jeff Fisher LogoMotives
http://www.jfisherlogomotives.com
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Hi, Jeff:
Took me a while to get back to this thread to see if anyone had answered your question. I was very interested in your feedback since I only took one semester at an Art Institute back in the middle ages, but didn't finish. At that time, the first three "required" classes for graphic design were photography, illustration, and drafting, with the fourth an elective (okay, this was in the 70's). We started at ground zero in all classes (e.g., we made "pinhole" cameras in photography and were only allowed to do B&W...although I snuck in color and developed it at home) and I have to say just those basic levels helped when I finally got to the computer because I "knew" without thinking too much about it what looked right and what didn't. I was hired by a graphics firm with no experience because I had the software they used (CorelDRAW) and the "eye" which can't be really taught in a classroom.
Now I see looking at the jobs that are out there, the schools aren't all to blame for moving towards more software orientation than design basics; everyone wants their new hires to have an "AdobeMacroWinTelMac" degree (PC is okay, prefer Mac, gotta have Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash). Yet, the people that I've talked to or heard from say once you get in, it's not the software, it's what you do with the tools you use. Many just load up their "off-brand" software at their jobs without more than an initial protest and their employers end up not caring and are happy with the results.
How would you suggest a perspective student balance out the desires of the marketplace with the realities of actually getting the work done, on time (is there such a thing?) and on budget? What kind of classes would you advise them to take, if they had their choice of class schedule?
Thanks for this interesting and thought-provoking thread.
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smorg -
When I was in school, at a state university 25 years ago, I thought I was missing out on a lot because I couldn't afford to go to a design/art specific school. It didn't take me long to find out that my much more varied university education was a huge asset - and that design specific schools were not necessarily all they promoted themselves to be.
From over 20 years experience, conversations over the years with my peers, reviewing student resumes/portfolios and posting this question on several forums the general consensus seems to be:
Most schools do not adequately prepare their graduates for the realities of beginning a career - or in some cases even getting a job! - once they leave school.
• Most individuals leaving school have no basic understanding of graphic design as a business
• Many designers getting out of school have little understanding, or ability, to successfully market and promote themselves. In some cases this is as basic as being able to present a portfolio in a professional manner.
• A lot of designers have little, or no, historical perspective on graphic design, typography or media.
• There seems to be little preparedness to interact will "real world" clients. This includes obtaining the necessary information from clients, acting upon those needs/desires to create what will be successful for that client, and justifying/conveying that information to the client as a professional business person.
• Many newly graduated designers are so familiar with the praise heaped on them since their first art class in grade school that they are not prepared for the harsh reality of client or employer critques. Yes, it may be great design - as far as you are concerned - but it's not successful design unless it it meeting the goals set forth for the project.
You posted: "people that I've talked to or heard from say once you get in, it's not the software, it's what you do with the tools you use." That is very true. A quick fix series of software courses will not necessarily make someone a great designer - just as a keyboard does not necessarily make its user a great writer. Software programs are just tools - and you most likely have an edge if you know how to make use of them well. Those combining the technical skills with their talent, knowledge, and "eye" will be the most successful.
I think a lot of design students need to demand more from their schools. They are the consumer in this case and they should be getting what they feel they are paying for from any educational institution. I think some "design schools" are taking their students for a ride. They are sending "technicians" out into the world thinking they are designers. Industry job placement by a school should not include part-time positions at a Kinko's. What is with such a school not assisting students with internship placements because they are not required for a student to graduate?(This is something that came up today and just annoys the hell out of me - basically the school was not being paid to make an internship placement, so it is not of importance to them.) I could go on and on....
I think it comes down to the students making sure they get the education they require to be a marketable commodity. If this requires taking business classes in addition to design courses, it should be done. If it means taking a seminar from the Small Business Administration or a local Small Business Development Center, so be it. If the school is not giving a student a thorough education in pre-press (loading a file on a disk IS NOT pre-press) perhaps the student should seek out an internship at a service bureau or printer (No matter what people may hear, print is not dead and a good understanding of print processes will help make someone a better designer.) In addition, I am constantly reading everything I can get my hands on and making myself aware of all aspects of design around me. Designers can not expect a school to prepare them totally for a career in the big, bad world. It just doesn't happen. However, those with the most well-rounded education, and the intiative to learn what they don't know, will be successful.
