Graphic Desigm Masters Programs - Getting A Masters Degree In Graphic Design
There are numerous schools offering graphic design masters programs for those students interested in pursuing a graphic design masters degree. This page will look at some of the things a student will need to consider when looking at pursuing a graphic design masters. Graphic designers produce design solutions that add high visual impact to whatever it is that their clients are trying to communicate. Graphic design solutions are required for all manner of products and commercial activities including websites, advertising, product packaging, books, magazines, corporate communications and corporate identity. Graphic designers tend to be employed by advertising, publishing and design firms, although a large proportion of them will work out of their clients’ offices and many will work freelance. A graphic designer is expected to come up with visual solutions to communications to communications problems. This involves meeting with clients and effectively interpreting their needs; preparing preliminary sketches (either by hand or with the aid of a computer) of their intended design; and then through a collaborative process (which may involve a number of design iterations) reach a point where the client agrees that the graphic designers vision will best achieve their communications aims. As such a graphic designer needs to have commercial acumen; be aware of cultural, physical and societal trends; as well as technical skills and a degree of visual flair. It is no surprise then, with the range of skills required that there will be a number of levels of designer with any given firm – starting with junior designers and working right through to an art or creative director. A bachelors or an associated degree in graphic design is usually required for most entry level positions. Bachelor’s degree programs in fine arts or graphic design are offered at many colleges, universities, and private design schools. Most curriculums include studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and Web site design. These programs will usually be 2-3 years in duration. Beginning graphic designers usually receive on-the-job training and normally require 1 to 3 years of training before they are able to advance to higher positions. Experienced graphic designers in large firms may advance to chief designer, art or creative director, or other supervisory positions. Though nothing beats experience, what can aid this advancement to higher design positions is doing a post graduate degree such as a Masters of Graphic Design. Students who take on a graphic design masters degree do so because they are looking to broaden their knowledge and skills base with an ultimate aim of enhancing their future job prospects. Whilst an undergraduate degree is aimed at establishing a basic core of skills and knowledge a Masters degree in graphic design will examine more thoroughly areas such as design history, theory, criticism and will seek to identify and anticipate research issues that will shape the profession in the future. Upon completion of a Masters degree, the student may enter professional practice as a designer (albeit on a higher pat scale than someone with a Bachelors or Associate degree) or undertake a role in design education. When considering where to obtain your masters degree in graphic design, be aware of school and program accreditation. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is the chief accrediting body for graphic design schools. Their accreditation will ensure that your education meets the necessary standards of quality. If you’ve gotten your bachelor’s degree at an accredited school then that will ensure that your undergraduate credits can transfer between schools.
|