Image use Creative Commons license via Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/opensourceway/4378920267/
Whether you have a degree in graphic design or you’re a “made from scratch” freelancer, whether you have an established firm or you are just starting out, you will always benefit from advanced education. The methods and techniques that were prevalent and popular five years ago are outdated today, so staying on top of the world of graphic design – and more importantly, how to influence purchasing decisions through your design skills – is critical to your success.
There is no shortage of online universities that specialize in graphic design certificates and degrees, and while following such prescribed areas of study is a good idea it can be difficult to find time for these programs if you’re already busy with a full client workload. If you’re interested in online graphic design education, you can easily find online programs from DeVry, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Full Sail and many others.
I also assume you are savvy enough to find technique and software tutorials on a whim, so there is no reason to go into detail on that subject. What I do wonder, however, is how much you know about influencing through your work. Being able to paint a pretty picture is great for art students, but relatively pointless for marketing and advertising students. Pretty pictures do not sell (at least, not until long after you’re dead). But sharp design for marketing does sell – and that’s what you need to learn.
That’s why I think that every graphic designer should consider taking the following three courses, available in different forms with the same basic premises from several online institutions:
Digital marketing design – You can probably develop a great-looking website, but do you know how to lay out your design elements to increase response rates? Knowing how to influence customers through web design can establish your business as the premier web dev firm in your locale.
Advertising creative development – Just as in web design, the ability to create a pretty brochure and postcard is not what will propel your business forward as a graphic designer. You need to be able to motivate response through design, so taking a course or two on developing powerful ad creatives can vastly increase your response rate for you and your clients.
Web videography – Most graphic designers have limited knowledge of videography despite the fact that video has become one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to market online. If you can offer videography services to your customers and empower yourself to create viral video campaigns, you can leapfrog the competition, establish your credibility and carve out a solid niche in the graphic design industry.
