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Is A Degree In Graphic Design Worth It?
Education in graphic design raises the odds of landing a design career but also increases your salary. Finding and holding a high-paying graphic design work is better for people who have an advanced diploma than those who have not yet obtained one. Graphic Artists with advanced degrees have a greater chance of obtaining well-paying positions in bigger firms. For example, the median annual wage for a graphic designer is £48,800, whereas those employed by businesses like Apple would receive £96,000. By far, it is more advantageous to invest in a graphic design degree.
Worth of a Design Degree
Any ambitious graphic designer will finally ask themselves the same question: Is a graphic design degree worth it?
For certain occupations, obtaining a comprehensive education are an unavoidable need. Pilots and surgeons, for example, do not have the luxury of bypassing traditional education or teaching themselves the tricks of the trade. However, as an aspiring graphic designer, you must consider whether you want to obtain a degree or work as a self-taught designer.

Is a graphic design degree required? The truthful answer is no. There are various video guides and step-by-step posts available to help you get started in the industry and explain basic tech skills.
Is a graphic design degree, though, worthwhile? If you wish to make a name for yourself in the industry, the answer is “Yes.” We used government statistics, real-time business intelligence, and professional expertise to determine four advantages of pursuing a graphic design degree.
Reasons Why a Graphic Design Degree Is Important
Although it can tend to be faster and cheaper to hop straight in and practise as you go, there are obvious advantages to engaging in structured graphic design education. The rewards range from the knowledge and guidance you get in school to the opportunities open to you after graduation.
You would most likely be considered for further jobs
One of the most important worries that everyone has when embarking on a new career path is whether they will be able to find jobs. When you quit one job, you want to know if there will be another waiting for you on the other side.
Earning a graphic design degree, according to our group of experts, is one of the most important things you can do to improve your job opportunities. Many employers, in particular, expect applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.
Graphic design is indeed a “show me” career, which means that clients will want to see concrete representations of your work. This is why concept portfolios are so important during the recruiting process. However, several companies would not even look at your portfolio if you do not have a degree listed on your resume.
The research examined more than 43,306 graphic design career listings from the previous year using real-time work review tools. According to the results, 88 per cent of employers choose applicants with a graphic design associate’s degree or higher.
So, whether you receive an associate or bachelor’s degree in architecture, having this advanced qualification allows you to qualify for almost ten times as many positions as someone who does not have a degree. Who doesn’t like those odds?
You can maximise your income power
We have always learned the adage that money does not buy happiness. Cash, on the other hand, will buy a lot of items, such as your monthly rent, bills, or going out with family and friends. Let us face it: you would be lying if you said you did not want a higher wage.
So, how does a graphic designer’s pay compare? The national median annual wage for graphic designers in 2017 was £48,700. The advanced experience that comes with a degree shows your commitment and dependability, and employers are able to pay more for that. Formally trained designers may command a higher wage because they have the necessary qualifications, expertise, and preparation.
It will make you stand out from the crowd
A degree in graphic design validates your commitment and gives prestige to your career. A graphic artist with a degree has a much better chance of getting employed than one that does not have one. Studying graphic design from professionals validates your commitment and adds prestige to your occupation.
While anybody can study the fundamentals of design tools, a degree tells an employer that you are passionate enough about your professional growth to invest in it. Without seeing your portfolio, your self-worth and dedication to designing as a professional can be judged based on your qualifications.
You will hone your skills and develop your portfolio with the help of a specialist
Another advantage of obtaining a graphic design degree is the ability to hone your talents alongside business leaders. Most graphic design programmes recruit faculty members who have years of experience under their belt.
Seeing YouTube videos at home cannot equate to the invaluable, hands-on coaching you will get from a professional tutor. Their teaching goes far beyond the content of the courses.
As a graphic design student, you will also have the chance to develop your portfolio alongside an accomplished practitioner. It would help if you were assured that you could graduate with a professional portfolio after getting constant guidance and input on your work.
Who better to send you concept tips and project input than someone who is actually successful in the field you choose to work in? The protected confines of a college classroom, whether on campus or online, offer a rare atmosphere in which to mature and learn from your failures, with the only possible repercussion being a bad score. As a self-taught artist, mistakes caused by “learning as you go” could cost your client thousands of pounds.
The Relevance of Design Education
Even though a hairstylist does not need to be formally educated, people still go to them for a haircut because they are properly trained and qualified. It would be best if you did not get a haircut from someone who has ‘practised’ on their own.
So, though completing a design degree may postpone your design career a little, it may end up propelling it to a whole new stage. You should be assured that returning to school can help you set the tone for a long, fruitful career after learning the truth and seeing the advantages first hand from experts.
But is it worthwhile to get a graphic design degree? It is up to you to make the decision.
If you are serious about learning graphic design and launching your career, check out Blue Sky Graphics in the UK to find out how their graphic design course can help you get there!