Before delving into the essence of a graphic design course, let’s begin with some brief insights to understand what graphics are and how they are intertwined with our daily lives.
Have you ever noticed that you easily remember large advertisements in public places, print ads in magazines and newspapers, website layouts and interactive user interfaces, labels and branding on packaging, or brochures and movie posters? This phenomenon is due to several cognitive and psychological factors.
Human memory has a visual nature, meaning we remember things better by seeing them than by merely reading. According to the dual coding theory, the human brain processes and stores information in two ways: verbal and visual. When information is presented both visually and verbally, it creates two memory traces, making it easier to recall. Studies have shown that people tend to remember pictures better than words.
What is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is the art or technique of conveying thoughts or ideas through visuals and designs to capture the attention of a targeted audience. It aids businesses in effectively reaching potential customers. Graphic designers utilize various elements to craft designs for print, digital, and multimedia formats.
Scope of Graphic Design
The scope of graphic design is vast and ever-evolving, spanning numerous industries and applications. Let’s explore its significance across different sectors:
Advertising and Marketing
Graphic designers create visual content using graphic design tools and elements, such as social media graphics, advertisements, brand logos, and identity materials, which help in promoting and marketing businesses.
Web and App Design
UI/UX design has become a highly demanded skill, involving the creation of user interfaces and experiences for websites and mobile applications. Graphic design plays a crucial role in crafting layouts, visually engaging elements, and user-friendly interfaces.
Print Media
Appealing design is key to grabbing customer attention. Graphic designers create labels and layouts that convey messages effectively while maintaining sustainable and functional packaging.
Entertainment Industry
The stunning graphics in movies and thrilling gaming experiences are products of VFX and advanced graphic design. Graphic design elevates the visual and interface quality of movies and games, creating immersive experiences.
Education and E-learning
With the rise of online education, graphic design has become essential in developing e-learning materials, infographics, and educational content, making online learning more engaging and effective. Illustration is also used in designing layouts and visuals for educational publications.
Public and Environmental Visuals
Graphic designers create directional signs, informational graphics for public spaces, and visuals for trade shows, exhibitions, and public displays.
Business Requirements
Graphic design and illustration are integral in creating engaging corporate presentations, designing annual reports, and producing explanatory and expressive brochures.
The scope of graphic design is extensive, offering opportunities in nearly every industry. As technology and media continue to evolve, the demand for skilled graphic designers is expected to grow, presenting exciting and diverse career prospects.
Course Structure for Graphic Design
The structure of graphic design programs can vary depending on the institution and level of study (diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate).
Diploma in Graphic Design
A Diploma in Graphic Design is a short course, typically ranging from 1-2 years. It is designed to provide focused practical knowledge and skills, allowing students to quickly and efficiently start their careers as graphic designers. These courses often concentrate on specific aspects of graphic design, offering specialized knowledge and skills.
Lets list some of them-
- Web Design
- UI/UX Design
- Animation and Motion Graphics
- 3D Design and Modelling
- Typography
- Animation and Motion Graphics
- Game Design
- E-learning Design
- Illustration
- Digital Imaging and Photography
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree in Graphic Design
An undergraduate degree in graphic design is a 3-year and 4-year program which typically includes a mix of foundational subjects, specialized modules, practical training, and project work.
Bdes
- 4-year program
- Specialized curriculum that focuses on design principles and techniques
- typography, color theory, branding, and layout design
Bsc
- 3-year prgram
- Combination of graphic design + computer science/ engineering
- Web design or game design
A postgraduate course in graphic design in India typically focuses on advanced concepts, specialized skills, and professional practices which generally spans 1-2 years. These programs are designed to build on undergraduate knowledge and prepare students for leadership roles in the field.
These are Mdes and Msc in graphic design.
However, most programs typically follow a similar framework comprising foundational courses, core subjects, specialized electives, practical training, and project work.
Below is a detailed outline:
1. Foundation Courses
- Design Principles: Basics of design elements and principles.
- Drawing and Sketching: Techniques for hand-drawn illustrations and concepts.
- Color Theory: Understanding color usage and psychology.
- Typography: Basics of type design and usage.
- History of Art and Design: Overview of art movements and design history.
2. Core Subjects
- Graphic Design Fundamentals: Introduction to graphic design concepts and tools.
- Digital Imaging: Techniques for image creation and manipulation using software like Adobe Photoshop.
- Vector Graphics: Creating vector-based illustrations using tools like Adobe Illustrator.
- Layout and Composition: Principles of arranging visual elements in a composition.
- Web Design: Basics of designing for the web, including HTML/CSS.
- Print Design: Techniques for designing print materials such as brochures, posters, and books.
- Branding and Identity: Creating brand identities, logos, and corporate branding materials.
- UI/UX Design: Basics of user interface and user experience design for digital products.
3. Specialized Electives
- Motion Graphics: Creating animated graphics using tools like Adobe After Effects.
- 3D Design: Introduction to 3D modeling and rendering.
- Packaging Design: Designing packaging for products.
- Environmental Graphic Design: Designing graphics for physical spaces, including signage and wayfinding.
- Game Design: Basics of designing graphics for video games.
- Advertising Design: Creating visual content for advertising purposes.
4. Software Training
- Adobe Creative Suite: In-depth training in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and other Adobe software.
- Other Software: Training in additional relevant software such as CorelDRAW, Sketch, Figma, and others as needed.
5. Practical Training
- Workshops: Hands-on workshops on various aspects of graphic design.
- Live Projects: Working on real-world projects to gain practical experience.
- Internships: Industry internships to gain professional exposure and experience.
