Transitioned from Academic Pursuits in Creative Studies to Employment in a Design Workshop
Zachari Haselow, a renowned graphic designer and educator, shares the advantages of obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design for a creative career. With a BFA in Graphic Design under his belt, Haselow has made a name for himself in the industry and offers valuable insights for aspiring designers.
## The Benefits of a BFA in Graphic Design
### Comprehensive Skill Development A BFA program provides structured learning in fundamental design principles, typography, colour theory, and software proficiency. By attending such a program, students develop a strong technical foundation alongside creative thinking.
### Exposure to Diverse Design Disciplines Students in BFA programs explore various design fields, such as branding, illustration, web design, motion graphics, and user experience. This breadth allows graduates to find their niche and adapt to multiple creative roles.
### Portfolio Building and Professional Experience Through projects, critiques, and internships, students build a robust portfolio that showcases their abilities. This portfolio is essential for landing jobs and freelance opportunities post-graduation.
### Mentorship and Networking Opportunities BFA programs offer access to experienced faculty, guest speakers, and industry connections. These relationships can lead to mentorship, collaborations, and job referrals.
### Creative Confidence and Critical Thinking The program challenges students to solve problems creatively and communicate ideas visually. It fosters confidence to take risks and innovate—key traits for long-term success in design.
### Access to Resources and Facilities Students gain access to professional-grade tools, studios, and software that might be expensive or difficult to obtain independently. These resources enhance both learning and the quality of work produced.
### Credential and Credibility Holding a BFA credential signals to employers and clients a certain level of commitment and expertise. It can open doors to more competitive positions and freelance projects in the creative industry.
## Zachari Haselow's Career Journey Haselow, currently a Junior Designer at a creative studio, expresses that managing client expectations is a significant challenge in graphic design. With a goal to land a career in either the outdoors or music industry, Haselow advises fellow students to start freelancing as soon as possible to set themselves up for success.
Haselow's first full-time role was with a cannabis company, where he worked on packaging design, social media graphics, and web design. His most challenging projects were those with strict guidelines, but he emphasizes the importance of bringing a vision to life and justifying its existence while also selling the idea to the client.
Haselow's experience working with clients has been valuable in improving his design skills. He credits his own determination and persistence for landing his roles and mentions that earning a BFA provides financial security and makes him desirable to employers. Haselow emphasizes the importance of determination in pursuing a creative career.
To explore Zachari Haselow's work, visit zachhaselow.myportfolio.com. His current role is as a Junior Designer for a creative studio. For more information about the BFA in Graphic Design program, visit the program's webpage.
- In addition to graphic design, a BFA program also exposes students to diverse fields such as fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel, offering a broad skillset for various career paths.
- Aside from graphic design, students enrolled in BFA programs may find themselves delving into pet-related projects, relationships, career-development, learning, shopping, and even automotive design, broadening their creative horizons.
- Obtaining a BFA in Graphic Design not only provides a strong technical foundation but also fosters personal-growth, as students learn to approach problems creatively, make thoughtful decisions, and communicate their ideas effectively.
- Zachari Haselow, in his journey as a graphic designer and educator, has emphasized the value of self-initiated projects, such as freelancing or small-scale startups, to gain practical experience and build a portfolio, essential for landing jobs and attracting clients in the competitive creative industry.
- Beyond graphic design, a BFA credential can be beneficial for those interested in passion projects or side hustles, showcasing a commitment to the craft and, subsequently, opening doors to opportunities in areas like fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, or even personal-growth and education-and-self-development projects.
- The resources and facilities available to BFA students, such as professional-grade tools, studios, and software, can positively impact the quality of their work, making them more competitive in the eyes of employers or clients in various industries, like cars, pets, travel, and lifestyle.
- By pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design, students gain not only valuable skills and resources but also exposure to mentors, industry connections, and networking opportunities, which can boost their long-term success in their chosen creative field.
