Route for course in digital designing

Q. I come from a commerce background and have developed an interest in Digital Designing. However, I did not study any credits on visual or media arts. Do I have an option to get enrolled for a degree course in this field?

Vikrant Arora, Ludhiana

A. Digital Designing is all about creativity without intense computer programming. This freedom to create did not ask for any prior training from our ancestors, and even today, you can learn the same, irrespective of what academic background you come from.

 Digital designing is a broad aspect and includes other elements like Animation, Media and User Interface. A graphic designer is known for a multitude of things considering their abilities as a visual communicator, a problem solver, a creative thinker.

 Although candidates can become graphic designers by pursuing short term courses or diploma in this field, seeking a formal education for a degree is the ideal way to make a career in graphic design. Candidates who wish to lead a career in Graphic design can pursue a designing related course at the undergraduate or the postgraduate level. Aspirants have to clear their Calss XII from any stream (Science/ Commerce/ Arts) to pursue a Graphic Designing course. However, most popular colleges in India expect students to go through Design Entrance Exams to get shortlisted. Some of the popular entrance exams are:

1. NID Entrance Exam

2. All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED)

3. IIAD Entrance exam

4. TDV Entrance exam

5. Pearl Academy Entrance Exam

 If you wish to apply abroad, you must also provide a portfolio of your artwork created as per the college or university’s guideline. Moreover, many institutions prefer students who have at least had mathematics as one of their subjects in high school. Therefore, you must carefully read the details provided on the college or university’s official website.

 Additionally, you can also opt for a certificate course in designing to get familiar with all aspects of the study, including software and tools other necessary design-related thinking and theory. During admissions, the board looks for students who have prior knowledge of technical and transferable skills in the field. The certificate courses will teach you technical skills like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Social Media, Adobe Acrobat, etc. These will further enhance your transferable skills like data orientation, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills. A blend of your academia and skills will build your resume and chances of getting admission in the desired course.

 Here are some of the top colleges that provide Digital Designing courses in india and abroad:

 ● National Institute of Fashion and Technology, New Delhi

● Pearl Academy, New Delhi

● MIT Institute of Design, Pune

● World University of Design, Sonipat

● IDC School of Design, Bombay

● Royal College of Art, London

● School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

● Politecnico di Milano, Italy

● Rhode Island School of Design, USA

● Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane

● OCAD University, Toronto

-The writer