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Would you say that some of the best web designers have Bachelor/MA Degrees or would you say experience plays a huge part?
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CommentAuthoradjustafresh
- CommentTimeJun 11th 2006
Yes. -
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I've seen this conversation totally thrash happy friendships before. Always fun to watch.
My two cents: experience is a good thing, but if you don't have the knowledge of the basics that things are built on things are gonna go to hell. And, of course, one of the core parts of an education (in design or technical stuff) is that basic "how things work" and history aspect of stuff.
"I can make a bunch of aqua-looking buttons" doesn't do you any good if you don't know how to put together a grid system. -
I've personally never worked with any designers that didn't have at least a BA. I would say experience plays a huge part -- but the degree helps. I've got an advertising background and it has played such a huge role in how I approach my projects.
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Yes, some of the best web designers have at least a BA degree.
As a designer, I feel that my 4 years in college in a BFA program made me a better designer than if I had not gone to college and worked full-time. A college art program allows you to explore design in ways beyond typical client work, which improves your design skills overall. Sure you can read books and experiment on your own, but the best part of art school is interacting with a large group of peers to provide instant feedback on your work, and learning from their work as well.
I'm not sure of many that have MA degrees. I don't see much need for one right now (not saying it wouldn't hurt though). I'd like to get an MA degree eventually, but there's not many programs out there that interest me (that I'm aware of at least).
There are exceptions... some very talented designers have no design training whatsoever. I'd be curious to see the results of a survey of web designers' college degrees (or lack of). -
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CommentAuthornateklaiber
- CommentTimeJun 12th 2006
Its tough, I have seen it both ways. There are some that went to school - but still have HORRIBLE designs. Also, where I went to school the design program really wasnt that strong, so they could technically get a degree yet still know nothing when they come out.
The other part is that web design is NOT print design. Too many come from print design and thinks its just as easy or the same concepts. It just doesn't work that way, there is a different knowledge that web designers need to have. Not just the design, but the WHOLE package with web - css, accessibility, usability, etc.
A poll would definitely be interesting, because I am not swaying one way or another. Ive seen some with no education make great designs, and I have seen others with 5 years of education and not have a clue what they were doing. -
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From what I've seen, most have at least a degree. You need a little something like that to show that you can commit and are able.
However, a non-degreed candidate would still stand a good chance if they had an amazing portfolio, since that experience would speak volumes alone.
We're looking for new web designers where I work at the moment, and the first thing we do is check the links they've supplied to see how good their skills really are - as we've seen cases where people have come out with a degree, but still don't seem to have that "special something". -
I personally don't think you can learn to be creative -- you either are or you are not. What you learn through obtaining a degree or through years of experience is how to heighten and utilize that creativity -- maximize your potential. Different people are inspired and learn in different ways. Some through academic education; a lecture style setting complimented with research, constant and structured discourse as well as direct understanding and application of design concepts. Others can only really learn or strive through real-life application; trial and error as well as learn what needs to be known as it happens and is required.
We all learn through experience and we are all limited in some way or another by the type of formal education we can acquire (if any at all).
All good designers need the same thing -- not a degree but rather employers willing to work with us. Willing to understand we are all works in progress as we strive to reach that point of perfection that is always changing and slightly out of reach. Everyone needs to find that job or boss willing to work with YOU and help YOU reach that next level.
Creativity needs to be a given. A degree does not make a good designer – but an understanding of how to design and an ability of how to implement and communicate your design to meet your client’s needs is most essential; regardless of how you obtain that knowledge. -
Its tough, I have seen it both ways. There are some that went to school - but still have HORRIBLE designs. Also, where I went to school the design program really wasnt that strong, so they could technically get a degree yet still know nothing when they come out.
Totally true, I was always frustrated being around my classmates, I couldn't understand why the quality of the work was so bad and I was part of the class.
I would go as far as to say that what I know now has nothing to do with the fact I received a degree, in fact, I received a degree in Networking, not design.
All the school did was introduce me to the software used in the industry... The rest I learned by being curious, and wanting to learn top technologies.I personally don't think you can learn to be creative -- you either are or you are not. What you learn through obtaining a degree or through years of experience is how to heighten and utilize that creativity
Exactly,All good designers need the same thing -- not a degree but rather employers willing to work with us.
