Design Schools And Careers

About Design

  

Designers work in creative teams or individually with clients to bring their visions to life. Whether they design:

• websites, brochures or signs
• landscapes for homes or businesses
• wedding cakes or floral arrangements
• products or packaging
• restaurant decor or corporate workspaces
• clothing, hats or jewelry
• stage sets, props or exhibits
• decorative items or art pieces
• new kitchens or renovated basements,

Designers combine their inspiration and perspiration to create what their clients want.

Almost every business with a budget works with designers regularly, often as part of a team assigned to them to accomplish their goal. Individuals may work with designers less frequently -- often during a major life events such as home renovation or construction, wedding or party planning, getting the yard landscaped, having their hair done for a special evening, or buying a custom-made piece of jewelry or art.

• Businesses and entrepreneurs who rely heavily on marketing or creating new products often work with marketing companies or product development companies. These companies hire creative teams including graphic designers, industrial designers, developers and production workers who come up with workable, affordable concepts and collaborate to create the final product.
• Property managers, businesses, restaurant owners, homeowners and architects work with interior designers and landscape designers to give a professional, well-thought-out appearance and functionality to work and home environments.
• In preparation for an event, those who host, plan, produce and participate in the event work with designers (whether they are individual consultants or work for a company) to prepare floral arrangements, promotional giveaways, cakes, announcements, menus, props for decor, bridal or evening wear, one-of-a-kind gifts, formal hairstyles, and more. The designer often works with many different kinds of clients, from engaged couples planning their wedding, to a chef planning a new restaurant opening party, a corporation's marketing team planning a conference banquet dinner, or a charity planning a holiday fund-raising ball.
• Graphic designers may use computers not just for creating websites or brochures, but to create complex, artistic designs to be displayed as art pieces in homes or businesses.

Successful designers are good communicators who are skilled in listening to a client, making note of what they want to accomplish, determining how to make it happen and then creating it. They must work with printers, website developers, gardeners and stonemasons, event coordinators, fabricators and manufacturers, suppliers and salespeople, creative directors and interior decorators, production teams and project managers to complete the vision. Design requires:

• innate creativity and expressiveness
• the development of applicable skills through education and experience
• patience and flexibility with clients who are often inexperienced in working with designers
• the ability to work long hours at a computer, taking direction from creative directors and project managers
• effectively creating under pressure while switching frequently between projects
• staying up-to-date on what materials, software, technology and trends influence design
• human interaction skills to retain rapport with clients and team members
• keep an eye on the big picture while managing minute details

Design Schools and Training

Fashion Design Schools and Careers

Most employers hire fashion designers that have an Associates or Bachelors Degree, with preference given to graduates of a fashion design program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. To attend one of these programs, most students must have attended basic art classes and submit samples of artwork.

Coursework typically includes:

• history of fashion
• computer-aided design
• color theory
• textiles, sewing, patternmaking and tailoring
• design of shoes, belts, hats and other types of clothing
• accessorizing and ornamentation
• fashion trends

Almost a quarter of all fashion designers are self-employed, therefore students often double-major, earning an additional degree in business, marketing or merchandising. Many practicing designers got initial experience working in stores or participating in internships with design firms. They frequently submit their designs to contests as a way of gaining recognition, and their portfolio of designs is essential to finding employment.

Costume design for performing arts, film, and television productions is an example of a specialty area in fashion design.

Floral Design Schools and Careers

Floral designers or florists usually get their start on the job, although a certificate from a community college, private program or vocational school goes a long way to helping a budding designer get hired. These programs can take from one week to a year to complete, and a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to be accepted as a student. Courses include:

• plant identification and handling
• design trends and techniques such as working with color or texture
• arranging skills and materials
• presentation such as working with ribbons, bows, baskets and protective wraps

Most floral designers work in small independent floral shops that prearrange floral arrangements for purchase by walk in customers, specialize in custom orders and also handle large orders for weddings or caterers. Some floral designers assist interior designers in creating live or silk displays for hotels, restaurants and private residences.

Associates Degrees and Bachelors Degrees in Floral Design, Floriculture or Horticulture are available from some colleges and universities. These courses involve more in-depth education regarding the science behind flowers and plants, such as botany, hydrology and chemistry. Online Floral Design programs are readily available.

On-the-job training is important for all floral design students, as they gain real-world experience in running a business, time management, creativity under pressure, rapid changes in floral design trends, and working with customers. Designers who wish to demonstrate their accomplishments can become certified through the American Institute of Floral Designers.

Graphic Design Schools and Careers

Graphic designers rely on knowledge of advanced software and complex design techniques to make their clients' vision a reality. A Bachelors Degree is required for most entry-level graphic design positions, and many universities, colleges and private design schools offer fine arts or graphic design degrees to help inspired creatives kick start their career. At least a year of basic art classes and submission of artwork samples are prerequisites for most 4-year degree programs.

Many graphic design programs are accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Coursework usually includes:

• design software skills
• principles of design
• printing and graphics production
• website design
• color management
• four-color design for print
• pre-press layout
• color theory
• animation

Vocational schools and community colleges offer 2-3 year Associates Degrees in graphic design, emphasizing technical proficiency. Graduates of these programs are qualified to work as assistants to graphic designers, or if they already possess a Bachelors Degree in another field, are qualified to work as a graphic designer. Much time and effort both in school and after is dedicated to preparing a portfolio of creative works, as this is key to getting hired.

