I want to be a graphic designer. What A Levels should I take?

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Question:

I'm in year 11 and I have to actually start thinking about these things!.

I have taken these GCSEs: Maths (expected grade A), English Lit and Language (both A*), Double Science (already have one A* and expected another), Art Graphics (the important one - A*), Media Studies (A*), Geography (A*) and Religious Studies (A*)!. I took two GCSEs early: ICT in year nine and got an A* and Business Studies in year ten and got an A!.

I'm going to college and I was thinking of doing Art Graphics, Film Studies, English Lit and Psychology!. Does that sound good!? I thought media rather than film studies but I'm a huge film buff and I can't wait because apparently we study Hitchcock movies!. But I could substitute film for media if it would help in the long run, I guess!.

also, if anyone can give me tips on what I should do in Uni (if I go, that is)!?!?!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

So long as you have a strong portfolio and good knowledge of the relevant applications you don't necessarily need to have studied Art or Design, so I would suggest your A-Levels should be subjects you enjoy!

However, going to Art College or University and studying Art and Design gives you a greater understanding of what it's all about and gives you a bit more room to explore what area of Graphic Design you want to get into, be it advertising, packaging, corporate, print, screen whatever!. It also allows you to creatively explore techniques and styles that perhaps you wouldn't get a chance to do when you get a job!.

If you do decide to go and study Graphic Design, keep working on bits out of school/college, this will all help with your portfolio and give you good practical experience!.

Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

The A Levels you've mentioned sound fine!. It actually doesn't matter that much which ones you take for Graphic Design as long as you do Art!. You will most likely need to do a one-year Art Foundation course at college to get onto a good Design BA course, and the entry qualification for that is usually more about the porfolio (as long as you have some reasonable A Level grades)!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Don't go into Graphic design!. With your grades it looks like you could do anything!. There isn't much money in graphic design - top whack is around ￡40kpa and there is an age cap of about 35!. I know that seems a life time away but if you go into graphic design you'll end up having 15 years of experience in it, then get squeezed out by younger guys as graphic design is always a young industry - but you'll still have 30 years of working life ahead!.!.!.!.! It's sound advice - take it!.

Go to uni - definitely!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

piracy A level and start practisng now!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Take a graphics course and maybe maths xxWww@QuestionHome@Com

I have been working as a graphic designer for the last twelve years, and I have to say if you want to make money you have to move to New York or L!.A!.

Some things about graphic design!. You don't really need a degree in it to do the work!. It helps but I've worked with people who were hired just for knowing the software!. (InDesign, quark, Illustrator, photoshop, etc!.)

also, when you are forced to be creative at work, you don't really spend much time being creative on your own time!. I use to do a lot of painting and drawing in my spare time, now I never do those things, and many people I worked with experience the same issues!.

I know this probably isn't what you want to hear, but I just wanted to be totally honest!. If I had a chance to pick another career I would have been a lawyer and kept my creativity to my recreation!.Www@QuestionHome@Com