Perfectly said.Would you say that some of the best web designers have Bachelor/MA Degrees or would you say experience plays a huge part?
I think you will find great web designers who never graduated and learned through experience, however I'm willing to bet most great web designers have a degree of some kind. -
I guess I'm doomed. I don't have a degree yet but I plan to continue taking college classes until I obtain my degree.
I've been designing websites for myself for the last 5-6 years and have read many many books, I think I've come very far, without having a degree.
I do believe that school can help with the basic concepts of design and what to look for but I think experience and/or talent plays a part as well.
Thanks for posting!
Is there anyone in this forum that has had great success in the Web Design world without a degree? If so, please share your story. -
My previous boss at Discovery.com (VP of iMedia) didn't have a degree. Granted he got in while Discovery was a little nothing cable network -- but he has an amazing eye for design and is both highly talented and respected.
I wouldn't say you're doomed -- you seem to be on the right path. A degree will help you throughout your career -- a compliment to your talents. However, experience will MAKE your career -- it is the only thing that will heighten, strengthen and enhance your talents.
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Is there anyone in this forum that has had great success in the Web Design world without a degree?
Like people have said here, it's not a guarantee or anything. But if you're responding to a listing that says "candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in..." and there's an HR department involved you're not gonna get through the door. -
Nifkin,
You are so right about companies with HR Departments.
I really don't want to work for a company; I want my own company, which I'm working on now. I have no plans to apply for a Web Designer position, but I do know it might be difficult to get one without a Degree. I do have a certification but that means nothing to huge corporate companies.
I love to read, and I'm a self starter and always willing to learn and upgrade my skills without the guidance of a boss.
My goal is to build great online relationships with experts in fields I don't specialize in so that I can provide my clients an array of services. I feel it’s not always what you know but who you know. I know that working with people online can be difficult at times but I believe it’s possible to find good people to work with. I have been burned online before but those situations make you stronger. I don’t plan on giving up even without a degree.
Thanks for the positive words mringlein
Thanks for sharing everyone. -
Docsharp, "reading many books" is the way to go for everyone, degree or not - you'll do awesome with that attitude! My husband owns a small web development co., and when we get applications we click the work sample links and THAT'S ALL. The details of the resume barely get a glance. That being said, I've been paid more at every job I've had because I have a BFA.
Check out this guy, 16 years old, so no formal education obviously, who has a hugely bright future in web design: http://www.whalesalad.com/
Success comes from passion & dedication. -
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CommentAuthornateklaiber
- CommentTimeJun 16th 2006
I would agree with the whalesalad.com - thats a great site! -
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- CommentAuthorchris.garrett
- CommentTimeJun 16th 2006
Ultimately it depends what you want to do. If you want to work in-house then education will hold and equal (if not stronger) value in the eyes of your potential employers, although both are obviously the best solution. If you're aiming to work freelance, it's really all about your portfolio and client list. Having left school at 16, I'm doing extremely well freelancing but haven't yet (and hopefully will never need to) look for in-house employment. -
I'm more on the "trial and error" side.
What do u mean getting inspiration, learn from others and have a look at what your peers have done? Don't you get that in the real world?
Good point from erica: "Success comes from passion and dedication". And a whole lots of other things such as focus and committ to excellence to name a few.
I'm not saying that BA/MA or any degree sn't worth going for. It'sactually what you want that counts. I had been in college taking engineering classes, thought that it was what I want, but it wasn't so. And I know now, what I'm going to do next, though it may take some time. -
- CommentAuthoratomiccafe
- CommentTimeJun 17th 2006
I you live outside U.S and you want to work in the U.S? Then you definitely need a Diploma in order to get a working visa. -
Unfortuantely to get your foot in the door of most companies you need a degree. Doesn't matter that it may be in an unrelated field, like Politics or Thoelogy. Unless your portfolio speaks volumes about your competence (and I believe many don't), companies will use your "education background" as a way to sort the wheat from chaff.
On a personal note though, I'm with Erica on this - experience and passion get you a long way. -
Is there anyone in this forum that has had great success in the Web Design world without a degree?
I never had a problem without a Degree. It never seemed to be an issue when applying for jobs.
Now that i have my own business i never look at qualifications. Only the portfolio.
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