Hello everyone. I am a current sophomore at Otis College of Art and Design majoring in graphic design. I’ve noticed lately that through out the curriculum, they don’t have us working on the computers using InDesign, Photoshop or Illustrator. Sometimes we use these programs to set up our files to print them out but there aren’t any classes that have us doing projects specifically on thee programs. I asked our department why and they said they focus more on the idea behind the images, they said anyone can learn how to use Photoshop or Illustrator. I am finding myself to disagree with this though. We have one class that teaches us how to use each program (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) in 2 classes almost like a tutorial but we aren’t given any assignments in that class. The class is just to each us how to use the programs.
Should I be worried about this and possibly consider transferring to another college? When I look for internships most of them state that you must be extremely proficient in all these programs. What do you guys think? Should I be concerned? I’m just so confused that they don’t have us on the computer more than they have us doing hands on projects.
Hi @Nick24. I can’t speak to the quality of the graphic design program at Otis; however, I noticed by taking a quick look at the ComD program at Otis that it appears to be set up similarly to what my D1 will be doing at Pratt (once she finishes her foundation year) and can speak to that. At Pratt, Graphic Design is a specialty within the communications design major. Pratt has an interdisciplinary approach to ComD. Beginning Sophomore year, they train the illustration, GD and Advertising Art students in an intense foundational program that focuses on the concepts and application of communications design - the skills and knowledge obtained apply to all three specialties. Beginning junior year, once the students have obtained the general ComD foundation, they will specialize in their field of interest. Go ahead and check out the Pratt ComD curriculum and see if it’s similar to what Otis is doing:
Assuming that it IS similar, you will probably have the opportunity to use more computer applications beginning junior year and certainly during your senior project. But I hope you do realize that getting a BFA does NOT mean learning how to use Photoshop or InDesign. Anyone can do that without spending the money on a four year design college. Also, the technology is changing so rapidly that you can expect any specific computer application skills obtained to be outdated in 10 years. What will NOT be outdated will be your knowledge of communications design theory and the ease of being able to switch among a variety of media - paint, guache, photography, Adobe, web design, and tools we don’t even know about yet! - to obtain the result that your clients will want. It’s not about the tools - it’s about thinking how to present the client’s voice in the best manner possible.
I’d recommend that you speak to your major advisor (or someone in the ComD dept) about what comes down the road for your major. If you feel you will graduate with a deficiency in how to use the most current tools, then you might want to consider transferring to a more techno-savvy art college. Pratt seems fine in that, and there is also MCAD in Minneapolis which is very state-of-the-art in terms of technology. Alternatively, if you think that Otis provides great conceptual training but might lack a bit of the technology, you might consider remaining there but taking a course or two in Adobe over the summer or talking to your advisor on the best way to improve your skills. Perhaps it’s as simple as taking on a project for a faculty member that will require the use of InDesign or Illustrator. Or if Otis has a required internship or community outreach office that enables students to do projects for organizations in the community that’s an option as well. Sometimes all it takes is one great “real deal” project to get those skills learned in a jiffy!!
When I was in grad school for computer science, I was curious that they did not offer any programming classes. Rather, the classes were more theoretical. But the reason for that is that programming languages are tools and we were expected to learn those on our own. I signed up for a language class at a local community college, because that is how I best learn a language - in class.
So, my suggestion is to look at outside (online) classes in Photoshop, etc. Take a look at, for example, lynda.com. Some friends of mine have had good luck with their tutorials. PS: Not a commercial for them; that’s just the one I’m familiar with.
BUT… I am a little concerned with your last sentence. <<<…they don’t have us on the computer more than they have us doing hands on project.s>>> Are the professors/instructors at ease with these tools themselves? Not to be ageist (hey, I’m old), but how old are your profs?