Graphic Design Courses After 12th: Types, Eligibility, Skills & Career Scope

If you are searching for the right graphic design course after 12th, you might have noticed that it’s difficult to find a graphic design course that can teach technical and creative skills side by side. Doesn’t matters if you enjoy creating logos, designing ads, or developing digital graphics; there are several options to consider. 

As a new learner, you can choose from a certificate course, diploma, degree, or a specialised graphic design programme. The choice completely depends upon you and the amount of time, budget, and interest you have. 

This article will cover everything about graphic design, including eligibility, fees, duration, required skills, portfolio, and career options after 12. 

What Is Graphic Design?

Graphic design deals with synthesizing shapes, colour, images, text, and other visual elements in order to create the visual content to be used in conveying messages to the audience and strengthening brand identity on various online platforms.

Looking good is not enough; the design should properly communicate the message to a large audience. 

Common examples of graphic design include:

• Logos and brand identities

• Posters and advertisements

• Product packaging

• Social media creatives

• Brochures and magazines

• Website banners and digital graphics

Businesses nowadays need graphic designers who can follow a consistent style. That’s why graphic design and branding are closely connected. 

Which Graphic Design Courses Can You Choose After 12th?

There are many options when it comes to graphic design courses. You have to pick based on your preferences, interests and available time. 

Look at some main options

The courses mentioned in the above table are just a few options. Make sure to check everything before you choose a graphic design course. 

Certificate Courses in Graphic Design

A student who is just at the beginning of learning graphic design can go for a certificate course. This will help in building graphic design skills in a short period of time.

Design principles, typography, colour theory, image editing, or basic graphic design software courses can be selected from those available in the curriculum.

With these certificate courses, the students will be able to try themselves before joining any longer course. Compare the courses and see if they have assignments and portfolio work.

Diploma in Graphic Design

The diploma in graphic design teaches one all about the technicalities of design and its related software.

A student usually works on projects that revolve around designing logos, posters, branding, social media graphics, and many more visual aids for communication.

Selecting the diploma in graphic design is one way through which a student can get the preparation in the practical facets of design and its software in less time. But it would be wise to consider many things before joining any such program.

Undergraduate Design Programmes

A design degree will usually take three to four years to complete.

Topics that may be covered in classes include design theories and software, among others. There may be various topics such as visual communication, creative thinking, and many more. Undergraduates will have more time than graduate students to cover various areas and develop their knowledge of design.

An undergraduate degree is often a long-term academic programme, so for students who want to learn design in a practical way, this degree may be a good option.

Specialised Graphic Design Courses

Students who are interested in particular areas of creativity may wish to consider other specialised programmes rather than general graphic design programmes.

Some possibilities are:

• Graphic Design and Branding: Developing brand identities and visual systems, including logo design.

• UI/UX Design: Development of interactive elements and a focus on the experience of the user in the design of websites and apps.

• Motion Graphics: Design and creation of graphics and animation with a focus on movement.

• Digital Illustration: Creation of illustrations by computer means.

• Concept Art: Illustrating and creating artwork to express ideas for characters, environments and other things.

  Each specialization utilizes different types and combinations of skills and tools. Look at the design and media programmes at OREAL World, and check out each programme and its offerings and details before applying.

Eligibility for Graphic Design Courses After 12th

The eligibility criteria differ based on the institute and course. There are some certificates, diplomas, and undergraduate courses that are available for students who have successfully finished their Class 12, but the eligibility criteria may be different.

Look at sme options available in the institutes

• Minimum percentage in the qualifying exam

• Admission/aptitude test

• Personal interview

• Portfolio/Creative aptitude test

Those students who have taken up the Arts, Commerce or Science stream can apply to many graphic design courses, but make sure you check the eligibility of the course before applying. Formal training in art is not required.

Graphic Design Course Fees and Duration

Several things influence the fees for graphic design courses. Factors like institute, programme, duration, and facilities affect them. 

Fees for a degree and a diploma are different from the fees for a certificate course. So, make sure that you compare the programmes before joining any course.