6. Project Work
- Portfolio Development: Creating a professional portfolio showcasing a range of work.
- Capstone Project: A comprehensive project that integrates all learning aspects to solve a real-world design problem.
- Case Studies: Analyzing and presenting case studies of successful design projects.
7. Soft Skills and Professional Development
- Communication Skills: Enhancing verbal and visual communication skills.
- Presentation Skills: Techniques for effectively presenting design concepts and projects.
- Project Management: Basics of managing design projects from inception to completion.
- Entrepreneurship: Understanding the business aspects of running a design practice.
8. Research and Theory
- Design Research: Methods and practices of conducting research in design.
- Design Ethics: Understanding ethical considerations in design practice.
- Cultural Studies: Exploring the cultural impact of design and its role in society.
Graphic Design Course Fees, Eligibility and Institutions
Course Fees-
The fees for graphic design programs in India can range from approximately ₹1,50,000 to ₹6,00,000 per year, depending on the institution and program. Prospective students should check the official websites of the institutions for the most accurate and up-to-date fee structures, as well as information on scholarships, financial aid, and installment options.
Course Eligibility-
For Bachelors program- completion of 10+2 in any stream
For Advance progrmams- completion of Bachelor degree
Top Colleges to offering Graphic Design programs-
- Arch College of Design and Business- Jaipur, Rajasthan
- National Institute of Design- Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Bengaluru.
- National Institute of Fashion Technology- all over India
- MIT Instiute of Design- Pune, Maharashtra
- Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID)- Pune, Maharashtra
- Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology- Bengalaru, Karnataka
- Pearl Academy- Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru
- Indian Institute of Art and Design(IIAD)- New Delhi
- Amity school of Fine Arts- Noida, Uttar-Pradesh
- Lovely Professional University(LPU)- Jalandhar, Punjab
- DJ Academy Of Design- Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
These institutions offer robust and well-rounded programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in graphic design, providing students with a solid foundation and specialized skills to excel in the industry.
Entrance Exams for Graphic Design Program
Lets us see some of the entrance exams to get admission to reputed nd prestigious programs-
- All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED)
- Conducted by- ARCH College of Design & Business
- Programes- undergraduate and postgraduate design programs
- Exam Structure- divided into two stages:
Stage 1: General Aptitude Test (GAT)
Stage 2: Creative Aptitude Test (CAT)
- Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)
- Conducted by- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
- Programes- Master of Design (M.Des) and Ph.D. programs in Design at various IITs, IISc Bangalore, and other participating institutes.
- Participating Institutes-
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee
- Exam Structure- CEED consists of two parts:
- Part A (CBT)
- Numerical Answer Type (NAT)
- Multiple Select Questions (MSQ)
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Part B (Pen and paper-based test)
- Drawing
- Creativity
- Communication Skills
- Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
Both parts must be taken on the same day.
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Entrance Exam
- Programs: Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Graphic Design
- Exam Structure:
- Creative Ability Test (CAT)
- General Ability Test (GAT)
- Situation Test (for B.Des)
4.National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam
- Programs- Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Design (M.Des)
- Exam Stages-
- Design Aptitude Test (DAT) Prelims
- DAT Mains
5. MIT Institute of Design (MITID) Design Aptitude Test (DAT)
- Programs: Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Design (M.Des)
- Exam Structure-
- Design Aptitude Test
- Studio Test
- Personal Interview
6. Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED)
- Programs- Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
- Exam Structure:
- Written Test
- Portfolio Review
- Personal Interaction
7. Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD) Entrance Exam
- Programs- Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Design (M.Des)
- Exam Structure-
- IIAD Design Aptitude Test (iDAT)
- Personal Interview and
- Portfolio Assessment
8.Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test (LPUNEST)
- Programs- Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Design (M.Des)
- Exam Structure- Online Test
9. Srishti Entrance and Aptitude Test (SEAT)
- Programs- Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Design (M.Des)
- Exam Structure-
- Written Test
- Portfolio Review
- Personal Interview
10. Pearl Academy Entrance Exam
- Programs- BA (Hons) in Communication Design, PG Diploma in Graphic Design
- Exam Structure-
- Written Admission Test
- Personal Interview
- Portfolio Review
Salary Status of a Graphic Designer
- Graphic Designer
Entry-Level Graphic Designer
- Experience: 0-2 years
- Salary Range: ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 per annum
Mid-Level Graphic Designer
- Experience: 2-5 years
- Salary Range: ₹4,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per annum
Senior Graphic Designer
- Experience: 5-10 years
- Salary Range: ₹8,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 per annum
- UI/UX Designer
- Experience: 0-5 years
- Salary Range: ₹4,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 per annum
- Web Designer
- Experience: 0-5 years
- Salary Range: ₹3,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 per annum
- Brand Identity Designer
- Experience: 0-5 years
- Salary Range: ₹3,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 per annum
- Illustrator
- Experience: 0-5 years
- Salary Range: ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 per annum
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Experience: 0-5 years
- Salary Range: ₹4,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 per annum
- Art Director
- Experience: 5-10 years
- Salary Range: ₹10,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 per annum
- Freelance Designer
- Experience: Varies
- Salary Range: ₹1,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+ per project/year (depending on projects and clients)
Conclusion
The field of graphic design offers diverse job opportunities across various industries, with competitive salaries that increase with experience and specialization. Aspiring graphic designers can look forward to a dynamic and creative career, with potential for growth and advancement. Additionally, with the increasing demand for digital content, UI/UX design, and visual communication, the scope for graphic designers continues to expand.
With comprehensive course structures at various levels of study, aspiring designers can gain the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this creative and evolving industry.
