The first two classes that students seeking this degree need to enroll in are Design I and Introduction to Drawing. These are fundamental courses that will be the basis for all their future learning.

Some of the area high schools, including Springdale and Rogers, have graphic design courses that may give you training equal to NWACC’s Design I course. If you took graphic design or commercial art courses in high school, be sure to ask an advisor about this.

Try to take some graphic design, fine art, and general education courses every semester. By doing this, you’ll give yourself more time to develop as a designer while in school. You’ll also ensure that you are up to date on the most recent software available at the time of your graduation.

Be sure to check the prerequisites for each course listed in the college catalog. Don’t sign up for a course without having all the prereqs completed.

One of the most important pieces that students develop while in school is their portfolio. A strong portfolio can help a student gain a great job upon graduation. Remember that every project could be a portfolio piece, so always do your best.

Don’t rush into trying to get a job as a graphic designer. If a student tries too early and is turned down, it can be very discouraging. A design job can also cloud a student’s perception of what every graphic design job is going to be like. Every position is different, and the instructors are trying to prepare students for every situation.

Check out the latest books and magazines on graphic design. The NWACC library has quite a few books and subscribes to several of the most popular trade publications. You can also check local bookstores. It is important to stay current on trends, styles, techniques, software, and equipment. It is also very helpful to expose yourself to a wide variety of design.