You need to consider the following things before joining any course.

• Total course fees: Find out the total price for the training and the various ways of doing the payment.

• Duration of course: Find out the total time of training and when is the most convenient for you to attend the training.

• Software: Ensure that you know what kind of software is offered in the course.

• Projects: Ensure you know the amount of time that will be used on practical projects.

• Portfolios: See if you get support in portfolio development.

• Mentoring: Understand how the trainers will provide mentoring.

Take a look at projects, details, and reviews to learn more. Is this course for you?

What Will You Learn in a Graphic Design Course?

Students will learn the foundation of design principles and the software used for graphic design. The courses will allow the students to practice design skills. The students will be ready to find employment as a graphic designer or in another related career.

Programs differ in the extent to which students are allowed to explore various aspects of design. Examples of aspects of design include, but are not limited to, colour, type, and layout.

Which Graphic Design Skills are Essential?

Some of the crucial graphic design skills are:

• Typography – Designing text to make the information readable.

• Colour Theory – The knowledge of the use of colours to convey a message through a design.

• Layout and Composition – Arrangement of visual elements in order to create a balanced design.

• Visual Hierarchy – Directing the viewer's attention to the most significant information.

• Branding – Developing a visual identity for businesses and products.

• Image Editing – Changing and manipulating images in accordance with the requirements of the design.

• Logo Design – Creation of a visual symbol representing a brand.

• Social Media Design – Developing graphics for digital marketing campaigns.

• Creative Problem Solving – The ability to find an appropriate solution to a design brief.

Such skills help designers not only to learn how to make a visual, but also to understand why some design choices can be used for certain audiences.

Graphic Design Software and Tools

The graphic design software you use should have the capabilities for creating and editing designs as well as the ability to display the designs on the computer. You should evaluate the software based on your specific design needs and the projects that interest you.

The Photoshop software is normally used to manipulate images as well as digital designs, while Illustrator is applied to create vector drawings and designs, logos, etc. The InDesign tool is used to publish designs, while Figma is used to design interfaces digitally.

Choose the tools and software that are based on your learning objective and practice them. 

If you are passionate about other artistic avenues, check out 3D animation programs and see how it compares to graphic design. 

What Should You Build? Graphic Design Projects and Portfolio

Students build various projects to highlight their design ability and show their design ideas.

Examples of graphic design projects:

• Brand identity and logo systems

• Poster and advertising campaigns

• Social media campaigns

• Product packaging designs

• Brochures and magazine layouts

• Website and app interface designs

• Motion graphics

Samples of Graphic Design Projects

The first thing a graphic designer does after receiving a brief is to identify the audience. Understanding the objective, the requirements, and the audience is essential for developing a successful end product. Once all these steps have been completed, the designer can launch into action and develop and create the end product.

An example of this is branding. Here, the designer creates a logo, comes up with a colour palette, typefaces and other visuals elements and implements them across different materials.

Going through this process helps students appreciate how elements of design are used to achieve a goal of a project as opposed to focusing on how a design looks.

What is the Role of a Graphic Design Portfolio?

A portfolio usually contains several pieces of graphic design work, thus showing graphic design skills and a creative and critical mind.

This is an excellent way to present your work when seeking for internships, employment, and further education.

You could include projects such as:

• A brand identity with logo variations and colour choices

• A poster that communicates a clear message

• A social media campaign with consistent visual styling

• A packaging design with product mock-ups

• A digital interface design, if UI design interests you

• A motion graphics project, if animation is part of your skill set

Include a short description of the goal, process and result for each project. Focus on projects that illustrate your strengths and interests.

A portfolio with a cohesive focus and limitless, but related, designs gives more insight into your skills than a miscellaneous collection of designs.

What is the Future of a Career in Graphic Design after Completion of Graphic Design Training?

The future for Graphic Design careers is bright because your earnings will be tied to your talent and skill level.

There are many career opportunities because Graphic Design is a broad field and covers many activities. You are likely to find employment in a Design Studio, Advertising Agency, Media House, Startup, e-commerce, and Publishing Companies.

