Discover the Best Graphic Design Classes in Boston
As defined by Encyclopedia Britannica, graphic design is the art of “selecting and arranging visual elements,” specifically things like images, symbols, colors, and text, to convey a message to an audience. As a result, this skill is practiced in many different professions across the market, including in advertising, animation, computer software design, and web graphics. It is a particularly useful skill in Boston, as this city has multiple unique industries to serve.
Thankfully, there are multiple graphic design schools and classes in Boston that can help you transition into a career in this field. In this article, you’ll learn more about these classes and the different subjects that they cover. Furthermore, you’ll also get an in-depth examination of the graphic design industries and careers available in this town. Read on if graphic design interests you and you want to master this skill on a high level.
Best Graphic Design Classes & Schools in Boston
Boston’s graphic design schools and classes include high-quality universities spread throughout the city. These programs may provide you with a graphic design associate, bachelor, or master degree, depending on the school. However, there are also unique training programs in Boston available on CourseHorse, a Noble Desktop affiliate that helps you find hands-on graphic design education. Here’s what you need to know about these learning opportunities.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
The University of Massachusetts Lowell has a graphic design bachelor’s program that includes classes in typography, fundamental design skills, team building, critical thinking, problem solving, motion graphics, branding, app design, publication setup, and user experience concerns. It also includes laser cutters, 3D printers, scanners, and motion capture tech. This hands-on education will help you prepare for a career in multiple graphic design fields.
Stonehill College
Stonehill College provides an undergraduate major or minor in graphic design from the May School of Arts & Sciences. You’ll work hands-on with professors to learn important graphic design concepts, like layout, color selection, and font types. Furthermore, you’ll use InHouse Design, a student-run professional-level design studio, to practice your skills and develop a portfolio that will help you stand out from other applicants when looking for jobs.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University has a hands-on art and design college that includes 15 different degrees across seven global programs. Their graphic design option integrates high-tech software, theoretical design skills, and much more into a comprehensive learning package. When finished, you can create a detailed portfolio from your classwork or apply for a research grant. The school gives out eight every year to promising students focused on high-quality work.
Boston University
At Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, you can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in graphic design. However, you can also earn a certificate of completion if you don’t want to spend years learning this skill. During your training, you’ll practice with students and teachers, learn strategic and creative thinking skills, and better understand graphic design. Upon completion, you will have a complex portfolio filled with detailed artwork to share.
General Assembly
General Assembly is a Massachusetts-based learning program that provides online education in the Boston area. Their classes can be taken on the CourseHorse platform, where you can schedule courses without paying a booking fee. Their in-depth classes include Visual Design Bootcamp, Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp, Adobe Illustrator Bootcamp, and Introduction to Adobe Photoshop. These classes immerse you in graphic design and help you progress in your career.
Noble Desktop
If you’re interested in a graphic design career and want to learn online in Boston, Noble Desktop is a great option. Though centered in New York City, they provide training programs digitally across the country. Their graphic design course features one-on-one support from a skilled professor who adapts your training based on your abilities and experience. In this way, you’ll get the high-quality help that you need to start a great graphic design career.
Boston Industries That Use Graphic Design
Though Boston is often considered a working-class city focused on manufacturing and fishing, a lot has changed in recent years. Boston leaders have worked to attract more high-tech industry to the area, including many markets that may need graphic designers. If you live in Boston and want to pursue a graphic design career, check out these fields to get started.
Web Design
Boston has a vibrant web design market that includes companies like Dept., GoingClear Interactive, Thoughtbot, Metropolis Creative, and Raizlabs. These firms all need graphic designers who can tackle complex jobs, such as integrating text, photos, colors, and other important elements throughout websites. This tech-based field is only likely to grow.
Publishing
Boston is one of the biggest publishing nexuses in America and has multiple print publishers that need graphic designers. For example, indie companies like Page Street Publishing need cover and art designers for graphic novels and other books. Other publishers that may hire graphic designers include Small Beer Press, Versify, and Fair Winds Press.
Software Development
Though Boston isn’t as big of a programming town as Seattle, there are still many software development firms that need graphic designers. At companies like Hopper, Panalgo, Snyk, Veeva, and Datadog, you’ll help design things like graphics, visual interfaces, and other important visual design features, to improve products and make them easier to use.
Marketing
Marketing and advertising firms provide Boston companies with high-quality physical and digital ads that help them reach potential customers. Agencies like NoGood, Boston Digital, Imarc, Boathouse, Eri Design, and Fuel Online need graphic designers like you to create online advertisements, social media posts, billboards, and other marketing materials.
Animation
Though not primarily known as an animation mecca, Boston does have several animation production firms. These companies all need graphic designers to produce in-depth and attractive visual elements. These companies include Element Productions, UO Solutions, EventVid, and Yes! MediaWorks. Try out your luck if you’re interested in a career in animation.
Graphic Design Jobs & Salaries in Boston
If you’re interested in graphic design career in Boston, here are a few jobs that may interest you:
- UX Designers: UX designers focus on the “user experience” on software programs, websites, and other platforms. They use graphic design skills to produce effective and streamlined looks for these products. In Boston, UX designers make between $101,000 to $134,000 annually.
- UI Designers: As a UI designer, you focus on improving the user interface (UI) on software, social media sites, and other digital and physical programs. As a web UI design manager, you can make an average of $78,000 in Boston.
- Art Directors: If you are interested in managing a company’s general art direction (including logos and branding), try an art director career. You’ll make an average of $159,000 in this career in Boston.
- Ad Designers: Marketing companies hire ad designers and ad managers to produce effective and attractive advertisements. In Boston, they can make an average salary of $41,000 annually.
- Web Designers: Skilled web designers produce beautiful websites that help companies attract potential customers and make more money. Web designers in Boston can make an average of $57,000 yearly.
- Logo Designers: As a logo designer, you’ll produce business logos for companies that match their branding and advertising needs. You can make an average of $74,000 yearly in this career in Boston.
