Graphic Design Major Q&A | Chapman University
Summary
TLDRIn this video, Lindsay shares her comprehensive experience as a graphic design major at Chapman University, where she is about to graduate. She covers various topics like the application process, including portfolio tips and whether prior knowledge of design software is necessary. Lindsay discusses the curriculum, highlighting essential classes, and explains the work involved in the major, from hands-on projects to portfolio shows. She also answers common questions about internships, studying abroad, and job prospects after graduation, offering insights and advice for future graphic design students.
Takeaways
- 🎓 Chapman University is ranked as the number one graphic design school in California.
- 🖌 The portfolio submitted during the application process should demonstrate a variety of creative mediums, including photography, sculpture, and videography.
- 💻 Knowledge of Adobe software isn't required before admission, but it helps. Most students learn these programs during their courses.
- 🎨 Students don’t need to be skilled at drawing to succeed in graphic design. Creativity and a passion for creating are key.
- 📚 Chapman University’s graphic design program has a structured four-year plan with specific design courses in each year.
- 📖 Classes include both physical art courses like book arts and digital design courses covering Adobe programs, typography, web design, and more.
- 🖼 Students get two opportunities to showcase their portfolios in a gallery during their time at Chapman.
- 🤝 Students participate in an AIGA portfolio review, where professionals critique their work and offer networking opportunities.
- 🌍 Study abroad opportunities are available, but careful planning is required to avoid course conflicts.
- 💼 Graduates can pursue various career paths including motion design, packaging design, UX/UI design, or even becoming an art director.
Q & A
What is the focus of the video created by Lindsay?
-The video focuses on Lindsay's experience as a graphic design major at Chapman University. She provides a comprehensive overview of the program and her personal journey, aimed at helping prospective students.
Why is Chapman University sponsoring this video?
-Chapman University sponsored the video to promote its graphic design program, which Lindsay highlights as the number one graphic design school in California.
What tips does Lindsay give for preparing a portfolio when applying for the graphic design program?
-Lindsay advises selecting pieces that show variety in mediums, such as video, painting, charcoal portraits, and sculpture, to demonstrate creativity. She mentions that applicants don't need digital artwork or extensive Adobe program knowledge to apply.
Do you need to have prior knowledge of Adobe programs before starting the graphic design program at Chapman?
-No, prior knowledge of Adobe programs is not required, but having some familiarity can give you an advantage. Lindsay learned the programs, like InDesign and Illustrator, during her time in college.
What is the structure of the graphic design curriculum at Chapman University?
-The program follows a structured four-year plan. In the first two years, students take foundational art and design classes. The third and fourth years focus on advanced design classes, such as typography, web design, and business practices for graphic designers.
How are the graphic design classes at Chapman different from other majors?
-Graphic design classes are longer, typically three hours twice a week, compared to other majors where classes are three hours once a week or one and a half hours twice a week.
What opportunities do students have to showcase their work during the program?
-Students participate in two portfolio shows during their time at Chapman, where they display their work in an art gallery. Additionally, they take part in the AIGA portfolio review, where professionals provide feedback on their portfolios.
Is studying graphic design at Chapman a lot of work?
-Yes, it involves a lot of work, including both screen time and hands-on tasks like cutting and printing. However, if you're passionate about design, Lindsay notes that it doesn't feel burdensome.
Can graphic design students at Chapman study abroad?
-Yes, but students need to plan their schedule in advance to ensure it doesn't interfere with required courses. Lindsay's friends went abroad successfully, and she herself did a summer graphic design course in London.
What career paths can graphic design graduates from Chapman University pursue?
-Graduates can pursue various careers, including graphic designer, motion designer, UX/UI designer, packaging designer, environmental designer, art director, or freelance designer. A graphic design degree can also be beneficial in many other fields.
Outlines
🎓 Introduction and Personal Experience at Chapman University
Lindsay introduces herself and her channel, mentioning that this video is a comprehensive guide on her experience as a graphic design major at Chapman University. She shares her excitement about graduating soon and mentions that the video is sponsored by Chapman University. She highlights the university's prestigious graphic design program, ranked number one in California, and gives an overview of the topics she will cover, starting with the application process.
📝 Application Process and Portfolio Tips
Lindsay discusses the application process for Chapman University's graphic design program, emphasizing the importance of submitting a portfolio. She advises selecting diverse pieces that showcase creativity across different mediums, such as sculpture, painting, and videography. Lindsay also answers common questions about whether prior knowledge of design software or strong drawing skills are required, clarifying that neither is necessary but can be advantageous.
