One of the biggest arguments that still makes the rounds in the art world is whether art and graphic design can be taught. Let’s say that you want to be a graphic design artist, but you think this sacrifice of going to school for a graphic design certificate or degree is not worth the trouble. Is graphic design certification necessary? Do you need a piece of paper with your name on it in order to get a good graphic design job? The short answer is no, you don’t really need a certificate to be a great and successful graphic design artist. But the long answer is that it sure can’t hurt if you do decide to study to become the best graphic design artist you can be.

There are many different types of graphic design programs. There are two year or four year graphic design programs that you can take at your local community college or at University. There are many different schools of thought on graphic design. Some people believe that two years is simply not enough time to pick up all the tools, history, theory, and practice that you need in order to become a great graphic designer. However, some people believe that four or more years at a design school or art school is simply too much, and represents too great of a time and money investment. Although you may be hesitant about investing the time and money it takes in order to graduate with a degree or certificate in graphic design, in today’s competitive world, it is certainly becoming the nearly requisite that graphic design artists have some kind of formal training.

Is it possible to become a graphic design artist without any kind of formal training? Certainly this is possible. However, it is rare that someone possesses a natural gift for graphic design without any kind of formal training. Although there definitely exceptions to this rule, most designers without formal education will not have the tools necessary in order to thrive in today’s technology-centered design world. This is certainly not to say that a good education will automatically produce a great graphic design artist. However, taking at least one design class is generally better than taking no glasses at all. A good formal education and foundation in the principles of design is more likely to help than hurt you.

Getting a formal education in graphic design also puts you at the forefront of new developments. You can get hands-on training on the latest computer programs and tools, along with the advice and guidance you need in order to learn how to use them properly. Getting a certificate in graphic design helps ensure that you have the proper training with the most popular programs and tools.

One of the strongest arguments for getting a certificate in graphic design is that it can help you get a better job in the future. With your graphic design degree or certificate in hand, you can prove to prospective employers that you have the skills and discipline that it takes to be successful as a graphic designer. Having a certificate or degree opens new doors and allows you to work with more clients. When it comes time to find a graphic design jobs, you will already have professional contacts, including professors and alumni. Professors are a great source for networking and getting references. You will also get the benefit of career advice from professors and classmates that you might not otherwise receive. In general, going to school for graphic design and finishing up so that you can graduate with a degree or certificate in hand is almost always a good idea.