Top Resources for Future Graphic Designers

Understanding Accreditation

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Before you enroll in a graphic design program, you'll want to do your research. First, you should make sure the program has the sort of focus you're looking for. That is, if you specifically want to work in a field such as web design, typography, print media, or some other facet of the design world then you must make sure that the program can support your goals.

You'll also want to look for the school's accreditation. This is a credential bestowed on educational institutions by an independent agency. These agencies perform rigorous audits of schools to ensure that their curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes are all meeting high standards. That means that your knowledge and skills will meet certain standards and that you'll be prepared for the working world. Further, you'll be able to apply your credits toward future degrees, such as a master's. Graduate programs often require that your undergraduate degree come from an accredited institution.

Always check the accreditation for your first-choice schools. They should be accredited by one of the agencies listed below. It may be difficult to find this information on their website; if you can't find information on their accreditation, you can ask an admissions counselor.

Questions About Financial Aid

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Nearly every student will need some form of financial aid before they graduate. Even if your family can afford to pay tuition and all your expenses in full, you still can chip in with grants or scholarships that you don't need to repay. If you fill out and submit a FAFSA form, your school's financial aid office may be able to submit your name to several arts scholarship foundations and programs. This is more common at large universities, but even smaller colleges may be able to enter your form for scholarship consideration.

If you aren't awarded any funds through your financial aid office, you can search and discover scholarships on your own. There are online databases that you can search or you could seek out local scholarship funds that are managed by local service organizations or companies. You should be aware that many of these awards are often $500 or less. Don't be discouraged, however. That’s another $500 that comes with no strings attached and, if you can win multiple awards like this, they will add up fast. If you make a regular practice of applying to multiple scholarships every term you should have no problem offsetting some of your educational expenses.

If you are already pursuing grants and scholarships but still need funds, you may need a student loan, federal or private. The FAFSA form you submitted to your school's financial aid office will come in handy here. You should try to borrow as little as you can but do make sure that you need to work as little as possible to meet your living expenses. Also, you may want to try to avoid private student loans, which, unless you have stellar credit, can carry higher interest rates and have less-favorable repayment plans.

Though the program has come under fire, the Obama administration instituted a plan that allows federal borrowers to defer loans and even have them forgiven. The catch is that you have to work for a non-profit organization or a government agency for a number of years commensurate with the amount you've borrowed. As a graphic designer you could work in the communications department of a large non-profit or you might even work for a city government and design maps for tourism, among other projects.

Popular Associations for Students

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During your student years, you might feel that it's sufficient to work hard on your classroom work and play hard otherwise. However, if you devote a bit of time to membership in a graphic design association you will reap rewards down the road. Membership will open up a world of networking possibilities, provide inspiring journals or other periodicals, and even allow you to meet fellow graphic designers at national conferences.

Student or Open Access Journals

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You're an artist, not a regular academic student, so why would you need to read journals? The fact is that many journals in your field include lots of photographs of cutting-edge designs along with articles devoted to the artistic process, living as a working graphic designer, and all sorts of other inspiring and insightful articles. When you stay current with the most recent trends in graphic design, you'll have an edge in your classroom assignments. The magazines and journals might also offer interesting tips and tricks to help you master a new skill in PhotoShop, Inkscape, InDesign, or Scribus.

Study Resources for Graphic Design Majors

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As you pursue your studies in Graphic Design, it will be immensely helpful to have outside resources to help encourage more learning. Even if you're too busy to pick up many new skills in the midst of a hectic semester, you can always study up on new tips or design ideas on breaks between terms.

On the other hand, it will be of immense help to have a bevy of resources handy in case you need help or inspiration on a project. For example, your ideas might exceed your current PhotoShop skills. Thus, you need access to tutorials that can help you master that skill and bring your project to its full, intended fruition.

Popular Apps

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Graphic design is as much a technological field as it is an artistic and creative one. You need to master a set of digital tools in order to survive and thrive as a graphic artist. You also need to stay organized so that you submit your projects on time, make it to the next big party, and coordinate with your study groups.

The list below includes several open-source solutions to your graphic design needs. These software packages are as powerful as they are affordable. However, some do have limits. Peruse the list below and you're sure to discover at least one new tool for productivity or organization.

Graphic Design Certification

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Even if you already have a degree in studio art, or loads of experience working with Adobe products, you might want to pursue a certificate in graphic design so that you'll be better prepared for the job market. You might also be a creative person with an employer who'd rather train you to take care of incidental graphics needs than hire someone new. On the other hand, you might love tinkering with design and have a set of skills you now wish to hone through a formal certificate program. No matter the reason, when you achieve a certificate in Graphic Design, you'll be better prepared to land a job, or attract clients to your freelance venture.

Though a full bachelor's degree might seem optimal, remember that this field primarily rewards you on the basis of your portfolio of design work more than your diploma. Thus, you might be able to edge out even a graduate from the lauded Rhode Island School of Design when you present a portfolio that specifically matches a client's brand identity.

Job Boards

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Professional Graphic Design Associations

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When you join a professional organization, you will open up a world of graphic design resources you might not have realized before. These organizations offer their members things such as newsletters, job boards, conferences, networking opportunities, and sometimes even webinars or other educational opportunities. They also allow you to keep your finger on the pulse of your field.

Their websites and other publications often post news when top designers take a new job, or when a design firm either expands or contracts. You'll be able to see where the industry is headed in a business sense as well as from a purely aesthetic point of view. After all, creativity is what it's all about. Associations will provide you and others the ability to share your work and innovations with other professionals who can give you an informed opinion that your non-designer friends may lack.

Here are a few top design associations. You can join more than one, if you choose.

Popular Graphic Design Journals

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Journals are a vital resource to keep on hand. During your down time you can peruse their pages to discover what others in the field are doing. You might discover the newest, hottest font or a new technique for InDesign, PhotoShop, or one of the fantastic open-source alternatives. If you are still in school, your library might subscribe to a few journals. If not, discuss this with the periodicals librarian to see if they can fix that.

If you are working in a firm you should discuss starting, or expanding, the corporate library with a few of the options below.

Industry Conferences for Graphic Designers

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There's nothing like a conference to kick your energy and excitement into high gear. Conferences offer the opportunity to meet and network with design professionals from all over the nation. You'll learn loads from workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speakers. There are sure to be loads of vendors in attendance whose tools can help you take your practice to the next level. At the end of the day, you'll return to your drafting table with a head brimming with new creative ideas.