Front Range Community College/Graphic Design (Denver, Fort Collins: credit, how much, home)

[Mandinkalya]

Hello,
This is sort of a 2 parter.
1) I was thinking of going to Front Range Community College for a Graphic Design Technician certificate--what do you think of Front Range? What is it's reputation? I'm in my 30's and would quit my job to do this.

2) What are my options in the Fort Collins area for learning graphic design. Is there anything besides enrolling at CSU and the <few> classes offered at Front Range?

Thanks so much!

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Mandinkalya

... Graphic Design Technician certificate--what do you think of Front Range? What is it's reputation? I'm in my 30's and would quit my job to do this.

2) What are my options in the Fort Collins area for learning graphic design. Is there anything besides enrolling at CSU and the <few> classes offered at Front Range?

Thanks so much!

Where you coming from?,
How much do you expect to have saved?
Will you work while going to school?
Do you have friends or family nearby to ease expenses?

Why Ft Collins?

I'm sure the entry level stuff is fine at Frt range, but I would be researching particulars from grads and future employers.

I will GUESS Boulder to have more jobs in your field. (which I woud definately be working in the field while schooling.)


Are you sure you want to pursue a certificate program? Income may be limited. I don't know enough about the field to give you the stats, but any state employment office can do a regional and local search to inform you of potential career growth, and companies that hire in your field, and regional employement / unemployment stats in a particular job classification.

Ft Collins should have some jobs, but generally it's tough to get a decent position in Ft Collins.

In general, there are a LOT of underemployed and over educated people in Ft Collins. (Desirable location that has had significant layoffs in High tech + retained CSU / CU / UNC / UW students who want to stay in the general region).

For similar climate / recreation and more jobs, less competition look to SD, WY, and MT

[Sunderpig2]

I would do lots of research on the training options (not just in FC, but in other towns in N. CO). Also do lots of research on future job possibilities (likewise in towns in the area). Like StealthRabbit mentions, it's hard to get a decent position in FC. You'd probably be competing with folks with Bachelors degrees, and/or certificates from better schools than FRCC. I've been involved with the job search effort myself, and haven't come across many graphic design positions in the area, though that's not what I'm looking for.

I'd boost the training - a better degree and/or better school - and be open to working in other areas (especially the much bigger job market closer to Denver). Good luck!

[Mandinkalya]

Thank you Stealthrabbit and Sunderpig for your responses!
I have lived in Fort Collins for 6 years. I have an very unfufilling job in a totally different field, currently. My husband would support me while I'm in school and I do have some money saved. I thought the certificate program would be a good way to "get my feet wet" regarding graphic design. It takes 1 year, full-time. I already have a bachelor's degree in another field. So...I already live here and I'm interested in graphic design. I thought Front Range would be a good way to get started and exploring the field, but I have no idea if it's a good school or not. There are more opportunities elsewhere, like Denver, but I don't want to move.

[StealthRabbit]

OK, thx for the info... completely different animal.. (I thought your were single, living thousands of miles away, quitting job, coming to program at FCC)

There are many options for you to get into this field and STAY in Ft Collins. I would suggest taking some PT employment in that field BEFORE JUMPING. Start digging from employment options, since you are already there, that is a BIG plus. Get some informational interviews with places you are interested in working (I would do that TODAY!! before summer).

Eventually most of your work may be online / from home. But at least you can stay in FC.

I know there are LOTS of ex HP employees doing graphic arts / marketing graphics, Testing new printers...from home in Ft Collins, maybe they need an apprentice!

[bco24]

I wouldn't recommend FRCC

[eamu]

I just received my Graphic Design Technician certificate from FRCC! I am currently am in an internship in Boulder, but there are many opportunities in Fort Collins and beyond.

I really liked the education I got at FRCC. I previously earned a B.A. in Studio Arts at CU, which was focused on the high art rather than skill. I learned more at FRCC than at CU. FRCC teaches you the software and encourages concept and critical thinking. Most teachers are former or current designers. I personally liked Lori G and Deb C at FRCC-Longmont, but Dale R in FRCC-Fort Collins was a great teacher as well, especially for someone just getting into it. Tamera M was a great teacher too, a hard-a** who made sure you really believed in what you were doing.

You have to keep on top of the stuff and be engaged with learning and seeing design outside of the classroom (just like any education). There are a lot of slackers, but there are many more motivated students.

I would NOT recommend taking the online classes, they just go through the "teach yourself" books and have very little feedback/interaction.

Front Range is a quality education, I definitely would recommend attending.

[eamu]

ALSO: I took 2 yrs to complete the 30 credit course, working PT.

A certificate is fine to have, graphic design is a field where your talent matters more than your education. If you're self taught and have the talent, they will still hire you.

craiglist/med and denver egotist for job listings.

[ds495]

Suggest learning at Lynda.com, which is online courses by professionals. Adobe.com has free training videos on there, too. I live and work in FC, and its been very difficult to find graphics jobs. Many more seen in Boulder.