Guess I'll step up to the plate and say, I did go to school for graphic design and don't regret one penny spent. I studied Communication Arts & Design at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts (public, much cheaper than Art Institute). I went to school in the early 90s before there was "web design" but I did graduate with a strong foundation in layout, color theory, typography and other skills that make you a good designer. Granted you do learn a lot from books but I found that the critique from peers and faculty were invaluable. When you are creating work, it's nice to hear a balance of objective/subjective comments -- as well as direction about how to improve. Also when I graduated, I had an instant network.
The down side is when I graduated, I had no practical "work" experience and had a hard time getting hired in a bad economy. So I would second the person that suggested being an intern. If I could go back in time, I would have done that myself. I'd also have to agree with what most people have said about studying "web" design. If you want to go to school I'd recommend graphic design instead so you learn more about visual design. I haven't been impressed with many fresh graduates armed with an education in "web" design. Some problems are that they lack attention to detail in such things as leading and kerning -- some basic design issues. Whichever route you take, if you're dedicated and good, you'll find work. I don't think it's an issue of "paying for something and going nowhere". I would advise against laying out a wad of cash for the Art Institute. Anyone I've ever met that went there said they would have preferred to have gone somewhere else. It's just so expensive and isn't highly regarded in my experience. Also, I've been speaking to the design aspect of web design. If you're a technical type, I've met MANY people that are self-taught and very successful. I'm not sure of the shortfalls of bypassing a traditional tech education since I've seen people do well without it. Good luck! Hope On Mar 12, 1:35 pm, Mike <[email protected]> wrote: > Hello, > > I'm new to the web design world and I figure this a good way to get > started. My name is mike and I"m new to web design world. > > I'm starting school to get a 2nd bachelor's in web design from the art > institute (1st bba is in marketing) and I was wondering since ya'll > are in the industry, am I going in the right direction? > > I see that everyone has a different background, and i'm curious what > did everyone study or how did they get to where they are today. > > I hate to pay for something and then go nowhere afterwards. > > Mike --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Our Web site: http://www.RefreshAustin.org/ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Refresh Austin" group. [ Posting ] To post to this group, send email to [email protected] Job-related postings should follow http://tr.im/refreshaustinjobspolicy We do not accept job posts from recruiters. [ Unsubscribe ] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] [ More Info ] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Refresh-Austin -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