📚 Classes and Curriculum Overview
Lindsay explains the structure of the graphic design curriculum at Chapman University, which follows a four-year plan. The first two years focus on introductory art and design courses, including physical art, Adobe software training, typography, and web design. The third and fourth years are dedicated to advanced design classes, including typography, web design, and design business practices. She also mentions art history classes and the intensive nature of the design major, which requires more class hours than other majors.
🎨 Portfolio Shows and Professional Reviews
Lindsay talks about the portfolio shows required for graphic design majors at Chapman University, where students showcase their printed work in an art gallery. She describes it as a rewarding experience to share her work with family and friends. She also mentions the AIGA portfolio review, where professionals critique students' portfolios in a speed-dating format, providing valuable feedback and networking opportunities.
📚 Managing Workload and Building Relationships with Professors
Lindsay answers a frequently asked question about the workload in the graphic design major, acknowledging that it is demanding but manageable if students are passionate about the work. She praises the resources provided by Chapman, such as free printing and computer labs, and highlights the importance of forming strong relationships with professors who offer personalized guidance and support in small class settings.
🌍 Study Abroad Opportunities and Internships
Lindsay explains how students can study abroad while pursuing a graphic design degree, emphasizing the need for early planning. She shares her own experience of studying graphic design in London during the summer. Lindsay also discusses internships, stating that while only a senior-year internship is required, many students start as early as sophomore year. Internships provide real-world experience that complements classroom learning and can lead to future job opportunities.
💼 Career Opportunities and Preparing for the Workforce
Lindsay covers potential career paths for graphic design graduates, such as working as a freelance designer, at an agency, or pursuing roles like motion designer, UX/UI designer, or art director. She stresses the value of internships and how they have prepared her for the real world. Lindsay also reflects on whether college was worth it, affirming that the combination of her education and internship experiences has equipped her well for her future career.
📱 Useful Tools, Specializations, and Final Tips
Lindsay shares her thoughts on design software and tools like the iPad, noting that while it's helpful, it isn't essential for success. She encourages students to focus on areas of design they enjoy and to build a portfolio that reflects their personal style. Lindsay emphasizes the importance of learning from older students, being open to various styles, and continuing to refine skills over time.
👋 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Lindsay wraps up the video, thanking Chapman University for sponsoring it and expressing her excitement about her upcoming graduation. She invites viewers to ask any additional questions in the comments and hints at a future video where she will share more details about her portfolio. She signs off, thanking her audience and expressing her enthusiasm for future content.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Graphic Design
💡Portfolio
💡Adobe Software
💡Typography
💡Art History
💡Portfolio Review
💡Internship
💡Classes
💡Illustration
💡Study Abroad
Highlights
Chapman University is ranked as the number one graphic design school in California.
A portfolio is required for the application process, but it doesn't need to include digital work.
Variety in mediums, such as video, sculpture, and painting, is encouraged in portfolio submissions.
Knowledge of Adobe programs is not required upon entering, but having some experience offers an advantage.
Students take foundational physical art and introductory graphic design courses during their first two years.
Chapman's graphic design major includes classes such as book arts, hand lettering, typography, and web design.
Junior and senior years focus more on advanced design-specific courses such as advanced typography, advanced web design, and business practices for graphic designers.
Students participate in portfolio shows and have the opportunity to get their portfolios reviewed by industry professionals during a speed-dating-style critique.
Students can go abroad, but it requires careful planning to avoid disrupting the graphic design course sequence.
Chapman provides resources like free printing and access to computer labs equipped with Adobe software for students who don’t have personal devices.
There are various career paths available post-graduation, including becoming a freelance designer, motion designer, packaging designer, UX/UI designer, and art director.
Students are encouraged to network, as many internship opportunities come through alumni connections and the Chapman Facebook page.
The program encourages bonding with professors due to small class sizes and personalized support.
Using an iPad is not necessary, but it can be a helpful tool for illustration and other design work.
Students should focus on specific design paths that interest them, such as branding or illustration, and tailor their portfolios to reflect their strengths in those areas.
