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Dev Varat Bali

Updated on 20th January, 2023 , 15 min read

Diploma in Graphic Design

Diploma in Graphic Design: The Diploma in Graphic Design is a one-year course that involves both design and animation. The course is for those who want to make a career in the creative field. The idea of the course is to help you understand how concepts translate into designs and animations that are used in various industries. 

The design industry is growing at an exponential rate and there are very few designers who can work across multiple platforms like print, screen, web, motion graphics, etc. There is hardly any other profession where one starts off with so much responsibility than as a designer. 

Quick thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent design sense are requirements for this profession. Numerous opportunities are available, and the field is constantly changing. The standard of the course's faculty, resources, infrastructure, and exposure offered to the students all affect how valuable the course is. 

The syllabus of the Diploma in Graphic Design course covers all aspects that are required to make a career in design, animation, and multimedia. The course will not only make you understand how to work with graphics but also help you understand how each process works. This will help you get a complete grasp of the entire creative process from concept development to execution. 

You will be taught about the usage of various software like Photoshop, Illustrator and 3D Studio Max, etc. Also, basics like typography, color theory, advertisement history, etc will be taught that help you build a strong foundation for your future career. This program is not just about the study but also about practical training, so you might actually get a chance to do some creative projects like designing a logo, advertising campaign, packaging design, magazine layout, etc. with an understanding of how they work and are used.

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Diploma in Graphic Design Highlights

Course name

Diploma in graphic design

Course Level

Diploma

Course Duration

1 Year

Eligibility Criteria

10 + 2 passed with at least 50%

Admission process 

Based on Merit 

Course Fee

INR 32,000 to INR 110,000

Salary Extracted

INR 200,000 to INR 1,500,000 Annually

Job Profiles

Creative Director, Graphic Designer, Packaging Designer, Advertising Art Director, Identity Designer, Advertising Art Designer 

Top Recruiting Companies

Mangoblossm Design, SAP Labs India Pvt. Ltd, General Motors Design, Design Factory India

Also Read: Graphic Designer Salary in India

About Diploma in Graphic Design

What is Graphic Design? 

You've probably seen it in television commercials, web advertisements, and even your school publications. Graphic design is the process of using visual and textual content to communicate a message or story. 

A graphic designer might use visuals such as words, illustrations, images, or symbols to convey their message. In both print and digital media, graphics are everywhere. This article will serve as a primer for anyone who needs a thorough understanding of the field of graphic design before starting their education in the field or to illustrate what coursework should look like for students pursuing it as an area of study. 

While all schools have some form of graphic design offered, there are courses that are more common and those that are less common. This post will highlight a few of the more popular options and the ones you should be aware of to increase your chances of landing a position in a graphic design course.

Also Read: Diploma in Agriculture

Graphic Design Courses Include the Following:

Introduction to Graphic Design: Students learn basic composition, symbol creation and presentation, and professional presentation skills. Graphic design is often misunderstood to be just about "designing" things. This course instead focuses on the background and fundamentals of graphic design scholarship. What works and what doesn't, history, theory, aesthetics -all with an eye towards career development.

Design Typography: Students learn the historical and theoretical foundations of letterform design, including the development of typefaces, typography fonts, and typographic systems.

Conceptual Graphic Design: The creation of conceptual artworks, in which ideas, stories, or objects are essential to the realization of an artwork, is a skill that students acquire. The entire field of graphic design is supported by this fundamentally creative process. These pieces can be created in a variety of ways, including text-based posters, still-life drawings, sculptures, and animations.

Print Media Production: This course is geared towards students who wish to pursue careers in print media production rather than creative direction or freelance design work. Students learn to produce print products such as magazines, brochures, posters, catalogs, and books.

Communication Design: Many designers earn their living through freelance and commercial design work. This course is geared towards students who wish to be self-employed or earn a salary within an institution. Students learn to develop clear and effective communicative designs for clients or colleagues, such as signage, publications, web content, and visual identities/logos/markings. Students also learn how design is applied in many different contexts: marketing campaigns, event management, and the visual development of hardware technologies such as robots or interactive elements within websites or smartphone applications.

Digital Design: Do you want to work on projects from start to finish, from concept to completion? Do you think it's more effective and impactful if your design is presented as a series of digital files instead of just an image, or a couple of images on a page? Digital Design is an introduction to the fundamentals of digital media such as programming (including HTML and CSS) web development, web graphic design, interactive website design, and mobile applications.

