Digital Graphic Design
 

Does anyone know any good schools in BC/have recommendations for the best schools with a graphic design program? I'm looking more into the digital realm rather than traditional (IE: Emily Carr).

I know theres AI, VCC, SFU, Cap College, but I'm not sure which one has the best program? Anyways, any advice would be good as I have to apply ASAP!

If you want to look at my portfolio (if it makes some kind of difference pertaining to the program?), feel free to check it out at www.kristianhay.com

What exactly are you looking to learn or achieve? My sister is at BCIT for a 1 year intensive new media design program. So far so good but I'm not sure what your true focus is.

I'm not really 100% sure at the moment, though I do know I want to become a graphic designer... which is about it. Apparel, poster, print design etc.

Stay away from AI unless you want to spend thousands more than you should. And that's coming from an AI Alumni. Worst decision I ever made. I would suggest looking into Langara and BCIT.

VIU offers a degree program in graphic design

I've seen some of the work from Langara students and what they manage to put out is simply amazing!

Any chance you have some kind of link to an online portfolio or something? I actually emailed the director there and will be going in for an interview sometime.

I think if your not going to Emily Carr for graphic design I would suggest going to BCIT

maybe Vanarts?

http://www.vanarts.com/

I recommend VCC's Digital Graphic Design program.
http://www.vcc.ca/programs-courses/d...d=1&prog_id=38

I took it back in '03, and it was a great learning experience. It taught a lot different stuff like Flash, web design, Photoshop, Illustrator - stuff that would cost more at other schools, and require more time.

It was cheap too. I don't know if it's still as cheap as what I paid back then (approx $4500), but I would definitely look into it. 9 months long, definitely wasn't a waste of time. Great instructors.

The program allowed me to explore so many aspects of the field, from technique to creative deadlines. It helped me decide whether or not I wanted to do this as a career.

See I wish I'd have spotted VCC's program when I was looking. All I found was Ai and Cap. And I was rejected from Cap because my portfolio wasn't strong enough (go figure since I hadn't had any training as of yet).

Thanks, quite a helpful post! I already have quite extensive knowledge in Photoshop/Illustrator as they are the main programs I use. I think my portfolio is pretty good as I have already done freelance for companies like Kona Mountainbikes, bands such as We the Kings etc.

At the end of the program, did you receive a diploma/degree of some sort? Thanks again!

I received a certificate. It's 9 months so I wouldn't expect too much in terms of credentials.

IMO, the program gives people a taste of many aspects involved in graphic design. From print to web, different programs, to different applications, and deadlines.

I don't think the program is designed for people who are 10-year veterans of the industry who already have all the working knowledge and experience. I think it's mostly tailored towards people who have some experience, but want to be exposed aspects they're not familiar with. When I took the course, a lot of people in the class had never touched PS/Illustrator/Flash before. This program allowed them to become really familiar with each.

I think it'll definitely enlighten some people on whether or not they want to choose this as a career. It did for me. It's cheap and short, and has a lot of value. It is definitely not the be-all-end-all in terms of a graphic design education, but it can help you decide what type of design you enjoy and want to focus on. I didn't enjoy Flash much, but Photoshop, I did. And I preferred web over print.

Best thing I'd recommend is to speak to somebody at VCC about the program.

Oh, BTW. In case you're wondering, the program did me a huge favor. All through HS I used to love messing around with PS and thought I would want to do this as a career. Well, during my time at VCC, I was constantly burnt out for ideas. It was frustrating. I had concepts in my mind, but I couldn't create them in PS or whatever app. I still remember, there was 1 assignment where we were tasked to redesign the Nike logo - as in the swoosh. It was like writer's block, I drew a blank. I ended up keeping the swoosh, but tweaking it a bit. Unfortunately, the instructor wanted me to come up with something completely new, and I lost marks because I didn't accomplish that. Basically, the deadlines, the creative blanks, the idea that I most likely had to freelance for many years before getting any sort of decent position w/ a company, the lack of consistent income, etc made me focus on something completely different than graphic design.

Sorry, I wish I had kept the URL for the online portfolio. I went to one of their final showings at an art gallery that they rented out.

Vancouver Film School has their Digital Design program. Take a look...I think this is geared more towards motion graphics and digital media however...