Ask Nubby #21: How Do I Get Started in Design?
I have always wanted to be a graphic designer and everyone tells me that I would be good at it but I live in a smallish town and wouldn’t know where to get started. Any advice?
If you’re passionate about design and are determined to be a graphic designer, you’ll find a way to carve out a path and to make it happen. There’s always a way to overcome the obstacles that you may have; sometimes it just takes a little bit of planning coupled with a creative strategy.
If you live in a small town, you might have to work harder to find the resources, but I can assure you that they are there if you’re willing to dig. I was once in the same position as you. I grew up in the suburbs outside of Portland and my high school was surrounded by farms and nurseries. Inside, the sixties-era library was literally frozen in time. I was lucky because we had a great art program but beyond that, in 1999 graphic design wasn’t nearly as digitized as it is today. The graphic design class (which is ironically the only art class I never took) was still using rub-on letters for layouts and little time was spent on the two Macs in the back of the classroom.
I didn’t have any mentors and the only bits of design-related knowledge I could find were hidden in dusty library books. I had to dig to find these small glimmers of design, but once I did, they inspired new visions of what was possible outside of my small town.
If you plan on attending school for design, keep your options open. Design is very subjective and the programs vary widely. It’s possible to go to school for two, four and even six years on the subject and your needs and goals will help you determine what is right for you.
After some research, I chose a two year, limited-entry program at a local community college. Though big schools are great and can offer you a totally different experience, I chose this option because it met my specific needs in a number of areas:
The expense. Community college is so much more affordable. My brother went to the premier art school in Portland and my entire two years of schooling cost less than half of one year of his.
Previous experience. I didn’t want (or need) another four year degree. I already had a degree in business and didn’t find it necessary to have two. I was determined to get the skills that I needed in the least amount of time possible and in my experience so far, most design jobs judge you on the quality of your portfolio anyway.
Scheduling. What I like about community colleges is that they’re set up for the real world. I had to work full time during my schooling and the university schedules that I looked at weren’t geared for that mentality.
Small class size. The program I attended had less than 25 students. We spent both years together and developed really strong bonds while receiving a lot of one-on-one attention that I don’t think would be as easy to gain in a larger program.
A community college turned out to be the right decision for me but your needs might warrant a different option. To find a school that is right for you, make a list of your top choices. It’s okay to dream big since this is still the research stage. Think about how much debt you’re realistically willing to incur, if you’re okay with relocation, if you’re going to need a schedule that is flexible for working and if the curriculum of the program fits your focus (print, web design, video, etc.)
Once you’ve developed a list of desirable schools, visit their websites and request program information. If it interests you, set up a meeting with an advisor or the head of the program. I strongly feel that this initial interaction will give you valuable insight if the school is right for you.
To avoid wasting time and money on a program that might not be a good fit, ask yourself some key questions. Are you being treated respectfully by the school’s staff? Are they open and willing to answer your questions? Are there examples of student work from the program that you can view? Do you feel comfortable with the time commitment that the program requires?
One fateful day in 2006, I met with the head of a design program at a well-known university and was scolded for showing up early(!) and told that many of my credits wouldn’t fully transfer, even though they were for very basic courses. It was obvious by his demeanor that he felt that he had better things to do with his time than to meet with a potential student. I left feeling that I wouldn’t be comfortable handing over a huge sum of money to spend up to four years in this guy’s presence and immediately contacted the head of the community college program that I later attended. The interaction was the exact opposite; informative, warm and encouraging. I was so impressed with the conversation that I immediately applied.
Once you’ve been accepted into a school, there are some key things that you can do to prepare yourself before the first day arrives.
Subscribe to some design blogs. Design is becoming more democratic every day thanks to blogs. Some of my personal favorites include Design Observer, the archives of Speak Up, Brand New, Swiss Miss, I Love Typography and Grain Edit.
Budget for a few key design books. The assortment of books that you choose will depend on your focus but some of the titles that I have found to be the most valuable include The Elements of Typographic Style
Subscribe to Lynda.com or try new tutorials. Lynda.com is an affordable online library of thousands of video tutorials that can assist you with keeping your skills current. I’ve subscribed in the past and have had fantastic results.
Online tutorials are a dime a dozen and it’s going to be a process of trial and error to find the really good ones. If you have the time though, it’s worth the search to pick up new skills for free.
If your dreams of school are still in the distant future, it’s never too early to get started on your career path. To learn more about design and to decide if it’s right for you, find a mentor or a club. Part of the reason it took me so long to finally go to school for design is that I didn’t have anyone to look up to or to encourage me to do so. If I’d had a mentor, I feel that I would have been on the path much earlier. If you have an art teacher, friend or maybe a contact at a local agency that can answer your questions and help you navigate the profession, it will make a world of difference. If that’s not an option, make AIGA your new best friend. It has an overwhelming amount of useful information related to design and is constantly being updated with fresh content.
With a little bit of research, a dash of talent and a lot of hard work, you’ll be well on your way to a hugely rewarding career in design.
Tags: Advice, Ask Nubby, Graphic Design
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16 People have left comments on this post
As always, thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience with others! Can I have your permission to link to this post from the home page of mhccim.com? I’d like to do a short excerpt then a link to this specific post. Let me know! c
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I’m not a graphic designer nor do I work in the industry (I have a diploma in Multimedia Design but do not use it further than my online business), but I think it’s fantastic that you offer such honest and practical advice to your readers.
