Can you learn graphic design online? Absolutely. Should you learn graphic design online? Not if you want the best path to a solid graphic design career.
The truth is, online learning isn’t ideal for everyone. While some thrive in that sort of environment, most students do best in a more traditional classroom-based learning environment with direct access to instructors. Having a solid educational foundation and the hands-on experience you get from a traditional graphic design school is the best way to break into the design industry!
SHOULD YOU LEARN GRAPHIC DESIGN ONLINE? THE CONS
The answer to this depends on the type of learner that you are, and how your learning style meshes with the environment you choose to learn in.
For many, online learning is too loosely structured, with little to no peer to peer or student to instructor interaction. Essentially, there is a distinct lack of cohesiveness and community — two things that are much more common in a typical classroom setting.
Some online learning situations do allow for a bit of “face to face” communication via video chats, but these have to be carefully scheduled, and then there’s always the chance that the internet won’t cooperate, or the software will fail. In a classroom, all you need to do is raise your hand and speak to someone. Seems much easier to us!
If you choose to learn graphic design online, be prepared to self-motivate… a lot. Most online learning environments will have deadlines for assignments and such, but there is still a noticeable lack of accountability. In a classroom, you are expected to physically attend your classes, and your performance while in the classroom is taken into account. You may also feel motivated and encouraged by seeing the efforts of your fellow students, and receive feedback from your instructors in real time that helps you to accomplish your goal of getting a graphic design career more quickly.
THE PROS OF ATTENDING TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS
Graphic design isn’t one of those things that can necessarily be learned on your own. Some people have done it, yes. You’ll hear about the success stories who made it big without any “formal” education or training, and that’s okay. We’re certainly not begrudging someone their talent and drive for success.
Instead, we’re trying to point out that the choice to learn graphic design online isn’t always as clear-cut as it might seem.
Attending a traditional graphic design school comes with many benefits, including direct access to instructors who can provide real-time feedback on your projects. You’ll also be able to network with both fellow students and your instructors, and that networking is often what leads to a job out of school. We believe that there is no substitution for a traditional education!
There are a lot of factors that go in to making a decision about your design education, and we are here to help potential students make the choice that is right for them, whatever it may be. To accomplish this, we aim to provide as much information as we can about our programs, and how they compare to other learning environments and institutions.
EXPLORE YOUR GRAPHIC DESIGN CAREER OPTIONS WITH US!
You’ll love our hands-on approach to learning graphic design! Here at F.I.R.S.T. Institute‘s Graphic Design School, we do all we can to ensure that our students receive the best possible educational opportunities while in college for graphic design. We give students access to everything they need to succeed in the design industry, including Career Development courses, both in class and on the job.
If you’d like to know more about our Graphic Design and Web Development program, please give us a call or send us an email! Our admissions team is standing by to answer any questions you might have about attending college for graphic design.