I also don't understand the designers who think their education ended when they graduated from school. If that was the case I would still be using a pencil, T square, x-acto knife and hot wax. Any day you are not learning something to further your career, or knowledge base, is a day wasted.
Getting back to my first statement: I am SO thankful for my state university education. My education background in business, art history, literature, english, world history, journalistic writing, public relations, advertising design, history of religion, publication design, marketing and so many other topics all prepared me to be a better designer and provided me with a wealth of knowledge I make use of all the time.
Jeff Fisher
Engineer of Creative Identity
Jeff Fisher LogoMotives
http://www.jfisherlogomotives.com
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I hope everyone who reads this thread, prints it out and tacks it on the wall next to their monitors! I know I am. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
Since I don't have the "degree," I've been kicking around the idea of going back to school, but I'm actually working full-time, so getting out to even look at the schools available is a trial. When you just graduate, from any school or from any program, it's all too easy to think someone else is going to take care of you (i.e., a REALLY big firm where you'll be making six figures in five months) and needing to know the business side just doesn't occur to most students. Having worked at UCLA, it seems that the only ones who take marketing and business skills seriously are the MBA/JD-MBAs (law-business students), because most of them have already been out there and have seen the light.
Once again, much food for thought.
BTW, thanks for not pointing out that "perspective" should have been "prospective!" Egads!
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I think that the main problem is that they lack of good teachers, and programs. Experienced designers will not go for a teacher low salary. Schools are not willing to pay what an experience designer/teacher cost.
Two weeks ago, I visited a Graphic Designer school. The director told me that now the school is going to produce good designers, because they invested a lot of money in Cube Mac's. I feel sorry for the students. They don't know that they should learn typography rules, color theory, perspective, perceptions, art history, photography, etc. They are learning application manuals.
Dan Margulis has been in Puerto Rico three times teaching his Color Theory intensive course. Every time he finish the course I ask students if they know how to correct images before. No one has answered yes. Some of them with more than 17 years in the industry, and head of publishing agencies, newspapers, print shops, and SB's.
Graphic designer schools should contract people as Dan Margulis to help them to prepare their programs, and train their teachers.. When I proposed to the school director that I mentioned before about sending his Photoshop teacher to the course. He was happy to do it, until I told him that the course cost is $1,500. Unfortunately for his students, this school Photoshop teacher is not going to take Margulis course.
Regards
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Here's my experience with school:
While taking Commercial Art at Honolulu Community (the program won awards by the way, for having all classes taught by working professionals), I took a typography class. We had a choice of taking computer typesetting or traditional typesetting with an emphasis on the history. My instructor showed the class the different equipment and made it clear that the computer eqipment, then 2 years old, was obsolete already. She also pointed out that any new equipment that they would buy, would also become obsolete as fast. I took the hisorical class, and I'm glad I did. I have a good understanding of the design of letters now.
While taking a computer graphics course at a trade school a few years later, my instructor hinted that, for the $4,000.00 the course cost, we could have bought a nice computer and taught ourselves. I've found this to be true. The knowledge that really benefitted me from this course was about resolutions and file formats. I do wish they had spent more time on color, the difference between additive and subtractive color, the different ways color is handled digitally.
I would never again waste time and money on classes about computer programs. They change so fast, it's not worth it. It's better just to buy the program, after seeing what you all say here at talkgraphics [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]. This is an area that is better learned by doing. There are so many free tutorials and there are tons of help files in the programs.
Good design is another thing altogether. This type of instruction is invaluable. Art history is also supremely important.
If I could go back in time I would also take some business courses. I still know nothing about business. Luckily, my new partner (my mom actually) is a bookkeeper [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]. Now we're gonna kick some butt.
Sharon P.
www.fischerpassmoredesign.com
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Sharon, I love your site, especially the texture you've chosen on the home page [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]
Your skill as an artist is outstanding, but my personal favorite has to be Poetess. Totally cool.
