Any other graphic design majors here?

[kkraczek]

I have recently gone back to college after 15 years... I've decided that I'm going to major in graphic design. I have a feeling that there are others here, just thought I'd take a little poll.

P.S. Does anyone know if there is a niche in graphic design for those who only want to do photography? (I think that's what I'd like to concentrate on. ;) )

[Asylum Steve]

Kristin,

I majored in art in college with a concentration in Communications Design (graphic arts) and Photography. Actually, I was torn between the two at the time (my Photo work was fine art and my CD work commercial), but looking back, it was the perfect thing to do to prepare me for my future work.

Unless you have a crystal clear idea of exactly what you want do the rest of your life (and how many of us do?), learning a mix of visual skills just makes sense...

Sure, you can specialize in the photography aspects of Graphic Design. That's always going to be a huge part of both the publishing and art industries. Perhaps too big to even call it a "niche"...

If you plan on doing your own work, a good knowledge of how photography is applied to and used in Graphic Arts is essential. If you plan on using other's images and focus on design, well then you've just described part of the job of a magazine Photo Editor, Managing Editor, Art Director, or Design Director.

The more you know about photography, especially the digital aspects, and how it applies to Graphic Arts, the more options you have for yourself in the career you choose...

I have recently gone back to college after 15 years... I've decided that I'm going to major in graphic design. I have a feeling that there are others here, just thought I'd take a little poll.

P.S. Does anyone know if there is a niche in graphic design for those who only want to do photography? (I think that's what I'd like to concentrate on. ;) )

[Cowgirl]

Hi there!

I just wanted to say that I think that the two would go together very nicely. And hey, there isn't anything wrong with going back to school after 15 years! I think that its neat idea and a good field.

Good Luck!

Kathy

[Sebastian]

Kristin,

I am working (slowly) on a design/illustration degree. I figure it's general enough to apply to all visual things, without pigeon-holing(sp?) myself into something specific.

[kkraczek]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The reason I think that I lean more toward photography is that I am confident in my visual creativity, but I lack confidence in my abilities in the drawing/spontaneous design part of art. Photography allows me to capture the images that I want, without having to whip them up myself!

Not sure if that makes any sense, but suffice to say, I'm glad that there is a demand for photography skills in an age of computer-generated images. Now I just have to work on honing those skills... ;)

Thanks for the good advice; I'm looking forward to my first PS class this fall....

[natatbeach]

That at some point or another I obtained a graphic design/ advertising degree---so far it's come in handy for Christmas cards and baby announcements and a wedding invitation and....

you get the picture---what a waste of money for ME...



I should have just gone for a teaching degree or a photo degree...follow your heart/talents and dreams and forget people's sucky suggestions

[megan]

...degree in photography, but ended up doing graphic design for a living.
Go figure!

Good luck, and HAVE FUN.

Megan

[kkraczek]

...degree in photography, but ended up doing graphic design for a living.
Go figure!

Good luck, and HAVE FUN.

Megan

I'm really bummed... they don't offer degrees in photography here.

[misssamantha]

Arts is really a challenging course. I am also a fine arts artist and I have a graffiti art collection in my studio.

[Skyman]

I did communications (media arts) where I majored in Video production and subbed in Photography. When my career kicked off I was mostly asked to do design stuff though, I am not great but I learn't much of it on the Job. Time and money willing I would like to go and study it properly but I don't see it happening in the near future.