the big question is why?
Why do you need a design coach?
Have you ever had a tutor, a personal trainer, or a mentor?
This my hello and introduction to high schoolers and parents.
Don't spend time in a boring classroom!
What you get in addition to a fun challenge with these projects, design lessons, and online course is a coaching interaction to help you complete successfully rather than a rote learn via tutorial.
Are you seeking to break your routine, learn new skills, or build a portfolio? Then these projects and coaching are perfect for you!
1.
Graphic Design is more than just using a computer or software, it's about thinking which leads to the design process and how you develop innovative concepts. Design is not always art because it's about communication not personal objectives, but it uses aesthetics to achieve that goal.
2.
Why spend 4 years in a college amassing debt when only approximately 10 or less classes are emphasizing graphic design? 10 classes is 30 credits which is 1/4 the requirement for most B.A. degrees which require 120 credits. (consider an avg of 100k div 4 = 25k for the design classes or per year)
3.
If you are considering a college/university, ask these questions: When was the last time the curriculum was updated? Are the faculty full time or part time? Are the faculty engaged in timely professional development like attending conferences? Are the majority of the courses you will take taught by part-time faculty (making average of $1,000 – 3,500 per class which does not average to much per hour)? If you are paying 3,500 for that class and there are 9-15 others paying 3,500 for that class, where does the rest of the tuition go?
4.
How many courses are emphasizing typography?
How about graphic design history - not art history? There's a difference!
When do you start the design program? Are you encouraged to create your own imagery off or on the computer? Will they try to mold you into a box that's not you?
5.
Design is readily accessible either as D.I.Y. with the technology being more and more affordable, or through the proliferation of 'cheap' inexpensive or standardized design sources for logos to web templates. Having design in your tool belt means you have more value in whatever other hats you wear.
6.
Consider that salaries for entry level graphic design positions have been stagnant for more than a decade while tuition increases.
www.designsalaries.aiga.org
Being connected to the design industry for many years via my activities in AIGA, I hear stories of how students with degrees are unprepared for the job market as well as a willingness to hire qualified designers without degrees is more and more common.
That's why you need a design coach!
7.
The tools are so easy to learn and access now that 12 and 13 year olds are designing apps and creating their own brands or businesses. You may find that the pace of college is painful and that you aren't being encouraged to flex or grow but breaking down bad habits that may have formed.
8.
Will a robot replace you or your job in the not so distant future? Recent research suggests that the way to stay robot proof is to learn creative thinking and motor skills not easily managed by machines. A tip for the aging brain is to learn new creative skills.
