Graphic design in college?
So I'm having to start applying to colleges this year, and I thought for a long time about what I want to study and become. I had a teacher this past year tell me I should strive to become a graphic artist, now, I've done a lot of research on this career since then, but still have questions about it.
For colleges that offer graphic design as a major and so on, what level do they start with? Do they expect you to already know how the whole system should work or do they begin assuming you know nothing? How easy were the basic classes?
What classes did you take in addition? Were they optional or required?
I would also like to know how you felt while taking these classes, the stress level, the enjoyability, so on. Thank you!
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
For the most part they assume you have some artistic abilities, but since not all highschools a re created equal, they don't expect everyone coming in is on the same level. You don't need to know how the whole system works. If you did, what would you need them for.
The way most design programs work is you take what is called a freshman block. This is a semester of about 5 basic art courses like painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and so on. Then they look at your grades and judge the work you did in those classes to decide whether or not to let you into the design program officially. Not all college do it like this, but most do. And usually if you don't get in on your first try you just need to retake a class.
Most of my classes were fine and a few were pretty stressful. That didn't really bother me though because I tend to focus better under pressure. But in any case, it was a lot of work that had me working on my projects in the art building until 3am some nights. Any major is gonna have those kinds of nights though. If you really enjoy this kind of work, it won't bother you.