Become a Graphic Designer in Houston, Texas
A city with a rich in history, Houston is a dynamic mix of business, culture and first-class attractions. Houston is also home to The Art Institute of Houston, a great place to begin your career in graphic design.
There are many questions you must be asking yourself about going to graphic design school. How much is it going to cost? Is financial aid available? How long does it take? What type of degree will I receive? Will I be able to find a job? All great questions and answers are available.
Below is some basic information about The Art Institute of Houston's graphic design program. To see if this school is the right fit for you, click on the “Request More School Info” button, fill out the short questionnaire and a representative from the school will contact you to answer any additional questions about the school, costs, financial aid and how to apply.
The Art Institute of Houston - Houston
1900 Yorktown St.
Houston, TX 77056
About The Art Institute of Houston - Houston
Graphic design, visual effects, and interactive media careers are on the rise as demand for web-based information and products increases. In addition to creativity and technological knowledge, students in these fields have to work hard and gain as much experience as they can before entering the highly competitive world of design.
The Art Institute of Houston prepares students to become successful and productive professionals.
Graphic Design Program
Design is a communication tool. The goal of the graphic design program at the Art Institute of Houston is to provide students with experience in analyzing communication problems. Students work to create solutions to these problems, and then implement and evaluate them. This experimenting gives students a taste of real-world issues they may come up against and allows them to work hands-on. The curriculum focuses on conceptual, technical, historical, and visual aspects of graphic design.
Students work towards an Associate’s degree over a period of at least 21 months and 105 credit hours. First year graphic design majors will cover computer applications, observational and perspective drawing, and design fundamentals. They will also be introduced to color theory, digital illustration, typography, and concept design.
Moving into the second year of study, students extend the knowledge gained in previous courses. Digital photography and illustration, digital imagine, layout, and editorial design are included. Students also learn about career development: how to present themselves to prospective employers, develop contacts, and write cover letters and resumes.
Finally, students will complete an internship to gather even more knowledge and experience and will prepare a professional portfolio. This portfolio encapsulates everything they have learned and can be used when pursuing employment. The associate’s program requires at least twenty-one months of study and 105 credits.
The Bachelor’s program in graphic design further delves into the field. Layout, digital media, typography, and practical design problems are examined in more depth. In addition to the courses taken to earn an Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s students will study editorial design, public speaking, information design, sequential design, media business law, and publication design, among others. Students will likewise complete an internship and portfolio.
Getting an Associate’s degree is a good first step in becoming a graphic designer. Completing the Bachelor’s program will give students an advantage in the search for a job and will further prepare them for success.
Digital Filmmaking and Video Production
The Art Institute of Houston offers a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts for this major. Knowledgeable instructors, with experience in the filmmaking and video production industry, prepare students for careers in television, corporate and educational video, broadcasting, interactive media, and video cell phone technology.
This is a rapidly changing and expanding field, and students are given the best tools, technology, training, and experience to successfully compete. Concept development, research, scriptwriting, production and distribution are pivotal to this major, which aims to teach students to create quality television, use the newest digital tools, and reach any audience.
Digital Filmmaking and Video production students will learn the fundamentals of audio, color, computer applications, web design, video production, editing, and lighting. Building on these courses, students will then delve more deeply into digital imaging, cinematography, producing, directing, motion graphics, and more. Preparing a professional portfolio and completing an internship also benefit students in gaining knowledge and experience.
Web and Interactive Media
Associate’s and Bachelor’s programs are offered to students of Web and Interactive Media Design. This is one of the fastest growing fields in business, and AI of Houston’s Associate’s degree prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of fields. From the Institute’s program description: “Web Design & Interactive Media is the integration of audio, video, still images, animation, text, and data for the creation, storage, and delivery of interactive content.”
Students achieve proficiency in this by studying fundamentals of art, design, color, computer applications, typography, audio, and scripting languages. Adding to this knowledge are courses in motion design, graphics design, animation graphics, authoring, project management, desktop video, digital imaging and more. Students compile a portfolio and complete an internship, preparing them further for their careers.
The Bachelor’s degree expands on these concepts with training in layout, concept design, typography, digital visual composition, usability testing, user-centered design, interactive motion scripting, E-learning applications, marketing, and business law. As with the Associate’s degree, a portfolio and internship are integral components of the Bachelor’s program. The Bachelor’s degree requires at least thirty-six months of study and 180 credits.
Licensing and Accreditation
The Art Institute of Houston is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for their Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees.
Faculty and Facilities
The Art Institute is located at 1900 Yorktown Street in Houston, Texas, with classroom and studio space. The Institute’s library provides students with internet access, word processing, study and viewing spaces, research assistance and more. The Institute also features a student gallery. Housing is available in a student complex just minutes from the Institute. With easy access to the school, public transportation, shopping, and more, this is an ideal location for students.
Financial Aid
The Art Institute of Houston participates in federal and student aid programs. Students can apply for grants and loans. Institute scholarships are available, as is federal work study.
Going to College in Houston, Texas
With a history dating back to 1836, when the city was founded by brothers Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen, Houston, Texas has become internationally known for its business, sports, and arts communities. A city with over 2.14 million residents, Houston is the county seat of Harris County and is the main economic center of the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area.
With only New York City having more Fortune 500 companies, it's not hard to imagine that "business is boss" in Houston. In addition to four of the six supermajor energy companies being based in Houston, the city is also the home of the Texas Medical Center, and NASA's Johnson Space Center, where Mission Control Center is located. As such, Houston is truly a world city.
While the city might be best known for its sizable business population, Houston is also home to a booming arts community. One of the few cities that offer year-round resident companies in all major performing arts, Houston is well known for it's active theatre and classical music scene. In addition, the Houston Museum District attracts over 7 million visitors each year.
As far as sports are concerned , Houston has it all. With 9 professional sports teams in different leagues, including the Houston Astros , Houston Texans , and the Houston Rockets. The city of Houston has also been home to major events such as the Super Bowl, World Series, and various All-Star Games.
With everything it has to offer, Houston is a great place to live, work, and go to school!
More Information
If you are interested in this program and would like to find out more, please request information from The Art Institute of Houston - Houston, Texas.
Houston, TX Graphic Design School The Art Institute of Houston