Anyone doing Graphic Design...

I'm hoping to do Graphic Design next year, and I've read all about the course on various university websites. But can you give me some more specific examples of projects you've done at uni? I want to make sure this is exactly what I want to do. Thanks.

Reply 1

Kai Hiwatari

Check out the online degree shows which you should be able to get links for from the individual universities. Some of the showcases describe the briefs that were covered =)
Try www.fromfalmouth.co.uk , some of the students talk about their work and the briefs that they were responses to =) Hope this helps a bit!

Reply 2

CrimsonViper

rebumping, because there's not too much need for a new thread

Hey guys, I got a few questions on the course in general (regardless of university)
How much time do you devote to the course? (I ask this because later years in architecture are swamped with work and literally don't go outside. I just want spare time for friends, exercise, etc.)
How are the typical people on the course? (have you found that people are social? this also depends on spare time obv)
Can I use video/audio, and to how much of an extent? I guess that they only judge visual aspects, so any audio aspect (i.e. an instrumental you make) doesn't really count.
Is it at all likely to have a >£30/£35k salary in Graphic Design?

Reply 3

Aiko

CrimsonViper

rebumping, because there's not too much need for a new thread

Hey guys, I got a few questions on the course in general (regardless of university)

As you've mentioned, every course and university will differ in approach. Accordingly, there will be a need to generalise.

How much time do you devote to the course? (I ask this because later years in architecture are swamped with work and literally don't go outside. I just want spare time for friends, exercise, etc.)

Generally, much of your time will be spent producing work to a devised brief (averagely two to three for each term). How long you spend on each brief is subjective and is dependent on the individual. The need to formulate a proposal, accompanied by research, and then to execute your final outcome is normally the standard procedure, while gaining regular feedback from your peers and tutors. Obviously, the larger the brief, the longer it'll take. Furthermore, if your course has a theoretical aspect, which is fairly commonplace nowadays, attending lectures and writing essays will also be required. Ultimately, it's highly likely you'll have more than enough spare time to do other things. You can always ask the course team how many hours a week they're expecting from you.

How are the typical people on the course? (have you found that people are social? this also depends on spare time obv)

You'll often find that those who choose to pursue a creative subject are normally similar and like minded, so I'm sure you'll be able to find people that you can relate and socialise with. Again, it's dependent on the university and the type of students it attracts. Aside from that, it all boils down to who you happen to meet during your academia year, everyone is different. Chances are, you'll meet more than one that you get on with amongst the student pool. If you're intending to study graphic design at a multifaceted university (in other words, not a specialist arts university), you will have the opportunity to mix with other students outside your course too.

Can I use video/audio, and to how much of an extent? I guess that they only judge visual aspects, so any audio aspect (i.e. an instrumental you make) doesn't really count.

On occasion, especially in the first year, the brief will deliberately focus on a particular area such as illustration or film, in which case regarding you stick within this general area, there's a level of freedom as to which tools you use. However, a brief may require that you only work within the parameters it sets in order to gain an understanding. By your final year, when you're likely to embark upon your 'final major project', you'll have complete rein over what you choose to do, barring approval of your initial concept/idea that will need to go through your tutor(s).

Is it at all likely to have a >£30/£35k salary in Graphic Design?

Yes, at a senior level once you've accumulated the necessary amount of work experience (averagely around 3-5 years, depending). At an entry level as a junior, which you will be, from my own experience, the average is £17k in London up to £25. In-housing is generally paid better with more security since the employer is likely to be much bigger. You will notice a considerable rise at the senior level. Experience is key, which is why it's advised to undergo placements and freelance work whenever possible, alongside your studies.

Reply 4

username181178

maddie456

CrimsonViper

rebumping, because there's not too much need for a new thread

Hey guys, I got a few questions on the course in general (regardless of university)

I completed Level 1 BA Graphic Design at the University of Salford, so I'll answer the questions and give a bit of info on my experience.

How much time do you devote to the course?

You have to learn to time-manage, and it's up to you how much work you put into it.
In a week, I would have:

A lecture for art and design history - An essay would then be set for this, so you get some of your initial info and research from those lectures.

A basic computing skils session - This would just cover really basic stuff; but because people had come from different colleges/courses/etc, they covered the basics.

A Personal Development Portfolio to complete - diary entries, research, inspirational things that you found, putting in any competitions/personal work, etc. Sometimes a mini-brief was given to accompany this.

And then I'd have a project brief. For this, you'd develop your work, and then you'd go into a group seminar and you'd discuss about what you'd done and get ideas/feedback from others, and from tutors.
Sometimes you'd have other lectures and sessions related to the brief.

Overall, for first year, I had 5 project/practical briefs, 1 essay, 1 critical review and a group presentation.

How are the typical people on the course?
I suppose that would vary from uni to uni.
I found some people that I got on with, and who really wanted to work. But I also found that there was a heck of a lot of people that just faffed about and didn't do anything.

Can I use video/audio, and to how much of an extent? I guess that they only judge visual aspects, so any audio aspect (i.e. an instrumental you make) doesn't really count.
Erm, it depends on the course. I found, not much so.
In first year, you are supposed to explore different means.
At Salford, you explored a bit of illustration, communication/advertising, and motion. Your final project would be for you to choose one of these 'pathways' and you would do one of those for the final 2 years of your degree.

Now, I decided to change course, because I wanted to do more digital/screen based work, and I wanted something more challenging.
As much as I put effort into the course, I didn't enjoy it, and felt that it wasn't challenging me, or pushing my creativity. I didn't like how the course was structured or ran, and I didn't like how vast the class size was, either.
There were a ton of other factors...

So, I'll be doing BA Design for Digital Media, instead. I transferred, and am happier with how much more focussed everyone is and a better work ethic, more challenging work to do, and doing more of the things I enjoy. I like technical, and it's a good balance between technical and creative for me. So I'm happy. If I'd been going back to Graphic Design for the next 2 years, I don't think I'd enjoy at all. But that's just me and my honest experience.

Obviously it depends on the university - I'm sure Graphic Design in other places is much better and productive. I've seen lots of great reviews from different places.
However, if you're mentioning Audio and Video there, maybe you're more suited to a different branch of design? If you're passionate about that, maybe look into different degrees.
You need to read prospectuses, get other opinions, and look around the universites :smile: