– I think the best thing about online studies is that I can keep working.
– I love Graphic Design. Taking this education surrounds me with like-minded people. It has has also exposed me to things I have never considered. The fact that my idea will end up on a poster or magazine visible to everyone, excites me, says Michelle Ferraren Gulla.
– But it has to be an idea that engages the audience, makes them pause or makes them remember it. Otherwise it is not graphic design.
Michelle is an online student at Graphic Design. She says the challenge of finding ways to convey a message successfully to a specific audience, is rewarding.
– It makes you think and forces you to dig for more of that creativity inside you. You have to be witty.
– Aside from that, graphic design has photography, typography, layout and design principles, information design and branding. All of these are just fun to learn.
It is better for me to advice the customer using design principles.Michelle Ferraren Gulla
– Why is Graphic Design relevant to you?
– The reason I chose to study Graphic Design is my need for design and print competence in my job. I work at a graphics department where we produce finished vinyl products, like car decals, signboards, stickers and t-shirts with the customer's logo on it.
– In conversations with customers at work, we could be discussing the placement of a logo. It is better for me to advice the customer using design principles, instead of "we just feel like placing it there".
Michelle appreciates that photography is a substantial part of the Graphic Design program.
– Photography is my hobby. Taking pictures of the products at work, and creating designs with these, is what I love most about my job. I just generally love product photography, says Michelle.
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At work: By studying online, Michelle can keep working normal work hours.
– En enriching experience
Michelle says she chose an online education to balance her studies with work and family life.
– I work full time and I have a family life that I enjoy. It is all about setting time for everything that matters. When at work, be present at work. When at home, be at home. When I needed to study, I tell my family I am "out of order" for an hour or so, and I go to our study room. When that hour is finished, I go back to the living room and be that family member again.
The teachers are very attentive and helpful.Michelle Ferraren Gulla
– Online studies works well for me because I can go to work at normal work hours and study during the evening and on weekends. It works for people like me who love to hold on to their jobs while upgrading their competence. I think the best thing about online studies is that I can keep working.
She says studying Graphic Design has been an enriching experience.
– When I saw the module summaries before I started, I got so excited. All of these are fun and challenging. Of course, these will take time and a lot of effort. There will be late nights and very long video tutorials, a good deal of researching and reports. But it will be all worth it.
– Learning new Adobe programs is so much fun. Plus I have learned to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
– I can always contact my teachers whenever I have questions, and the teachers are very attentive and helpful. They are also very thorough, knowledgeable and engaged in what they are doing. They give you all kinds of feedbacks, both positive and negatives. This is how you start improving as a graphic designer.
– I don't think I learn any less when I study online. Of course, the interaction and the presentation in front of the class is not possible when you study online. But with my current situation, that works fine for me, says Michelle.
– What advice would you give new online students?
– If you’re considering it to the point where you cannot stop thinking about it, then do it. I have wanted to study Graphic Design for so long, but I had been putting it off for so many years.
– It is also important to be prepared for the workload, Michelle says.