Your commitment to your niche and image really solidify why your blog is one of my favourites.
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oh wow, this is great! i am considering a career in design after college and these resources are wonderful. i love that you write so much about the evolution of your career. thank you so much!
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Very good post. I love you Ask Nubby posts because even though we are in different fields (I do video work and photography), it all comes down to the same things. Learning more about your craft and tips on how to get in the business. Choosing an artist career is hard and every little bit of help and advice helps. I’ll be referencing your freelancing article since I’m just starting off with that and I’m kind of lost on what to do.
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I did what Nubby did;-)
I already have a 5 year degree ( from Poland ), and I decided to save some money and go for a “meat” – straight to the community college.
I would love to draw, study art history etc at the University, but I can always attend University after I’ll see what I can get from the cheaper/still great source.
Telling the truth, if I would not ask here and there ( including Nubby ), I would still deliberate if I should go to comm. college or enroll into 4 y. degree program at the university.
My heart tells me that my choice was very good.
I am having fun fun fun attending two summer classes now, so by the end of July I’ll be done with 4 credits.of course this is not a matter of time, but I am just all excited about everything that is happening now.
For the first time in my life I feel like I am IN BALANCE AND IN ALIGNMENT with my choices, that I am at the right “change” ( not place) in my life.
Nubby, you have been such an inspiration to me;-)
Now, after I enrolled, I am more crazy about you/your work/blog than I was before.
Again-mucho hugs to all of you who have goals and don’t give them up!
Marta
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I’m relieved to see you sing the praises of community college. I’ve just finished my associate’s in computer technology, and I’m interested in getting a second associate’s in graphic design. (I’ll be working on my bachelor’s in marketing or business as well.)
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chris: Thanks for reading and for being such an awesome teacher! You’re always welcome to use my resources for your classes.
Marta-Rawvolta: Congrats on making a decision that you’re happy with. With all of the schooling that you already have, it sounds like you made the right choice!
Leah Creates: Every time I visit a big art school’s campus, it makes me wish that I could have afforded to attend but then I remember how much some of those schools cost and the great hands-on training that I got at community college and am thankful that I took this route instead. Good for you for following through on multiple degrees; it never hurts!
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Hi, I’m a newb to your site but found this particular post of great help and inspiration to me! I am in a very similar situation as you found yourself; already have a 4 year degree, not a lot of design exposure or experience, etc. It’s encouraging to hear that others have had the same thoughts and feelings as I have and pushed through the obstacles for the better! I think this will be a very good “push” for me to finally get serious about going back and do what I’ve been thinking about since I graduated with my bachelor’s degree! Thanks very much, I added you to my list of feeds so I’ll be checking back! Good luck in your continued work!
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Awww Nubby! You write such great articles. This one really strikes a chord with me as I had an unusual path to Graphic Design! I did 4 years of university in a course that was mainly 3d orientated. I had the intention of being in 3d animation and working in games, but 2d appealed to me much more! I really love your blog and feel very lucky to read it. You’ve really inspired me and you continue to do so with every article! I’m going to be very proud wearing my nubby bodoni t-shirt when it arrives!
Don’t stop believing!!! xxxx
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I second the love on you promoting community colleges. People make the assumption that you can only succeed by dropping big dollars on huge expensive schools that will leave you in debt before you can even start a career that won’t come close to paying it off. I just started reading your blog and I love your design and lack of pretension. Very inspiring, keep up the great work!
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Kaz: That’s cool that you found your path; it seems like it’s usually the other way around with print design students discovering the world of 3D! Ahh, and anyone who quotes a Journey song is immediately on my good side!
Maggie: I admire some those huge expensive schools and many of them have amazing programs, but realistically, not all of us have that option. I didn’t want to start out with the stress of massive debt looming over me!
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As someone who is currently trying to go to school for design, this has helped me feel a lot better.
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Nubby,
Thank you so much for your inspirational advice. It really motivates me to push forward, and not worry about what type of schooling route I go through. After spending the past few years in community college and taking some art classes at a private university, I definitely have been putting off completing my school for fear of what debt lie ahead. I am currently going back to community college and going full force with their design program this fall. Your blog reminded me that this is in fact a great decision and I shouldn’t worry about having a prestigious school on my resume. You are completely right: it is all about your work and how talented you can be in that aspect! Thank you again for giving assurance to those of us that need it. Besides, we are artists and artists don’t necessarily have to follow the standard rules of life;)
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I’m a thriving apparel graphics and accessories designer and I went to community college (first for fine arts, then for a fashion design certificate). I turned out ok! I think it’s all about curiosity, talent, and passion. Anybody motivated can learn design from observing the world around them and re-interpreting. And, it’s all about self-branding, constantly re-inventing yourself and your portfolio. Right now I am re-inventing myself as a fashion illustrator and fine artist! : ) There ain’t no school for curiosity and passion!
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Ummm, in 1999 everything in graphic design was quite digitalised. Well I guess for everyone working in the industry, try working in the early 90s in graphic design an see how it feels!
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uhhh: For professionals, I’m sure it was but my high school was stuck in the dark ages! I was a junior that year.
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