Transcripts
hey guys it's Lindsay and welcome back
or welcome to my channel if you are new
here I have a feeling some of you might
be because this is a very specific video
that I know a lot of potential students
will probably look up today I'm going to
be making a comprehensive cumin a little
video on my experience as a graphic
design major at Chapman University
because I actually graduated in a month
with my BFA in graphic design and I am
so excited to finally be done also
important this video is actually
sponsored by Chapman University which is
so incredible so thank you so much
shopman I have had a great four years
and thank you for sponsoring this video
I really appreciate it we got the iPad
here My Little Pony stickers on deck
since there is a lot to talk about I'm
going to kind of split this up into
sections and put the time stamps in the
description so you can skip around if
you didn't know Chapman is the number
one graphic design school in California
and I feel like not a lot of people know
that so hopefully I can help get the
word out about it first things first the
application process so if you didn't
know with most colleges you also have to
turn in a portfolio of your work any
artwork that you have that is like your
best work that shows that you're a
creative person you don't have to have
anything digital that is like not
expected of you but my tips are always
to choose pieces that really show
varieties so like you know use different
mediums in total across my ten pieces I
have like one video some charcoal
portraits some paintings I had a clay
teapot that I made so sculpture is
awesome just really show that you you
know are creative and you can express
that the two main questions I get when
it comes to the application process or
do you need to have knowledge of the
programs and do you need to be able to
draw well and when it comes to knowledge
of the programs my answer is no not at
all you do not need to but knowing them
already will put you out of it
advantage personally I didn't really
know any of the Adobe software programs
I knew a little bit of InDesign from
being on yearbook in high school but
other than that like it was very very
minimal so I did pretty much to learn
everything once I got into college as
far as having an art background I do
think it really helps at least liking to
create things is necessary but I don't
think you have to be a like realistic
illustrator to be a graphic designer
obviously being an illustrator helps in
terms of like if you want to do more
like illustrative graphic design and
things like that in the future but you
can always improve your illustration
skills and as far as the portfolio goes
you can do different mediums like
photography videography sculpting like
things that don't necessarily include
drawing if that isn't like your strong
suit and still be just as creative or
like you know artistic as other people
next thing I'm going to talk about our
classes because I get a lot of questions
about how like the actual like set up of
the classes go and at Chapman that
there's actually a four-year plan for
graphic design where you have set
classes that you're supposed to take
every single year the first and second
year you take a lot of physical art
classes and like introductory graphic
design classes so I took a book arts and
hem lettering which I loved that was
probably my favorite entire class I took
a Chapman objects in space which is like
a lot of cutting wood and 3d printing
and like thinking outside of the box
enjoyed graphic design where you learn
each of the Adobe programs through
different projects and you have like
four weeks per program to kind of like
learn them so like if you already had
knowledge it would just make that easier
whereas like I definitely pulled an
all-nighter during the Adobe Illustrator
project because I was just like you know
it was so new to me
typography one and web design one so
those are all first in second year
classes during this time you can also
take all your GES your language classes
you can even start your minor I just had
to wait for the train to pass by me just
jamming things then your third and
fourth year are all pretty much designed
focus classes so finishing the rest of
your design classes along with
jeez language that you have left
typically your miner may or may not be
done by then but yeah so all those
design classes I'm gonna say them right
now they're really long advanced type
advanced web intermediate design
advanced design business practices for
graphic designers and history of graphic
design so that's about it for graphic
design that you also have to take some
art history classes which I found that I
really loved like I really didn't know
anything about art history in high
school that then I've taken three
classes at college and I loved it also
graphic design classes are three hours
twice a week which makes it one of the
largest if not the largest major at
Chapman because of the hours most
classes typically like English classes
or other things you take will be like
three hours once a week or like
one-and-a-half hours twice a week but
graphic design classes are three hours
twice a week for the same amount of
credits as another class that is the way
less time so that's kind of all like the
boring class stuff but some other fun
things to know are that you have to
portfolio shows in your time at Chapman
so you get to make a full print
portfolio and show it in the art gallery
which is such a cool feeling like having
your printed pieces like to show your
family members your friends people can
come visit them and it's overall just
like such a great experience and then in
addition to having a portfolio show you
are sophomore and junior year you
actually have a something called the AIG
a portfolio review and that is where
your portfolio right here gets reviewed
by professionals and even like a speed
dating style and they kind of critique
and tell you what they like about your
work what they think you should change
about the way you're presenting it it's
definitely intimidating but overall it's
a great networking experience you could
totally get a job out of it if you
really click with someone and you know
you get a lot better at talking about
your work afterwards this is my last
