AboutRena Sampat Expertise Owner of a small graphic design company, designs | reflect, in Arlington VA. I am available to answer questions related to programs within Adobe's Creative Suite 3 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver) and have expertise in print design ranging from professional needs (i.e. logos, brochures, business cards, newsletters, resume, etc.) to personal needs (i.e. wedding invitations, announcements, etc.). In addition I can offer expertise on how to start an LLC company, tips on how to manage budgets for start-up companies, as well as knowledge related to information architecture for web design.
Question Should someone who already has a college degree consider an associate's in graphic design? Or is four-year degree still important to be employable?
I have a B.S. in Natural Resource Management with a minor in Environmental Education. As part of my minor, I took a very basic course on designing interpretive media (exhibit panels, brochures, etc.). As part of the course, I designed interpretive panels for a small zoo using Photoshop and InDesign - I LOVED this course! Anyway, fast forward several years - I worked at a zoo for a while and ended up dabbling in visitor behavior research, which lead me to pursue a master's degree in science education/free-choice learning. I'm basically trying to to understand how people learn in informal settings such as zoos and aquariums. However, I find the research itself incredibly stifling and don't see myself in academia. I realize this is a very specific path, but I find myself thinking back to that interpretive media course. I would like to design educational exhibits and materials, but I'm not really sure how to make the career switch.
I appreciate any advice you can give me, thanks!
Answer From my personal belief, I never believe it is a bad idea to pursue more education in the field that you are interested in -- although I do understand where your dilema is coming from. Fact, is the graphic design industry does put a lot of weight on having a 4-year design degree, especially when trying to get positions at the top firms; although at the same time an associates degree would be just fine if you wish to pursue "graphic design"-type positions at non-design firms.... does that make sense? For example, let's say you got a position at a zoo/aquarium to help assist designing improved and better signs/pamplets to help others learn better - this often wouldn't require a 4-year degree.
I myself am actually work in IT, something completely separate in design - but have been successful at owning my own graphic design business on the side, selling interpretive media to various clients.... without having a design degree.
There are different ways to make career switches - the main question to ask yourself is, do you see yourself wanting to get a job at a design firm or simply finding positions in small companies that have design needs.
Let me know if you have any more questions - and my apologies for the delayed response!
