Graphics Class

[pantemon]

Has anyone here ever gone and taken a graphics class?
I am taking one right now and I am not sure if I would recommend it unless you do not have your own software. I feel that I am wasting a lot of time in the class when I could teach myself at the same or faster speed. I would say if you are completely new at graphics it may be a good idea but if you have a feel for it just buy some books.

[ryanhellyer]

Welcome to the forum Pantemon

I think basic graphics classes are a waste of time. Ditto for basic web design classes. However, I do think that a degree in graphic design would be extremely useful. My flatmate has just completed a degree in design and her knowledge and ability to analyse graphics and designs is quite impressive. I don't think you could learn those sorts of skills yourself - well, some people do, but they're more an exception to the rule.

Taking a course to learn how to use software is a complete waste of time IMO though. I haven't taken a lesson in how to use graphic design software, but I have taken an advanced course in MS Word. The MS Word course was pointless, I learned more from online tutorials on MS Word than I ever learned from the MS Word course.

[famousartguy]

Taking a course to learn the program-Yes that could be a waste of time unless you need to learn more indepth tools and usage of the program.

However, learning the "how to" of implimenting design and using it for asthetically pleasing designs is important.

I would say any one can learn a program, but gaining the attentive skills to design well, may be more God given talent.

[ryanhellyer]

I met someone recently who left high school at the age of 16 and went to work in a menial job at the local newspaper, many of the graphic designers were away ill for a brief period so they recruited some of their lower paid staff who had no experience in the area to do some of the simpler tasks in the office. They apparently saw an inate skill in his work that day and so they promoted him to menial design slave in their office. Since then he has been gradually promoted and is now 20 years old and one of the lead graphic designers for the paper. Most of his underlings are recent design graduates the same age as him from the local university.

So with zero formal training in design whatsoever, he has moved his way up the design ladder to be ahead of his colleagues who spent four years at university. Whether they eventually pass him as they gain more experience I don't know. But this is a good demonstration of how inate skill combined with practical experience can be a stronger combination than tons of training.