| Considering computer graphic schools that can help | | | | taking the first step toward a lucrative career. |
| you start a graphic design career? Stanley Gilbert, a | | | | "I couldn't recommend a better launching pad into the |
| long-time graphic designer and illustrator, who also | | | | business for a freshman student than a design |
| teaches design and illustration at Austin Community | | | | certificate or degree from a reputable and well |
| College (AAC, Austin, TX), stresses the importance of | | | | established school," says Gilbert. "If I had had such |
| finding your niche. | | | | opportunities from the start, I might have been in the |
| "Prospective students should weigh the alternatives | | | | business for 30 years now instead of only 20." |
| between an intensive two-year program like ACC's | | | | Skills to Seek at Computer Graphic Schools |
| and more laid back, but academically challenging, | | | | Whether your choice computer graphic schools |
| four-year computer graphic degrees from a university," | | | | emphasize computer graphics degrees or computer |
| says Gilbert. That's because, as he explains to his | | | | aided design programs, Gilbert says there are basic |
| students, having work skills is not enough in an industry | | | | skills that designers should learn. They include being |
| that shapes film, theatre, music and literature -- | | | | able to: |
| degrees from computer graphic schools will set you | | | | - Exhibit a high level of creativity used to solve |
| apart. "You've got to have some of the 'it' that sets | | | | problems |
| you apart, and full, well-rounded [computer graphic | | | | - Think outside the box while functioning productively |
| degrees] are vital, whether you get it formally at a | | | | inside the limits |
| university or informally on your own." | | | | - Write, speak, and create effectively |
| Before Computer Graphic Schools... | | | | - Respond quickly and inventively to client's needs |
| In his own experience, Gilbert learned early on after | | | | - Demonstrate good hand-eye coordination |
| graduating from Texas State University in the 1970s | | | | - Pay attention to detail |
| with a degree in commercial arts, and trying his hand at | | | | One thing is for sure when considering computer |
| a freelancing career, that it would take another school | | | | graphic schools or computer aided design programs: |
| stint to keep up with the technology. That's when he | | | | "The industry keeps expanding both technically and in |
| decided to attend ACC (where he would later be | | | | job description," explains Gilbert. The time to start |
| asked to teach as an adjunct). And students wishing | | | | pursuing computer graphics degrees is now. |
| to attain computer graphics degrees, he says, are | | | | |