Graphic Design Courses, Eligibility, Subjects, Scope, Exams, and Careers

For every person, the path to professional success looks different. You're beginning to think about pursuing a profession in graphic design after giving it some thought. However, you want to understand the potential career prospects better before you invest the time and money necessary to enrol in graphic design courses. 

Now, you have certainly heard the term "graphic design" a lot, but do you know where it originated? William Dwiggins, a book designer, first used the phrase in 1922. He named his entire design process ‘graphic design.’ The art of visual storytelling is thus known as graphic design.

Graphic designers choose and organise visual components—fonts, pictures, icons, and colors—to communicate a message to an audience. If you're an aspiring graphic designer, keep reading for more information on graphic design courses, subjects, eligibility and scope of graphic design. 

Graphic Design Courses

There are many different graphic design courses and specialisations available. B.Des, M.Des, B.Sc, M.Sc, and other graphic design degrees are only a few examples. In addition to other topics, students can pursue specialisations in graphic design subjects like design and animation. 

Graphic design courses after the 12th standard

The following are some specialisations in graphic design degree courses: 

• B.Des in Graphic Design
• M.Des in Graphic Design
• BA in Graphic Design
• MA in Graphic Design, and so on. 

Candidates must meet the requirements for enrollment in graphic design degree courses as outlined by colleges and institutions.

Graphic Design Course Syllabus 

Depending on what area of graphic design you wish to pursue, your subjects may include website visual design, studio art, computerised design, motion graphics, printing techniques, commercial graphics production, and other comparable coursework under an art or graphic design degree. Some other graphic design course syllabi include common graphic design subjects like:

• Story of Art
• Visual Thinking 
• Fundamentals of Drawing 
• 2D & 3D Design practice
• Typography
• Graphic Design & Communication 
• Advanced Digital Media 
• Theory of Graphic Design 
• Advanced Illustration techniques, and so on. 

Graphic Design Entrance Exams 

Aspirants must take an entrance exam in order to be shortlisted for admission to graphic design degree courses offered at renowned universities in India. The following is a list of some of the well-known entrance examinations used to choose applicants for enrollment in graphic design degree programs:

• National Institute of Design – Design Aptitude Test (NID-DAT)
• NIFT Entrance Test
• All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED) 
• PAF Entrance Test (Pearl Academy of Fashion)
• Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED)

Graphic Design Courses Eligibility 

Overall, to enrol in graphic design courses or to appear for the above entrance tests, applicants must have completed or be enrolled in at least a 10+2 course in any field (Science, Commerce, or Arts) to enrol in graphic design courses or appear for the above entrance tests.

To know how to become a graphic designer, it's crucial for students to gather as much information as possible. This is why Sunstone works with more than 50 prestigious institutions to offer you information on the precise requirements for the university of your choice. You can browse a directory of universities and colleges that provide B.Des courses in graphic design with Sunstone’s support. We also offer the academic guidance you need to succeed in your formative years as a graphic designer. 

What Skills do Graphic Designers Employ?

Some skills to develop in college are crucial to becoming a graphic designer. Graphic designers generally have experience with creative skills and tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and CorelDRAW because the majority of their work is carried out on digital platforms and applications. Other practical instruments to learn are SketchUp, Blender, Procreate, Adobe InDesign, and ProofHub. 

Scope of Graphic Design in India 

The field of graphic design is evolving. Digital design is growing in popularity, and job prospects are much better. As a result, there is a great demand for graphic designers with expertise in multimedia and virtual design, animation, mobile and application design, and website design. Other design disciplines, like UI and UX design, also document rapid expansion.

Furthermore, having a graphic design degree greatly boosts your earning potential. Those with qualifications and college degrees stand out from their colleagues since businesses are more likely to recruit those with formal training than those who are self-taught or have less schooling. 

In addition to giving you the knowledge and experience you need for your career, attending college will enable you to collaborate with leaders both on and off campus (for example, during an internship while you are a student), as well as to create a graphic design portfolio that compiles all of the work you've done with your graphic design subjects.

Careers in Graphic Design 

There are several benefits to completing your bachelor's degree or B.Des in graphic design subjects, even if it might seem like a sector, you can break into by learning on the job or your own. Since most firms won't consider you for a position unless you have some sort of certification or B.Des in graphic design, you'll first be qualified for more positions as a graphic designer. 

Aspirants who have completed graphic design courses are typically hired by any of the following companies:

• Advertising  and marketing agencies
• Graphic design studios
• Publishing (newspapers, magazines, etc.)
• Entertainment and media houses
• Website development studios
• E-learning businesses
• Web Design 

Following an education in graphics design subjects, candidates are frequently hired for the following positions:

• Graphic Designer 
• Advertising Art Director 
• User Experience (UX) Designer
• User Interface (UI) Designer
• Illustrator
• Multi-media artist
• Animator
• Concept Artist
• Production Artist
• Creative Director 

Graphic Designer Salary 

The amount paid to graphic designers depends on their level of education, work experience, design abilities, tool and software knowledge, location, and type of business. 

According to PayScale, the average compensation of a graphic designer or artist is ₹3,06,463. However, their salaries often range from 2 lakhs to 6 lakhs depending on the amount of experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

• What is graphic design?

The art of visual storytelling is known as graphic design. Graphic designers choose and organise visual components—such as fonts, pictures, icons, and colors—to communicate a message to an audience.

• What comes under graphic design?

There may be numerous types of graphic design, including, but not limited to, product design, User Interface graphic design, Motion graphic design, Branding design, Website design, Print design, Environmental design and Animation design.

• What are the graphic design courses?

The following are some specialisations in graphic design: B.Des in Graphic Design, M.Des in Graphic Design, BA in Graphic Design, MA in Graphic Design, and so on.