1st Year GD Student in NYC. Where Should I Start?

Student Forum
#1

Hi everyone,

I’d really appreciate some advice.

I’m currently in my first year of college studying graphic design, more specifically, I’m only about two months into my degree program.

At this point, I’m pretty much a blank slate. Before starting school, I had no experience with Adobe software, but I’ve been trying to teach myself and learn how to navigate it on my own. My classes haven’t reached the point where my professors are teaching the software yet, so I’ve been using this time to explore and practice independently.

I also recently started drawing again after years of being in survival mode, and reconnecting with creativity has meant a lot to me.

Even though I don’t have much experience yet, I’m very eager to learn and would love to get some real world, hands on experience. I live in the heart of NYC, and I’ve been thinking about applying for a graphic design internship for the upcoming summer.

The only issue is, I’m not really sure where to start. I’ve been looking up “how to” videos for Adobe software, but a lot of what I find feels more like people trying to sell courses or promote something rather than actually teach.

I’m really hungry to learn as much as I can, and since I’m currently on spring break, I’d love to use this time to build some foundational skills now instead of waiting until my classes officially cover it.

If anyone has advice on:

Where to begin with Adobe.

The best resources for true beginners.

How to start building a portfolio.

or whether it’s realistic to apply for internships this early.

I’d truly appreciate it.

Thank you so much.

#2

This isn’t the answer you’re looking for, but it’s an honest answer … look for a new career.

Suffice it to say, I’m not too bullish on the future of graphic design. There are way too many threats and not enough opportunities.

If you think you are going to pursue a career as an independent creative, you’ll be competing against “designers” who are willing to work for pennies on the dollar, contest / crowdsourcing sites, clients adopting a DIY approach (cheap software, templates, “good enough is good enough”), and the rapid rise and improvement of AI.

If you think you are going to pursue a career working for a larger design studio / marketing firm / advertising agency, you will be competing against hundreds, if not thousands, of other applicants for every one open position. What are you going to do to stand out in the sea of resumes?

Yes, I think there will always be a need for highly skilled designers. No, I don’t think AI will totally replace every designer. But I don’t see graphic design as being a growth field. Neither does the World Economic Forum. Take a look at this report from the WEF. They rank graphic design as eleventh from the bottom in terms of job growth / decline for 2025-2030.

Don’t believe me? Reach out to other creatives in NYC (through your school’s placement or career counseling office, ad club, AIGA, Meetup, etc.). Ask them if you can buy them breakfast and ask some questions about the field. See what others have to say. You are early enough in the process that it’s not a complete setback to change career direction.

#3

You might look at the Adobe Classroom in a Book series. They’re published by Adobe to serve as an introduction to their software.

A well rounded education in design will incorporate the study of history, criticism, aesthetics and technique. Technique is the software, and people tend to fixate on that at the expense of the other three, but it’s the mastery of the other three that makes great designers.

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#4

Notwithstanding what Steve-O said, someone has to be one of the few to make it into the future. Maybe you have the talent and the drive to be one of them.

It is concerning though that you don’t have any experience with the Adobewares. Don’t wait for your classwork to teach you. Even if your professors are intentionally avoiding the computer for your first year (and rightly so) you will need to be up to speed when they drop those projects on you later in your classes.

I learned the software way back when the Bible series books existed. I didn’t let the software limit what I could do, I looked in the book to make it do what I wanted. It’s all online now. You just need to know how to ask the questions. I’ve not ever looked at these but there should be some pointers in here:
https://www.adobe.com/learn?learnIn=1

This used to be Lynda Learning:
LinkedIn Learning: Online Training Courses & Skill Building

Just be aware that online tutorials can tell you the wrong way to do things. Don’t be surprised if you get corrected in your first real job. But it’s a start.

You could find some creative briefs online and make the software do what you want to create your solutions. Remember Illustrator and Indesign for layout, Photoshop for photos. While you can design one page layouts in Photoshop, remember your resolution (and your bleeds!) But it’s not recommended. Learn to use Illy and InD.

The one thing that all new design students need to know though, especially one that is “reconnecting with creativity.”
Graphic Design is not about YOUR art. It is a commodity, created to sell someone else’s product to their customers, whatever that may be. You can’t do what you find artistically pleasing. You have to become the client’s customers. If you are doing this for YOUR art, don’t. You will be very unhappy. Most students find this out too late, after they graduate and get that first job. It’s too late then.

Internships, at your stage, you might want to look at local print shops and sign shops. You don’t appear to have the computer skills to do the desktop work (unless they are willing to teach you how to run the print rips) but you’ll learn a lot about production and finishing. As someone else recently pointed out here on the forum, it is work. Sometimes hard work, and nothing sucks more than an all-hands-on-deck project that runs into the overtime hours. But it can be worth it.

2 Likes
#5

I appreciate the helpful tips! I already looked up a few on Amazon.
I’m grateful for your input. :blush:

#6

Thank you! This was super helpful in addition to Mojo’s input, with such full detail.
I love it!
I will dedicate more time to learning Adobe & looking into printshops.
I appreciate you having hope. My grit is what keeps me going.

I’m doing my best to glean as much knowledge as I possibly can, & you definitely got me more excited with the new info.
I’m so grateful for you taking the time to write this! :blush:

#7

“Grit” isn’t enough. You have to have talent and a drive to be the best.
You have to aim way above the masses of the crowdsourcers and do-it-for-a-dollar side husslers.

Look at the top end of the field, find a goal and pursue it. Don’t leave your career to chance. It won’t happen. Business cards and logos and album covers, brand identity, and quite honestly, freelancing without massive experience and industry contacts ain’t it. You may find that the top paying design jobs aren’t anything that interests you. Or the cutthroat nature of it. If you fail on the way, there are dozens waiting for a chance at not only filling, but taking, your shoes.

If this is a hobby, or for Art purposes, like Steve-O said, you may want to find a paying career and do the Art on the side.
Be sure.

1 Like
#8

I thing only graphic design dont gonna help. Focus also on things like webdev webdesign, e-commerce. E-com is the best combo with graphic design