The field of Art & Design is richly diverse and allows personal growth and success to be attained in many different areas. There are various programs available for online study, ranging from an Associate Degree (two years) to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). All of these programs are geared towards today’s busy students who need to balance their time among school, personal, and professional obligations. To learn more about the many Online Art and Design Degrees available and what career options are open to art & design program graduates, the following information should be helpful when making this very important decision.
Animation is a field which continues to grow in popularity. Individuals who choose to earn a degree in this area can expect good job growth over the next few years, but as with any career, the competition for well-paying jobs will be fierce. However, talented and creative animators will always be in high demand. An online animation degree teaches basic and advanced drawing techniques using both paper and pencil and computer technology. Instruction is also given on how to create storyboards and interact with clients. Successful graduates will be able to work in computer animation studios, corporate marketing and media departments, or in videogame companies.
An online fashion degree is another popular choice for creative individuals who have dreams of working in the fashion industry. Careers can include fashion design, pattern making, jewelry design or merchandising, among others. This industry is very competitive and involves hard work, extremely long hours, and being able to handle harsh criticism, on occasion. For graduates who specialize in merchandising, work may include dressing display models for stores and/or store windows or purchasing items at fashion shows. Courses can cover everything from sketching and color theory to art and business classes. For talented people who aspire to see their designs on fashion runways or in stores, or seek to work in another area of this exciting industry, an online degree can be the first step towards success.
Even given the current state of the economy, prospective students should be aware that many opportunities are available for well-trained and talented individuals in the field of interior design. An online interior design degree can be earned either as an Associate Degree (2 years) or a Bachelor Degree (4 years). It is important to remember that the same holds true for this industry as it does for most others- persons who complete higher education degree programs are more likely to land better job positions and command higher salaries. Interior design programs prepare students to work with different spaces, such as hotel rooms, small apartments, and private residences. Courses include a wide range of subjects such as color, layout, fabrics, and design theory, as well as the use of perspective and lighting. Students are taught how to deal with clients and are also offered practical courses, including business management. Today, more and more employers are looking for designers who can efficiently (i.e. green technology) use space, but without sacrificing style. The need for creative and skilled interior design graduates will continue to grow in the coming years.
Anyone who uses the internet knows how important the actual web pages are. Is it pleasing to the eye? Easy to read? Simple to navigate? Web designers are the people who create the look and feel of web pages for specific clients. The success or failure of a site can many times be attributed to its design. If it isn’t easy to use or seems too confusing, visitors can navigate to other websites in an instant. For people who enjoy graphic design and working with computers, an online web design degree can be the starting point to an exciting and rewarding career in this rapidly growing industry. Students are taught web design fundamentals and programs. Courses which strengthen and hone verbal and visual communication skills are also emphasized since most web designers deal directly with clients. Successful designers must be able to listen closely to clients and create web pages and sites which reflect what each individual client wants. Flexibility is of the upmost importance, because many times numerous changes will be made to the original design.
Erik John
