91ÖÆÆ¬³§

91ÖÆÆ¬³§

The stepping stones towards a degree in graphic design

alecmajerchin2

I came to 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ knowing that I wanted to pursue graphic design, but was unsure how to go about it. I left Harper with much more confidence in myself and my abilities to begin my career. 

91ÖÆÆ¬³§ provided the stepping stones for me to learn how to continue growing and developing both my technical and creative skill sets, both within and outside of class. I was encouraged by my design instructors to think about design differently and attempt projects in greater scope than I had previously considered. Even if I ended up with a design that was less than stellar or not up to my personal standards, the instructors at 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ used these moments as teaching opportunities. Instead of the ‘failure’, they focused on growth, and what I could do in the future to develop an idea into a more cohesive message. 

Collaboration with other students was also a large part of my success at 91ÖÆÆ¬³§, particularly the constructive criticism sessions in my higher level design classes. I’ve always been a defensive designer, so these were great exercises in articulating my processes to a group, as well as helping others further develop their ideas. I would come out of these sessions much more energized about my designs, with fresh energy and input from my peers that I could utilize to help inform how to further develop my work. 

My most important piece of advice for aspiring graphic design students at 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ is this: Do not sleep on the portfolio show final. The set up involved for this event was extremely helpful. Creating a personal brand, resume and portfolio has been a tremendous help outside of school. I will always continue developing these pieces, but being pushed to create them while still in school prepared me much more than if I did not have that opportunity as a part of my studies. While being beneficial in learning how to present yourself and your designs, the portfolio show could also be a wonderful networking event for you. Personally, I received an internship offer that I was able to start directly out of school which was a great learning opportunity, and added more professional, public-facing work to my design portfolio. 


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Learn more about the graphic arts program at 91ÖÆÆ¬³§ and get started today.