Graphic Design school (Houston, Howe, Lone Star: schools, community college, wages)

[Vipor]

Hi all.... I'm looking to make a career change and am considering going into Graphic Design. I've done searches for GD schools here in Houston and have not come up with much other than the Art Institute of Houston. However, I've read so much negative feedback about this school that I am a bit hesitant at the moment.

Does anyone know of any other schools where I can study Graphic Design in the west side of town? Any input on any GD schools would be appreciated.

Thanks

[DanielWayne]

Community colleges have a better reputation and cost a LOT less. I don't know about the west side, but College of the Mainland offers graphic arts so I am assuming HCC would too.

[cheryjohns]

You might re-think the change. I have several friends (about 9) who are graphic artists - all working in different places - and all complain about the low wages due to the high number of GA here, in abundance. You are right about the Art Institute of Houston - it's the least respected.

[texas7]

I would go to a community college and then U of H (some campuses are stronger in graphics than others so you would need to check that out).

[Topaz]

Not to be overly negative or anything, but the graphic design field has an incredibly high burnout rate. Google graphic design +burnout to read people's experiences. Then if you still want to do it, perhaps do some pro bono work for a nonprofit to start getting experience and see if you still like it after reality testing.

[texas7]

You can do a lot of things with your degree. Start your own publication, work for another, or teach. If that is truly what you want to do, don't get discouraged - just be sure what you want to do. Although not on your side of town, UofH Clear Lake has a great program and masters program.

[writeonbro]

I've taken a few graphic design classes in Houston (http://ezinearticles.com/?5--Cool-Classes-in-Houston&id=2993398 - broken link)at HCC-Southwest and they have top notch instructors, facilities and low prices. A winning trifecta for anyone that wants to improve their skill set. Graphic and web designers are experiencing growing pains, but their talents will be in demand as long as the internet continues to grow.

[Vipor]

Thanks for the replies all. Thanks for the career choice concerns as well. Actually, I am looking for something different as I just finished 23 years in the PC industry and am ready for something different. But, I still want to be able to play with 'puters. So, that's why I am researching GD.

Thus far, I've visited the Arts Institute and the I10/Fry campus of HCC. I am now looking into Lone Star to see which campus would be closer to the west side. Like I said, the feedback I have read about AI makes me want to just drop them from consideration. The HCC campus actually impressed me except they don't offer the GD course there. I would have to attend the Galleria campus. I'm still looking into the Lone Star system.

Thanks again for all the feedback.

[cheryjohns]

If you will find a couple of niche groups and market free-lance to them - it might pay off. An example is Realtors. I come from a background with easy access to them - but I notice most Realtors have no clue. There is one brokerage in town that takes a huge cut of the agents' money, part of the reason is they have access to a graphic artist - FOR FREE up to a certain amount! Bet you anything that they are paying that GA peanuts and collecting huge amounts from agents in exchange for their services. What if you marketed via internet freelance to that group? And that's just one group.

[Vipor]

Good idea cheryjohns. Thanks for that input.