5 Specializations for a Graphic Design Degree
Graphic Design Specializations
Graphic design is such an incredibly broad field that choosing a specialization can be an enormous challenge – particularly for those just beginning their degree studies. The array of applications for graphic design is immense, and while degree studies in graphic design offer opportunities to study many of them, it can be hard to choose.
Nonetheless, no matter what you are best at within the realm of graphic design – or what you love most – there is a specialization you can undertake and develop throughout your degree studies. Here are five specializations that degree seekers in graphic design can choose from.
Mobile Application Design
New mobile applications are being developed every minute of every day, and this is an excellent specialization for graphic designers who are looking to cash in on this industry and also have a passion or love for mobile apps. The beauty of designing mobile application interfaces is that you don’t have to learn how to program them – you only have to learn user interface design. In addition to interface design classes in your degree, there are a variety of online tutorials available to help you hone your skills in preparation for a career in mobile app design – or to help you keep your edge once you’ve dived in.
Iconography
An immensely challenging but highly lucrative specialization, icon design for websites, apps, and products is in high demand. Specialization in icon design requires not only deep knowledge of design, but deep knowledge of fine art and even photography. If you intend to specialize in icon design – and it is well worth the effort – you will want to take classes that support the skills you’ll need to become good at iconography. If you’ve already completed your degree studies, there is no reason you can’t continue developing this skill, whether through continuing ed or on your own.
Typography and Calligraphy
If you absolutely love typography, this is the specialization for you. Typography and calligraphy specialists can earn excellent income by selling custom fonts, doing small print projects of various kinds such as business and greeting cards, and designing typefaces for websites and applications. If you love these design mediums, take as many classes relating to it as you can, and practice on your own as much as possible – if you’re good, this can even translate to a source of income if you do custom work for friends and family while you are still studying.
User Interface Animation
If you’ve ever seen a really excellent animated user interface, you’ll know how valuable a skill user interface animation is – especially if you’ve seen some bad ones. If you have a passion for animation, user interface animation could be a very rewarding specialization. While it is a difficult skill to master and requires constant upkeep, it is a lucrative specialization, especially if you joint your animation skills with the aforementioned mobile application UI design. Not all schools offer animation classes, however, so if you want to go this route, be sure the school you choose offers at least a small selection of them.
Print Media
Print design comes with a huge variety of applications, from print advertisements and marketing campaigns to magazine and newspaper layouts. Despite the digitization of the world in general, print design and marketing are still in very hot demand, and a good income can be made from working either as a freelance print designer or through a specific agency or publication.
Concluding Thoughts
Each of these specializations are popular and lucrative in the field of graphic design. Whether you choose one or several, each is worth exploring in its own right, and choosing even one will translate into greater employability and income for graphic designers.
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