Graphic Design as a major

<p>I just finished my first year at Georgia State University.
Currently, my major is "undecided", but I've became very interested in graphic design.
I have never taken any art courses at school, but have been very interested in design field ever since I was young.
There are lots of people who prepared from a long time ago in order to get into an art school.
and I'm kind of scared that I'm starting too late for it compared to everyone.</p>

<p>I wish to transfer to a better school with a good graphic design program. </p>

<p>I was curious if I should just stay in Georgia State University and graduate with BFA degree in graphic design, or transfer to a better school to get a degree in graphic design and then consider about going to a graduate school?</p>

<p>You said you’ve been very interested since youth. The question is how talented are you. Has your portfolio ever been evaluated? And I don’t mean by an Art College admissions officer but by an actual professor or other professional who has nothing at stake but to tell you the honest truth?</p>

<p>(Art college administrators want students – students who can pay – there is an inherent amount of bias with them)</p>

<p>Let’s say there’s enough potential to go further. Do you know what the employment arena for graphic designs is? What’s their avg salary? Is it OK for you?</p>

<p>My brother is a professional illustrator, attended a fairly prestigious art college, has free-lanced his entire life with some notable national-level productions which you’d recognize. He’s also an adjunct instructor at his alma mater. A sober bit of news he tells his students: “When you are going to be out there bidding for jobs, I’ll be in the line with you, bidding for the same job”</p>

<p>Before switching courses, you should really really consider the field, its remuneration, its employment rate. And how many people who get a BFA are actually employed in the graphic design field. </p>

<p>Also, the industry doesn’t really reward graduate degrees. Output and creativity trump letters after your name.</p>

<p>I don’t mean to throw cold water on your fire but there are realities that anyone interested in design or the arts must consider. Best of luck to you.</p>

<p>While a lot of the previous posters views make a lot of sense (especially concerning graduate school) I disagree with their opinion of art college admissions officers. All of the admissions counselors I have talked to have given me an honest opinion. Even if they say you are accepted off the spot doesn’t mean they won’t tell you anything you can do to improve. All artists take critique seriously regardless of if you are representing a school or not. Of course they are right in how they tend to pump up how good their school is for a certain major. But from my experience they are easier to talk to than actual professionals because they are usually more willing to talk to potential students. Professionals are great, but they tend to tell you what an admissions officer already conveyed to you. But calling up some graphic designers or firms and asking them what they look for in employees is always a good thing. It will just mean more when you a have professional portfolio, not an admissions one.</p>

<p>And on the opinion of graphic design majors, they usually have better job opportunities then illustrators, especially if they venture into web design. Then again, illustration is a broad major, and I know a few that actually work as graphic designers because the job prospects are better. But regardless of your major, it really depends on how skilled you are. You need to begin to assess that immediately. How far are you willing to go? Do you want to stay in Georgia? Or do you want to travel to a school like Pratt or RISD? Do you want to go to a traditional school like CMU or an art one? I would measure your skills at the moment by talking to a variety of art professionals and even some schools. They will be able to see how you measure against others aiming to enter the same field. That will decide usually how well your job prospects are in the industry. Another thing that will matter is your network. The best artist doesn’t always get the job. Your employer has to like you and and it’s even better if they know you. A contact can open a door, and your own skills will keep it open.</p>

<p>And graphic design is something that you dont even need a degree for. My sister started a graphic design business in high school and she actually went off to school to be a business major. She was doing design work for community leaders, charity galas, and even one for a politician’s campaign. She took some graphic design and photoshop courses at a nearby community center. </p>

<p>I can’t tell you are wrong for heading towards graphic design nor can I tell you you are right. I understand that making such a decision is difficult and I wish you the best. To be honest though, if I decided I wanted to go into graphic design then I would transfer out of Georgia State if that is an option and attend an art school that excelled in that major. But I took art classes as a hobby for a long time before I decided I wanted to go into the field, so I was a bit more comfortable with the idea. Or maybe you could major in marketing and minor in graphic design or the other way around. I would definitely check out a portfolio day or call up a college admissions officer. I would also take the previous posters advice and contact some professionals. If you sent me your portfolio I could give you better advice but since I don’t have that to make a judgement on than this is all I can really tell you.</p>