<p>I'm considering a major in graphic design as a possibility when I apply for college. The problem is, I have little experience with the computer-related aspect of art. I know enough HTML to build a basic webpage and I draw with a tablet on Adobe Photoshop, but that's pretty much the extent of my knowledge in that area. I'm actually more of a traditional graphite artist. So would I need to start learning web design and go more in depth into actual graphic design to put together a portfolio should I decide to major in graphic design? Or should I be okay with mostly traditional art and a few digital pieces?</p>
<p>By the way, I am a high school sophomore right now, so I'm not in too much of a rush. Still, it'd be easier on me if I could just submit mostly traditional artwork.</p>
<p>Focus on traditional art skills first and foremost. These will help you build skills that will better serve you when you begin graphic design courses. Software is a tool used in the process of visual communications (graphic design), but it is not graphic design itself. </p>
<p>For example, this is an early 20th century painting by El Lissitzky:
<a href=“HugeDomains.com”>HugeDomains.com;
<p>It is abstract, highly symbolic, and demonstrates the principles of design such as balance, rhythm, proportion, emphasis, and unity. This should be your focus as well, not software. Building a web page will not impress anyone if you do not utilize principles listed above.</p>
<p>This page describes the elements and principles of design, but they apply to all visual and design arts as well</p>
<p>[Elements</a> and principles of design](<a href=“http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm]Elements”>http://www.johnlovett.com/test.htm)</p>
<p>Many schools for freshmen applicants don’t seem to expect you to have significant skill in your potential major. Most schools want you to take a year of foundation courses without declaring a major, so I would think that they wouldn’t necessarily want you to focus on something so specific just yet. When I was in high school I was sure I would go for graphic design. I took a year off, then went to community college, and now I am transferring into a fine art illustration program… my point is that you could very easily change your mind by the time you are finishing your freshmen year at your school! So I would suggest focusing on things such as drawing and definately be well rounded! :)</p>
<p>Basically, rainingagain and greanteatime have the right of it. Programs come secondary in design. Design thinking and formmaking are what makes the designer not the tools. This means you should focus your study on 2 dimensional form and composition. Study the elements and principles of design in non-objective terms. This means totally abstract design. You should study lines by themselves, shapes by themselves, value by itself, texture by itself, scale by itself, pattern by itself, and color by itself. Then study those design elements in various conjunctions by applying principles of design. </p>
<p>Remember, the ONLY thing that makes you a good designer is compositional skills. A designer is the visual counterpart to a composer. The ability to compose abstract images is more important than the ability to draw (but drawing is important too!). Furthermore understanding 2 dimensional design will give you skills in all manner of image making and composition, be it graphic design, drawing/painting, or printmaking. Developing good craft is also important.</p>
<p>Thanks, all of that is really helpful! I’ll look into composition and keeping up traditional art</p>
<p>While I know that “the” place to go is RISD (or other outstanding art schools), I am interested in suggestions for general universities with strong art/graphic design programs on the East coast…</p>