Although graphic design can be highly competitive in high-end marketing and design agencies, many graphic designers work independently for companies that do not specialize in graphics, or may work from home. There are many levels of skill in graphic design, largely because the demand for diverse and complex software skills is constantly changing. Because of this, many accomplished graphic designers are self-taught and self-employed. Whether working for a large, structured design team or a small, disorganized design shop, graphic designers must be communicate well with clients and be creative under pressure.

Industrial Design Schools and Careers

Industrial or commercial designers work with engineers to create plans for manufactured products. Depending on their area of specialty, they are responsible for determining the concept, function and quality of

• cars, buses, trains and airplanes
• tools, technology and medical equipment
• appliances, housewares and furniture,
• and almost everything else that is manufactured.

Because of the many complex requirements involved in such work, a Bachelors Degree is required for most industrial design jobs, even at entry level. Many programs are accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and most students must have completed basic design courses and submitted samples of artwork.

In addition to an internship at a design or manufacturing firm, 4-year degree program coursework includes:

• computer-aided design
• industrial processes and manufacturing methods
• materials and safety
• engineering and science

Masters Degrees are common among industrial designers - not just those who have a Bachelors in industrial design, but also those who have degrees in business, information systems or marketing and wish to get into design. All industrial designers rely on their portfolio to help them get jobs.

Interior Design Schools and Careers

Interior designers may specialize in commercial or residential design, and may prefer to work with a particular type of client, such as restaurants, apartment builders or luxury homes. Current design trends in environmentally-mindful or "green" design, home automation, universal or "ergonomic" design and elder design for those who are elderly or disabled.

Education is important for interior designers because they must take into consideration many different elements of comfort, style and functionality when designing living, working or business space, including:

• color, texture and lighting
• textiles (fabrics, rugs, carpet, blinds, etc.)
• furniture and accessories
• organization and space planning
• appliances, heating and cooling, electronics
• architecture and construction, such as acoustics and noise abatement
• indoor gardens and home spas
• spaces for pets and children

A Bachelors Degree is typically required to qualify graduates for participation in a 1-3 year design apprenticeship program. Some professional schools and colleges offer 2-3 year Associates Degree or certificate programs that qualify graduates to work as design assistants. Programs are accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and National Council for Interior Design Accreditation, and provide training in:

• computer-aided design
• color and fabrics
• drawing and perspective
• architecture and spatial planning
• furniture design and interior finishes
• ethics and psychology

Apprentices gain valuable experience working under the supervision of experienced designers, or may work as in-store designers at furniture stores. The National Council of Interior Design offers the Interior Design Experience Program that provides resources for new designers such as mentoring and education. The council also administers the licensing exam for Interior Design Qualification, which interior designers must pass to work in many states. Six years of education and experience, of which two years are postsecondary education, are required to be eligible to take the exam.

To demonstrate their accomplishments, interior designers often join professional associations such as the American Society of Interior Designers. Additional certifications can be earned for specialties, such as that available from the Kitchen and Bath Association. Creativity under pressure, strong organizational skills and knowledge of state and federal building statutes, regulations and safety codes are essential to the success of interior designers.

Landscape Design Schools and Careers

Landscape designers, also called Landscape Architects, spend most of their time meeting with clients, drawing up plans, and working with teams who are planting and installing the trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, water, stone, wood, metal and other materials they have selected as part of the design plan. Therefore the requisite education includes geology, plant and soil science, surveying, conservation, construction, computer-aided design, landscape ecology, geography and urban planning. Most landscape architects hold a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). A Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) takes two years who have the BSLA, or three years if the students has a Bachelors Degree in another field. Participation in the field on real-life projects is an important part of a landscape designer's education. Through this the student can gain experience working with clients, managing time and resources, finding quality materials and working with teams.

For those who wish to study landscape architecture, but do not seek to become registered practitioners, a Master of Arts or Master of Science in Landscape Architecture is another path of education.

In 49 states, landscape architects must obtain a license in order to practice professionally. Licensure is obtained by passing the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.), sponsored by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards. Those who wish to take the test usually need to have a minimum of a Bachelors Degree from a school accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects, plus 1-4 years of experience working for a licensed landscape architect as an apprentice. Additional years of experience may also meet the requirements for taking the test. In some states, landscape architects must also pass a state-sponsored exam which demonstrates knowledge of the geographical, legal, ecological and climate features unique to that state.

Resources for Design Careers

• American Floral Industry Association
• American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
• National Association of Schools of Art and Design
• American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
• American Society of Landscape Architects
• The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)

Schools for Design are listed in the column to the left.

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Find relevant schools: Numbers in the Study selection list below are counts of schools offering each program nationally. Study(525)   Graphic Design(490)   Interior Design(295)   Design And Visual Communication(295)   Design And Visual Communication(295)   Design And Visual Communication(295)   Design And Visual Communication(295)   Design And Visual Communication(295)   Design And Visual Communication(202)   Animation And Special Effects(184)   Fashion Merchandising(179)   Fashion Design(127)   Computer Graphics(83)   Graphic Communications(64)   Floristry(12)   Merchandising And Retailing(8)   Fashion Consultant  (# schools) Degree (Any) < 1 Year Award 1 to 2 Year Award (below Associate) Associate's Degree 2 to 4 Year Award (below Bachelor) Bachelor's Degree Postbaccalaureate Certificate Master's Degree Post-Master's Certificate Doctoral Degree State (Any) Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Search (results below) Clear