Keep us posted in Site Design and Freelance board when you update. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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I too have been anxious to write on this thread. I have just recently been given a job that i absolutely adore. I work for the College of Business Administration here at Central Michigan University. Unfortunatly i wish i would of received this job two yrs prior, because i am graduating this semester.
The thing i wanted to mention was i find as i get older in my teachings of the Graphic Arts, i Find that a lot of the students that i become friends with and consequently learn from, have only less of the information that i have retained... It almost seems as though the professors have cut corners on their own students in the hopes to find a better job placement for themselves.
In retaliation i have found great joy in teaching as many students under me what i know and then in return i find they teach me a few things as well.
As far as you Q&A ordeal, I feel that as a student i regret that this thing is happening... I hope to teach my collegues more, but i hope that they do the same with their friends...
I was given a idea by a friend that i should start a club on campus but, i feel that these club things only promote hierarchal standard with in the organization of the clubs... So what i do for this option is find times that my friends and i can meet at the labs and host MAD SCIENTIST Meeting (or mad hater meeting as they are being called now) in the hopes of retaining more information in programs like flash and dreamweaver,
I hope i have helped you see our light at the end of our tunnel over here on this side of the world
My name is Raymond Karle
and on here you can call me Rayograph [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] Rayographic@worldemail.com
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Girls & Guys,
thanks a lot for this great thread. I agree that every artist, illustrator, designer etc. should read it at least twice.
Thanks a lot for posting!
All I can say that the same applies to the situation in Europe. There is only one difference: over here you litereally grow up with the art history ;-} - walk through any medium sized city and you will be covered with art in all aspects.
OK, this should be enough. Before I will dive into details, I'll better shut up - there is no way for me to express the details nearly as good as you can do (English is my second language, and I'm already living too long in Europe again).
jens
jens g.r. benthien
designer
http://www.sacalobra.de
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If you don't know how to dream you'll never be a designer.
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awsome thread, terrific information, and some excellent links...thanks folks [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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My formal education was in architecture. I imagine my thoughts apply to any design school - be it graphic, industrial, interior or architectural design. I'm bothered by the tendency of many students, curriculums, and employers to see design school as job training. I suppose I'm much more of a traditionalist because I think the purpose of higher design education is to help students think as designers. Teaching them courses on specific software is IMHO unnecessary. Instead provide them access to good equipment and technical assistance and have them design, design, design. They will learn the software without formal instruction on it. At the same time they will learn to learn which can be the ultimate reward of a good education. A good designer thinks differently than a technician, a manager or an engineer. Those designer thought processes can be learned. Design schools have a responsibility to provide an environment where willing students can learn. To me it's not so much about being 'tought' as it is about being nurtured into a process of self discovery - helping to find ways for the creativity inate in each student to flow forth in a controlled manner.
Regards, Ross
<a href=http://www.designstop.com/>DesignStop.Com</a>
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Hi Ross [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
I totally agree with you...
You have to hold the ability to envision inorder to create...this includes envisions of basic and complex shapes, spacial conception, along with understanding the materials and tools involved with bringing your vision to reality form.
The materials and tools obviously differ depending on the project at hand...which brings us to the convienience of the digital medium...
Once one is prepped with the basics of conceptual design, and moves on to the digital creation tools, the process begins once again in the defining of the toolbox...materials included...
This defining the toolbox is really where things get difficult...on one hand there are a whole host of tools and plugins etc that in all reality, will enable the tasks to be performed producing fantastic results...but...there is also an industry political side of things that determines the routes one must take and the tools one must use inorder to secure a job and work easily within said industry... [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] though I must admit there is becoming more flexability regarding these issues each and every day...and, of course, if your worx are so nice that they truly stand out, well concessions can and will be made, to a point...
I am going to stop right about here... hehe
[img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]
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A bit of gentle persuasion goes a long way eh Mike?
hahaha, I loved this story...got any more?
[img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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I found that my experience with school was not a good one. I am a recent graduate and recieved my 4 year degree in Visual Communications, specialization Graphic design. Anyways, I found college to be kinda a waste of time. Well, I should say my college because the teachers really did not teach. I found that I learned more my senior year with doing my senior project and having this one teacher who explained on how to brand ourselves. But other then that, I find myself very overwhelmed and somewhat scared to get into my field. College was just a big disappointment to me and it has not taught me much about the field.
