Hi there so I’m a self taught graphic design and have been doing freelance work for a bit. I used to be questioning and anybody knew the advantages or disadvantages of doing a certificates program or biting the bullet and getting an precise diploma. Thanks upfront!!
I have a certificate and in my instance it literally was just a semester of night school teaching me all the tools of the trade (I doubt you need that) as for the bachelor’s degree, I’m almost halfway through mine and the biggest benefit I’m finding is the networking opportunities with professors and my school puts a big effort into connecting design students with real life employers when you’re done. (Can’t say this for all schools). You might be like me, I have a gut for design and that way of thinking comes easy to me, but I appreciate school for the chance to get the formal training and learn the proper techniques/approaches to the job.
That being said, I’d still get feedback from people on the other end of school or who do hiring for these jobs. I’ve heard your portfolio is really the top priority in hiring, and its always good to weigh the financial costs of each option too. Best of luck!
Graphic design education is all about the development, not about what you can list on a resume. While some jobs may use education as a hard filter, it’s still about what it represents which should be a ton of development.
What is often overlooked is how varied design education can be, some is irreplaceable and others are a waste of time and money. It depends on each specific case, as to whether a given specific program provides that required development, and whether it’s within a reasonable cost, location, etc. Nothing can be assumed, research is
The thing about certificate programs is they’re usually short, more software-focused, and either lack experienced design faculty or simply aren’t enough time to really get anywhere. They can be good for introductions to certain software if you prefer a more formal environment, or to act as a kind of sampler pack to see if design is something you want to pursue further, but from what I’ve seen over the years most certificate programs are at best on par with about one semester of a 3-4 year design program (if that). It’s not enough to really allow you to be competitive. Could still be worth it if it does enough for you, is reasonably priced, and gets you a lot further along than self-teaching, but still wouldn’t compare to a solid 2-4 year program.
You’re also paying for the connections too. All the big corps like Apple and Nike and ad agencies like Wieden Kennedy, mother, chiat day, mainly only hire from places like parsons, scad, art center etc.
So ya it kinda sucks but there’s a lot of privilege involved.
Basically it comes down to, “you get what you pay for”
Definitely stick with the certificate. In my experience, no one gives a crap about where you went to school. Your work and experience are all an employer will look for.
The only problem would be HR being sticklers about needing a degree and likely they take first pass at applicants before any art director, at least at big enough companies. I’ve assisted my director on choosing applicants and not once did we even discuss their education. First thing we look at is portfolio/reel, experience is second. Anyone hiring someone because they went to the right school and not basing it on design quality doesn’t actually care about design quality.
Graphic design degrees are a waste of money. Like someone said here, the quality of design education varies WILDLY. I would definitely not pay for it, if I could do it again.
There is the argument of networking or connections through pursuing a degree, but again, that varies school to school. My college promised to assist with job placement after graduation and, once I crossed that stage, they didn’t do shit for me.
If you’re trying to go the high end corporate route I don’t think a certificate program is going to cut it sir. Many if not most corporate gx designers (Apple/nike) come from privileged backgrounds and go to elite design schools like parsons, art center, risd, scad, etc.
I’d know because I went to one of these schools and worked at these companies and many of them teach the same way that’s why corporate gx look very similar.
Those schools are all about connections too so this is why it’s all a very ‘cliquish’ type atmosphere and very elitist. Lol.
Not trying to dissuade you or anything but ya this industry is very snobby.
certificates are nonsense.
thing about design is that your portfolio says it all. i self taught myself and got jobs over “certified” designers and candidates from big names art schools.
You either have talent or you don’t, a piece of paper will not do anything in comparison to the skill you bring to the table.
What you can do is way more important than where you go/went to school
Don’t buy the hype, nothing beats real world experience.
I’m in college and I’m basically paying to teach myself. They gave us access to in design and said have fun.