Another newbie....

[M5Froth]

Hello. My name is Andrew and I just joined this website because I am aspiring to be a graphic designer in the near future and I had a few questions...I hope this is the right section to ask them.

Anyway, my background is solely in traditional art. I've been painting and drawing since I was very young (I'm 23 now), but now that I've graduated from college with a fine arts background I've realized I want to pursue the graphic design field. I have a good number of connections with people that could give me work doing graphic design and its always been something I've been eager to learn.

Now that the time has come when I want to start learning how to use all the software and skills that go along with graphic design, I had a question or two about WHERE to start. My biggest issue is that I'm working right now, so I'll have to find an ONLINE source of teaching. I came across an accredited school called the "Sessions School of Design" and they seemed to be very professional and helpful. Does anyone have any experience with this school? I was thinking about doing the Masters Certificate Program in Graphic Design that they offer. Are there any other online graphic design schools someone could recommend? I don't want to cut any corners, so the best teaching is important. Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance!

[Red Kittie Kat]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/RedKittieKat/welcomes/ATT55555.gif


Welcome Aboard Andrew :)

[morea]

Hi Andrew. I think that you will find some of your questions answered in these threads:

New User FAQ (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7786)

Frequently Discussed Topics (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33048)

Also, this (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25079) thread includes some good advice for aspiring graphic designers.

For software training, many members like the site www.lynda.com and if you are interesting in learning web design a good place to start is www.w3schools.com

When you have a moment, please take a look over the threads posted here (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=42); they explain just about everything you need to know about GDF.

[Ben Kessler]

M5Froth, welcome to GDF!

[Virgo Nightingale]

Welcome aboard, Froth!!

I personally would be wary of online schools. I know some have had success with them, but I think if you were going to actually enroll in a school you'd be better off with live classrooms. The nature of graphic design really lends itself to learning through interaction between classmates (critiques, idea generation, etc.).

Otherwise, I think you might do better with some of the online tutorials morea suggested for learning the programs themselves. As far as the theories behind GD, perhaps take a night class or two at an area college or get yourself a few books.

Don't forget to make a point of learning the ins and outs of print production. That can be crucial.

[budafist]

Hi Andrew. Glad you testing the waters before jumping in.

By the sounds of things there are many online courses that are just revenue gatherers and don't really give a toss about whether you leave the course equiped to get a job as a graphic designer.

Definately do your homework!

[fiona45in]

Yes Their crdiblity has to be thoroughly checked!

[fiona45in]

Welcome to GDF.............. you will like it here! oops ................ twice in a row!