In today's digital age, graphic design has become an essential skill for various industries. Whether you aspire to become a professional graphic designer or enhance your creative abilities, enrolling in a graphic design course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this field. To help beginners kick-start their careers, we have curated a list of the top five graphic courses and academies. This article will provide an overview of each academy, including their fees, location, and other important details.
Academy Of Art University:
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
The Academy of Art University is renowned for its comprehensive graphic design program. It offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design, which equips students with fundamental skills in typography, branding, editorial design, and more. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and encourages students to develop a diverse portfolio. The annual tuition fee for the BFA program is approximately $26,000, and scholarships and financial aid options are available to eligible students.
Shillington Education:
Locations: New York, London, Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Shillington Education is a global design school with campuses in major cities worldwide. It offers an intensive graphic design course that can be completed in three months full-time or nine months part-time. The curriculum focuses on practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge, covering layout design, branding, and user experience (UX) design. The total cost of the course is around $9,950, and flexible payment plans are available.
General Assembly:
Locations: Multiple locations worldwide (including New York, London, Sydney, and Hong Kong)
General Assembly is a leading digital skills training provider offering a comprehensive graphic design course. Their part-time program spans 12 weeks and covers essential design principles, software skills, and portfolio development. Students will learn industry-standard tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The tuition fee for the course is approximately $3,950, and scholarships and financing options are available.
School of Visual Arts (SVA):
Location: New York City, USA
The School of Visual Arts offers a highly respected graphic design program that allows students to explore various aspects of visual communication. The program combines traditional design principles with digital techniques and provides a solid foundation in typography, branding, packaging design, and more. SVA's tuition fees for the Graphic Design program are approximately $26,000 per year, and the school offers financial aid opportunities for eligible students.
British Columbia Institute Of Technology (BCIT):
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
BCIT offers a two-year Graphic Design and Production Diploma program to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of graphic design principles and industry practices. The curriculum covers various topics, including typography, illustration, web design, and print production. The total tuition fee for the program is approximately $17,000, and the institute offers various scholarships and grants to help students with their education costs.
Important Considerations:
When choosing a graphic design course and academy, it's essential to consider the following factors:
- Reputation and Accreditation: Look for academies with a strong reputation and accreditation from relevant educational bodies.
- Curriculum: Ensure the curriculum covers essential design principles, software skills, and practical projects to build your portfolio.
- Faculty: Research the instructors' qualifications and industry experience to ensure they can provide valuable insights and guidance.
- Facilities and Resources: Check if the academy offers access to modern design software, equipment, and libraries to enhance your learning experience.
- Alumni Network and Job Placement Assistance: Explore the academy's alumni network and whether they provide job placement assistance to help you kick-start your career.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right graphic design course and academy is crucial for beginners aiming to kick-start their careers. The Academy of Art University, Shillington Education, General Assembly, School of Visual Arts, and British Columbia Institute of Technology are among the top options available. Each academy offers unique programs, locations, and fee structures, allowing aspiring graphic designers to choose the best suits their needs and circumstances. By considering important factors such as reputation, curriculum, faculty, facilities, and alumni network, beginners can make an informed decision and embark on a successful graphic design career.