Should I even consider Graphic Design as an undergraduate major?

I’m in high school and I’m super inclined towards studying graphic design (I’m pretty good at it, too) but unfortunately I was never into art until now so I don’t have any basic skills in painting or drawing. I’ve emailed several art schools and they’ve all told me that it’s a good idea to work on these skills before it’s time to submit my application for college but I have to pretty much start from scratch. RISD flat out told me that I’d probably be at a huge disadvantage because of this. I’m a rising sophomore. Is it even worth considering studying graphic design/art if I don’t have much of a base in traditional media? I know that you don’t technically need a degree or any art skills to get into the design industry but I still want to go to college and I feel like art school would be a good environment for me but I’m not sure whether I could acquire the skills required to seek admission into these places in the next 1.5 years. Any advice? Is it worth looking at regular universities with Graphic Design programs?

Hi, our son decided his junior year of high school that he wanted to major in Graphic Design. He attended a summer design program at UCLA and we also got him some private art lessons. Does your school offer AP Graphic Design? Take this course if they do. Talk to your graphic design teachers about the major.

When it was time to start applying to colleges, he had some decent work to submit. Some schools wanted drawings and graphic design work. Others only wanted to see graphic design work.

He is in his third semester at LCAD and has been doing some amazing work. The field is competitive, so you must go to a college or university with great internship and networking opportunities. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo was his choice for a traditional school. We toured the campus after his acceptance, they had lots to offer in their program, but he chose an art school.

PM me if you’d like to get in touch with him to ask questions.

hi arhanv, so my recommendation is to focus focus focus on creating a portfolio of your work, not just media gd stuff.
Top schools want to see drawing and drawing especially from real life subjects. You need to show a basic understanding of fundementals of art and design. Several of the top programs (like VCUARTS) place ALL freshman in a foundation year. You are exposed to all aspects of art and design and it is based on your performance across the board that you create a portolio and than ALL freshman apply for a major with that portfolio and grades for their sophomore to senior years.

So you need to think more holistically about art. Also take a summer intensive (if possible , from a school you are interested in) But most important start drawing EVERYDAY.

Good luck.

You don’t need to enroll in a private art college that requires a portfolio to get an excellent graphic design education. Many state colleges offer solid degree programs with excellent faculty. Some private schools like RIT and SCAD may not require a portfolio at all. I started at RIT because I had no portfolio.

@comicdude - that is good to know that you were able to get into a program without a portfolio. RIT does currently require a portfolio for their GD program. I am still a bit skeptical of schools that will accept anyone who wants a graphic design degree. Just because someone wants a degree, doesn’t mean they have the ability/creativity/commitment to be a successful graphic design student. A collection of your best art/designs shows these attributes to college portfolio reviewers.

I think if there is time to gather a portfolio to be able to apply to several types of schools, then go for it. You are limited if you choose only those that don’t require a portfolio. Plus, a lot of schools give scholarships based off of these portfolios. The higher the evaluation of potential, the higher the scholarship award.

If you don’t have time to submit a portfolio, then please do some really good research on schools accepting without.
How many students are in the courses?
Will a portfolio be requested to continue the program your sophomore or junior year (SJSU does this).

What is the graduation rate?
Do they offer internship or employment assistance?
How is the school or program’s reputation?
Are there networking opportunities?
Do students feel challenged?
Are there too many required foundation courses because of less experienced students? (Think about students learning a new skill vs somewhat skilled).

I went to RIT for photography and no portfolio was required. This was 1980. I also went to SCAD and have taught at SCAD as well as 3 other schools over the past ten years.

The #1 predictor of graduation from art school is H.S. GPA, not talent or incoming portfolio because disciplined students are more likely to complete assignments on time and make the effort to learn. All schools prefer students that are more likely to complete 4-year degree programs because that’s where the money is. There’s no money in talented students that washout after 3 semesters because they lacked discipline and tried to skate by on talent alone. There are also many students that have talent, but do not have accomplished portfolios because their high schools cut funding for the arts. You can’t simply assume that an applicant without a portfolio doesn’t have what it takes.

Graphic design absolutely can be learned to a level that will allow a graduate to be gainfully employed (read SCAD’s mission statement) in the discipline. Photography can be learned as well as many other design disciplines like architecture, set design, production design, interior design, motion graphics, film and television, etc. The list goes on and on. There are plenty of opportunities for skilled design professionals even if they are not among the most artistically inclined.

My daughter will be attending RIT in fall. I like when schools require a portfolio. Your portfolio is just a sampling of your level , ability and commitment. It is also a goo way to force you to get your work organized. RIT has an amazing GD program along with other programs.

Graphic design grad here. If you like it and you are good at it, then you obviously have work to share. Build a portfolio. Take an art class your senior year. You school may let you skip the basic course. Share with your teacher and guidance staff that this is a career you want to pursue. They should be able to help you get where you need to be.