Are there many jobs available once I’ve finished. Or is it hard to get work?
Basically, the world needs creative people with practical experience. At Billy Blue College of Design, you get a head start because you already have experience when you’ve finished the course. Our graduating students are highly sought after.
I can’t draw very well. Will I still be able to get into Billy Blue College of Design?
The short answer is yes. And before long, at Billy Blue, you will be able to draw. 390 hours are devoted to drawing over two years of study. (This kind of ’hand skill’ training is something you don’t get at other graphic design schools, which tend to teach only on computers.) You can become competent at drawing after 50 hours of training. After 390 hours, you’ll be drawing very well indeed. In any case, at Billy Blue, we help our students develop both drawing and computer graphic skills alike.
What’s the difference between a computer graphics course and Billy Blue’s graphic design course?
Our course is much broader in scope. A computer graphics course teaches you how to work with computer graphics. A Billy Blue design course also teaches you how to work with computer software as well as the disciplines of layout, art direction, typography, graphic design, multimedia, advertising, etc. At Billy Blue, we strive for a ‘human’ look in our students’ work, as opposed to the ‘computer’ look most schools offer today. It’s a combination of high technology and real, back-to-basics ’hand skills’ that sets our students apart.
What computer software programs will I learn how to use?
In Communication Design: InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator In Multimedia Design: Flash, Dreamweaver and Maya
When I apply, what sort of things should I include in my portfolio?
If you’ve been taught Art at school, we’d like to see a portfolio of your artwork and photographs of any major works in photography, sculpture, dress making, set design etc. We’d also like to see your academic record for the last two or three years of school and a CV about your hobbies, sports interests, achievements etc. If you haven’t done Art at school, you might join a list of successful students who have done Latin or French or History instead of Art. Graphic design is about thinking first and drawing later.
How long is the course?
The Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree takes two years. It is full-time study backed up with practical, hands-on experience. The Bachelor of Design degree program is one-year full time and continues on from the Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree course.
Other schools offer the same qualifications as Billy Blue College of Design. Why is Billy Blue better?
One of the best ways to judge a school is by the quality of its teachers. That is why we don’t employ any full time lecturers. We only employ practising professionals because we believe the best people to teach are those who are actually working in the industry now. Our current Head of School was also sought directly from the industry to bring a dedicated professional perspective to everything we do. We are able to provide our students with real experience in the industry, the most valuable experience of all. And our external connections, through our Project Studio and lecturers, help our students to be noticed where it counts.
How do I get to be an Art Director or Graphic Designer? How long will it take?
First of all, you have to understand the difference between these roles. They can appear to be very similar before you get into the industry but in truth they are very distinctive. Essentially, a Designer works in design and an Art Director works in advertising. In publishing, both titles are used. Once you understand the difference, you can start working towards the job you favour. At Billy Blue, we help you hone your skills towards this objective. By the time you finish the two-year Advanced Diploma, you’ll be ready to start working as a Junior Designer or Art Director. With the Bachelor of Design you’ll be able to begin work in a more senior position.
Can Billy Blue College of Design help me find work after I graduate?
Yes. We not only provide our students with the opportunity to seek work experience, we also make sure that every student graduates with a professional portfolio including their personal business card and letterhead. We also have a graduation exhibition that is well subscribed to by top professionals in the design and advertising industries. In fact, students have been known to get a call from a prospective employer within weeks of the graduate exhibition.