I think the best thing would be if there were teachers who would be in the field of Graphic design, copywriting, art director, freelance artist, illustrator. The only teacher that I truely got something out of is a art director who talked to my class about branding ourselves. But other then that, I would have liked a different experience. And if I could go back and do it all over again I would make some changes like a different school.
This is a great thread. I hope I did not ramble too much.
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Well... you can have all the skills in the world, but if you can't sell yourself...
Teacher makes a good solid point... but... then again... a great demo reel makes a better solid point http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
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just a quicky top say that ive printed out all the above and im starting teaching a 3D design/ graphics course in mid september at the university of central england.
i have the first year students fresh from collage!, ive been working as a designer for 4-5 years and 3 at uni, im gonna sieve thu all the written info above and try to put back into the system some of your requirments for what should make an excerlant design student...
keep on writing guys!
im gonna do my best for the little fella's.
all the best lunartik http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/smile.gif
www.lunartik.com
ta, lunartik
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I spent a couple of years studying at a junior college for Visual Communications, essentially a graphic design program. I can say the only valuable thing I learned was from one or two teachers who taught me basic design principles, no computers, no books really. The computer classes were already below my level so I didn't learn much there. Unfortunately I didn't finish the program because of work and now I have no degree which is why I am thinking I am going to have to go and finish school just to get the degree. My company closed it's doors last July and I can't get hired to save my life. Fortunately I am getting lot's of freelance work and it pays really well. Unfortunately it's not as steady as I'd like it to be. The companies I see hiring now care nothing about technical skills all they want is someone with a Bachelors degree. I do not understand this at all in this economy. When I was working I don't know how many people I saw that came to work who had degrees who knew nothing about design had no passion for it and only went to "Art School" because they had some romantic notion of how cool it would be to be a 3D animator or Graphic Designer. Now the market is flooded with people who have degrees from these schools who can't design at all. Everything everyone here has said is right on. The schools can't afford to pay good teachers. The focus is on computers, not design. Frankly I have to say that Design in America is crap compared to what is coming out of Europe these days. Except for a few exceptions like 2Advanced or other new media designers. You see "Art Institute" advertisments on t.v. all the time but everyone that I have talked with will tell you that they wasted their money at these schools for the most part. Although from my perspective in todays job market having a degree and no design skills is still slightly better than being a great designer and not being able to get hired.
s.g.
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Hello everybody.
I ask to please me for my poor English.
When I learned in art college 20 years ago ,we studied drawing, painting, sculpture, design of consumer goods, history of art and many other subjects where we learned fonts, color theory, geometry, composition, theory of design, furniture design, theory of mechanics , metal and wood treatment , modeling and others.
It helped to me so much later.
Now I work as freelance interior designer and teach students in a college. My main subjects are interior design and industrial design. But I discuss with my students their drawings, sketches, paintings, composition works , models and so on.
At the beginning my students draw sketches on paper and we discuss ones. After they find good decision they can to make their projects by hand or on a computer. Actually they mix both ways . I think that computer is not an artist`s brain but only smart pencil .
Valery
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After only starting in the Graphic Design program at an expensive private school, I was hired as a designer. I left school because I was learning more from working and from just reading books to learn the programs.
After 3 years I returned to school, but changed my major to Interior Design. I learned WAY more about designing with original ideas, color theory, spacial relationships, etc, in the Interior Design program. Those key skills have advanced my design career tremendously, and has advanced my painting skills and techniques (so much so that my work has been exhibited and sold across the country).
You can learn how to use those programs yourself, but investing in a course that will teach you how to DESIGN is well worth it!
-Amy
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Many years ago while I was teaching I learned a very good saying;
"Those who can do, Those who can't teach." it is cruel, and unkind to say. But regretfully, more often than not, it is true. Unless you are in the middle of the process, you never learn todays process and are falling behind. Without a firm foundation upon which to build, even the pyramids would fall.
The best school is the school of hard knocks. You never graduate, and are always cramming for finals. Dinner on the table means you passed todays final. Now to start studying for tommorrows final.