year's portfolio I have to slime my new
pages in but I will totally make a video
and show you guys the inside of it if
you are interested now I'm going to
actually get to your most asked
questions that I
via instagram so thank you for sending
them is it a lot of work if it's not
obvious it's a lot of work um college is
a lot of work in general I feel like any
major that you choose will be a lot of
work it just involves a lot of hours of
like screen time working as well as like
physical hours like cutting printing
stuff out it's something you're
passionate about you're not gonna it
doesn't feel like a drag like I really
love it it Chapman provides a lot of
wonderful resources like free printing
with a really fancy printer is that none
of us can afford you can swipe in and
work in the labs whenever if you don't
have a macbook with all the programs you
can use the labs that are full of mac
computers having a lot of fronts and the
program also really helps the last far
as like you know emotional support goes
and like advice forming really good
bonds with your professors because they
do all really want to help you and
having small class sizes really helps
with that they really get to know your
style and like who you are as a designer
can you go abroad because like I said
there are like specific classes you have
to take every year going abroad for a
semester can like in theory mess that up
so you just have to plan in advance two
of my really great friends Genevieve and
Derek are graphic designers and they
went abroad and their schedules are
totally fun so if you just plan it in
advance to like take all your GES while
you're gone you will be totally fine you
just have to plan it like sophomore year
which I personally didn't do instead I
did a graphic design course in London
over the summer which is also a really
fun opportunity that they do offer so
would recommend another question I get a
lot is what kind of jobs can you expect
to get post-grad obviously you can
become a graphic designer
whether for yourself as a freelancer or
like an advertising agency for a design
agency you could become a motion
designer a packaging designer a UX UI
designer so like it's designing mobile
apps and things like that an
environmental designer an art director
for a company obviously you'd have to
like work your way up to that having
either a graphic design major or minor
could totally help you in a lot of
fields also a lot of questions about
like where
and internships is it hard to find
internships do you have to have an
internship and out Chapman you only have
to have an internship your senior year
but most people do them sophomore junior
and senior year which is what I did we
have a Facebook page where people post
about potential internships job openings
you know word-of-mouth friends friends
old internships when they like graduate
as well as just looking at job postings
online and different things like that
it's really fun having internships I've
learned so much from them that I hadn't
learned in class just from being around
like talented designers and then I also
definitely got the question of like do I
think it was worth it going to college
like do I feel like I'm ready to like go
out and be a graphic designer have I
like learned everything that I could
have learned without college different
things like that I did go to college so
obviously I'm glad that I went I don't
regret it whatsoever I think it has set
me up well to be a graphic designer or
like go into the real world as a
combination of like my classes the
internships I've taken and like all that
combined because that real-world
experience has really made a big
difference for me but the information
that I learned in my classes I think has
given me a really well-rounded
experience of like knowing a lot of
graphic design history knowing a lot of
art history knowing like illustration
history like I'll let the contextual
stuff about design like can really help
you as far as like not just knowing the
programs the tips that I have that maybe
I wish I knew or like learn too late
definitely befriend older majors and ask
for advice because I like I said you
learned so much from other graphic
designers like the way that they do
things like different shortcuts like
faster ways of doing things just like
efficiency wise programs get easier with
time in the beginning they definitely
stressed me out but like now I can like
Photoshop things with my eyes closed and
like I used to be really intimidated by
Photoshop and now I feel like I love all
the programs equally for everything that
they do and they all just mesh together
so well but in the beginning I was like
kind of intimidated another thing at
having an iPad is a great tool for
illustration for different things like
that but it is
not necessary like I think you will be
just as successful without one but I
wish I have one sooner because like
software year I totally could have
benefited from one of these and I see
like the freshmen that have iPads now
and like they are just like miles ahead
of where I was as a freshman and then
the last little tip is to find what you
like and kind of focus on that path
design-wise if you want to do that in
the future so like if you've discovered
that you really like illustration like
myself try and freelance more projects
or do more personal products that you
can put in your portfolio to show your
own personal style or like the things
that you really like doing because if an
employer sees that they might want you
to do things like that if that makes
sense like I think it's important to
have an open mind and like include a
variety of styles but you know if you
really like branding like show that you
really like branding I think that is
pretty much it for today's video I
actually need to go cut and prepare my
portfolio for my review so thank you so
much for watching I hope you guys
enjoyed this video if you have any more
additional questions or need more advice
or anything I will be happy to answer
them in the comments thank you so much
to Chapman University for sponsoring
this video that is one of the craziest
sentences I will ever say and I will see
you all with the new video very soon bye
guys
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