Career Options in Graphic Design

Every career requires specific skills. Brand designers create systems and recognize visual identities, for example, while motion graphics designers work with different frames of animated content.

Of course your experiences have an impact on your career choices. Building up a strong and diverse design portfolio can mean that designers are then able to work independently, manage multiple clients and projects, and become more entrepreneurial.

In the early stages of your career, you may find yourself working in a more generalised design practice. However, you could specialise in branding, digital or motion design, illustration and other related fields.

Doing a course or a degree doesn’t directly guarantee a job in the field. It is recommended that after the course, you develop other skills valued by the industry, learn the tools of the trade, build a portfolio, get an internship, and understand the field, all to improve your chances of securing a job.

How to Choose the Best Graphic Design Course After Your 12th?

Different institutes have different courses in this field. Don’t select a course just based on its name and fee. Check what the course teaches and focuses on. Does the course help you move towards your goal?

Check the Curriculum

See what fields and domains of design you study. Find out the other fields you may specialize in.

Consider Practical Projects

Design courses should have many practical projects. Without practical projects, you will rely on demonstrations to learn design concepts.

Check Portfolio Development

A course should teach and help you design your portfolio. A portfolio will help you get design related jobs and internships and also design related freelance jobs.

Check the Trainers

See if the course has interactive trainers and mentors who provide design suggestions and project based feedback.

Check Equipment

See if the equipment used is design related and helps with the type of work you want to do in the future.

See Student Work

You should see what type of design related work students of the course do or created, to see if the course helps you create practical work in your area of interest.

Compare the Complete Programme

Before joining a course, ensure you familiarize yourself with the total course length and the total cost of the course. It is also important to check if the course has practical sessions. You should also check to see if the course offers a mentorship program and helps you build your portfolio. Choose the course that has these attributes and most aligns with you.

Graphic Design Programmes at OREAL World

OREAL World provides a range of programmes for students who wish to specialize in various fields of design and media, including:

• Graphic Design & Branding

• UI/UX Design

• Motion Graphics

• Creative Design & Media Production

After completing 12th, students have the option to explore design and media programs at OREAL World and see how their courses compare. They can evaluate curriculum, practical projects, software training and learn the teaching approach.

The right program for you depends on your preferences as to what you want to create and the skills you want to acquire. Make sure you have checked all the details of the program that you are interested in and satisfied yourself before taking admission.

FAQs About Graphic Design Courses After 12th

Can I take graphic design after 12th from any stream?

It is possible to take graphic design after 12th from any stream. But some courses have particular eligibility criteria, so it is important to check the criteria for admissions before applying to courses.

Is drawing ability essential to study graphic design?

Drawing is not necessarily important to study graphic design, as graphic design encompasses many things such as typography and layout, colour and image editing, as well as software and visual communication.

What are the best graphic design courses after 12th?

The best course after 12th is different for each individual. Consider the duration and training of each course as well as the desired field of specialization and career.

What kind of software do they teach in graphic design courses?

Courses cover use of various software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, and After Effects, among others. The areas and kinds of design and software taught depend on the focus of the program.

How much does a graphic design course cost?

The cost of a graphic design course varies depending on multiple factors, including the type and duration of the course, the institution, and the facilities and curriculum offered. Thoroughly consider the fee structure and what is covered before comparing programs.

What jobs can I get after a graphic design course?

These include positions such as graphic designer, brand designer, visual designer, UI designer, motion graphics designer, packaging designer, and editorial designer. This is mainly dependent on your experience, your portfolio, and what your potential employer is looking for.

Start Your Graphic Design Journey After 12th

Knowing the type of work you wish to create can help you in deciding the course you wish to pursue after 12th. Compare course structures and determine what you require to develop your skills. Look into eligible fees, the software provided, practical projects, and portfolio creation. Learn the skills you wish to master through personal practice. Be prepared for the competitive world of design thinking through projects that challenge and develop your creative and critical thinking skills.

Explore OREAL World's design and media programs to help you understand the courses available and assist you in creating a learning pathway that helps you achieve your professional goals.