To become a graphic design professor, a master’s degree, work experience, and good speaking skills are required. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field is the first step, followed by gaining knowledge of software applications, history, styles, and techniques. Professional experience in the field is often required, and good drawing skills are recommended. It’s also possible to start your own instructional program.
A graphic design professor usually teaches in a college or other academic setting. This means that a master’s degree in graphic design, good speaking skills, and some work experience is required to fill this role. While a college setting is more common, it’s also possible to start your own business teaching graphic design and become a professor that way.
The first step to becoming a graphic design teacher is to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field. Typically, a master’s degree is required to become a professor of graphic design at the college or university level. College courses typically cover typography, color theory and the basics of design – the foundation for good graphic designers.
As a graphic design teacher, you will likely need to teach various computer software applications used to create designs. An understanding of the history, styles and techniques for graphic design is also required, and it is also important to keep abreast of new techniques and trends, which can change rapidly in the field of graphic design. Some instructors specialize in certain areas, such as photo retouching, illustrations or web design.
Sometimes teaching opportunities for students are available while you are graduating. Student teaching can allow you to learn real-world skills like creating lesson plans and explaining techniques to students. It will also give you a chance to start developing your own teaching style.
Good drawing skills are recommended if you want to become a graphic design teacher. Designers are often required to sketch out ideas or do quick revisions or sketches for clients. As a teacher, you may need – or want – to use this drawing in a classroom setting to help illustrate a point you are making.
Some colleges require you to have professional experience in the field before becoming a graphic design teacher. Working with clients through an agency, company or freelance designer would likely be considered an appropriate experience. This experience can provide you with first-hand knowledge of the field of graphic design and better prepare you to answer students’ questions about working in the industry.
Before applying for a teaching position, you should understand the focus of where you would teach if you got the job. Some design programs focus on production work, while others require strong creative and artistic skills. Graphic designers who specialize in production work often make edits or corrections to existing designs or prepare other people’s work for print projects or placement on a website. An arts program will require above average creative and technical skills.
You too can become a graphic design teacher by starting your own instructional program. This route will likely still require a college degree and experience that demonstrates your graphic design expertise. If you work for a university or for yourself, you must obtain the necessary licensing to teach or start your own business.
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