Graphic designing is becoming more popular with various applications. In both university and life, this field has attracted a large number of learners.
So, have you ever been curious about life as a graphic design student? If the answer is yes, you have come to the right place!
In this post, I will discuss the tasks and activities of a graphic design learner. The details come from both my actual experience and observation on campus.
Now, let’s jump straight in to avoid wasting your time!
Life of a Graphic Design Student
Graphic designing is like the other majors. For instance, you will attend university during the day and join the courses. Then, students have to train their skills and do the assignments at home.
Thus, you can divide the studying life of a graphic design student into two parts. They are school time and self-studying time. Plus, I will give some hints about the personal time of a graphic designer.
1. School Time
The school time will vary between different campuses. Besides, it depends on the type of course you sign up for.
The curriculum focuses on fields like website designing, photo editing, and processing photos. You also encounter tasks like creating dimensional images or using design software.
It depends on your available skills and knowledge. Some schools also teach electronic production and creating animation.
In university, students will spend most of their time learning with sketches. Plus, you will have the chance to practice using designing software.
So, here are some popular graphic design courses you can consider.
- Web Publishing: This course teaches you basic web designing and developing skills. You will learn to maintain a website using programs like DreamWeaver.
- Computer Graphic Design: You will learn to edit photos and create graphic content. Yet, you will use computing tools and digital software.
- 3D and 2D design: Graphic designing students have to learn to work on both 3D and 2D images.
- 3D Modeling: This course involves working on a visual format using a computer.
- Visual Design: This course involves creativity and presentation skills. You have to work with colors and theory to create graphical images.
2. Self Study Time
Most graphic design students will spend their time at home revising the lessons. This practice helps you understand the lesson better.
Besides, you should expect a lot of homework as a graphic designer. By doing the projects, you can develop your skill and ability.
Some graphic design students also take extra online courses at home. It can be a course about learning some popular editing software, for instance.
Regardless of what you choose, self-studying time is important for your success.
It’s because the courses only teach you the basic principles in a limited time. Thus, you have to train your skill and knowledge at home.
3. Personal Time
Personal time is for relaxation, and it’s a critical part of learning. Graphic students share a mutual interest in artwork. Thus, it will affect their hobbies and personal routines.
For instance, many graphic design students love creating artwork in their free time. It can be via the computer and software or through hard paper.
Many students also love taking photos and editing photos. It’s because photography can increase creativity and visualization. Plus, it gives students the inspiration and ideas to create new visual arts.
Yet, some students don’t follow any of those examples. You can do anything you love in your free time. Personal pursuit is effective as long as it gives you joy and relaxation.
Which Skills Do Graphic Design Students Need?
Graphic designing is a blend of art and technology. Thus, you must have the basic knowledge of designing software and principles.
The ability to create beautiful art is not enough. You have to learn to master prevalent designing software. Here are some technical and soft skills to consider.
1. Technical Skills
Among all technical skills in graphic designing, graphic principles are the most important. Via the course, students will learn to use different design elements.
Via these tools, they can convey messages through images and visualization. Some popular principles are color, space, typography, lines, and emphasis.
Another indispensable part of technical skills is learning to use high-tech software. Some standard designing programs are Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Adobe After Effects.
2. Soft Skills
Graphic design students should have excellent creativity and visualization skills. Yet, communication skills are also critical in this field.
You have to convey your ideas in the working process. It means you must talk and interact a lot with colleagues.
Plus, excellent time management skills are also critical for a graphic designer. In the future, it will help you when dealing with many deadlines from clients.
After Graduation
You may wonder what to expect after graduating from the graphic design course. At this stage, there are many job opportunities awaiting you. It’s because graphic design is prevalent and applicable to various industries.
You can enroll in an advertising firm and work with many clients. Some students choose to work behind the scenes and create layouts or visualizations.
Thus, the chances and career paths of a graphic designer are endless. Yet, you should master your knowledge and skills to extend your job opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Graphic designing is full of hard work and intense assignments. Yet, it doesn’t lack creativity and joy. After enrolling, you will step into your own world of imagination and creation.
So, choose graphic designing if you have the talents and skills. I hope this post can give you a glimpse of graphic design at university. Thank you for reading!