Interaction Design: This course focuses on the fundamental principles of interaction design and the creative process. It thus seeks to give students a working knowledge of how interactive media can be created with the goal of developing skills in creating engaging digital experiences.

Information Design: These classes focus on the fundamentals of information design, with the goal of teaching students to create visual representations of data. The two most common types of information design are UX design and visualization (for example, infographics). In this course, you'll learn how to use graphics and text to show patterns in data and/or to explain complex topics.

Visual Communication: This course is for students who want to work as a designer or creative director at an ad agency or other media-related company in some capacity other than graphic design (like marketing, advertising, or public relations).

Why Choose a Diploma in Graphic Design

1. Great Career Opportunities: You may be wondering why you should pursue a diploma in graphic design. Well, have you ever thought about the number of careers out there for graphic designers? Graphic design is a popular field that can serve as a great basis for exploring other work opportunities. A graphic designer might start by working in print media but then might move on to animation, web design, or even motion graphics. To sum it up, there are so many potential career paths that the only limitation is your creativity.

2. Sharpening Your Soft Skills: The skills graphic designers learn during the diploma program go beyond designing. You will learn how to work with clients and colleagues in ways that refine your communication skills, lead you to professional success, and develop a work ethic that will serve you well in any field of work. It doesn't matter if you want to start your career after graduation or if you want to keep your design interests as a hobby - either way, this course can give you all the skills you need.

3. Create Your Own Work: The diploma program can give you a wider variety of design techniques and a better sense of what graphic design is. After all, there are many different styles and aesthetics to choose from. 

4. Showcase Your Skills: You might have already imagined yourself as a graphic designer, but it's important to have something that proves your creative abilities before you even think of pursuing an actual degree program. A portfolio will do just that!

5. Earn a Design Career: In the world of work, the number one reason to pursue a degree is to acquire valuable skills. This is especially true for graphic design - this course is a great way for students to acquire the knowledge and experience they need for a career.

6. Meet People Who Make a Difference: While some design graduates may turn to their peers for help and advice, many want more than that. They want to make a difference by giving back and helping those who are less fortunate in society. A diploma in graphic design will give you so many opportunities to do just that!

7. Easy Networking Opportunities: Whether you want to meet new people in your city or around the globe, a diploma program offers networking opportunities that you wouldn't find through other career paths. Regardless of what style of graphic design you choose to pursue, there is always a chance for collaboration and cooperation.

Who Can Pursue a Diploma in Graphic Design?

In the online world, people believe that graphic design is one of the most in-demand professions and a top-notch skill to have. There has been an increased demand for people who can offer professional graphic design services, with companies seeking out professionals to help them showcase their products in an appealing and professional manner. Anyone, who has completed class 12 with passing marks, would be qualified enough to pursue a Diploma in Graphic Design. 

When to do a Diploma in Graphic Design?

People who are interested in Graphic Design can pursue a Diploma in Graphic Design right after they have completed their secondary education 10+2 with a passing aggregate.

Diploma in Graphic Design Eligibility

There are many institutes providing a diploma in graphic design in India, and the eligibility criteria for this diploma can vary in different institutes. We recommend students check the college website and make sure to verify if their credentials match the eligibility requirements for that particular Institute.

The most important criterion is to pass the 10th and 12th standards with a valid percentage. Some colleges also require you to give an entrance exam also.

Diploma in Graphic Design Admission process

Your class 12th merit would have a high impact on your admission process. Every college in India has its own minimum requirements in terms of class 12 aggregate. 

As of now, no university or college conducts an admission test for this particular course.

Applications for admission can be submitted through offline or online mediums (depending on the college). 

Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Search for colleges that offer a Diploma in Graphic Design.
  2. Visit their website and check for their eligibility criteria and deadlines to apply.
  3. Apply online or offline as mentioned on their website.

Diploma in Graphic Design Preparation Tips

Firstly you need to plan your application process and keep an eye on the deadlines mentioned on the websites of suitable universities. It's better if you explore some graphic designing software beforehand so you'll have a better understanding of how things work.

Pick your passion: It's always better to have a plan in mind especially when it comes to your career. The scores are a lot more beneficial for those who have a clear goal in mind with their graphic design journey. Hidden also takes external courses in order to sharpen your skills which would eventually land you even better opportunities in the future.

Invest in good quality equipment: As a graphic designer you will be needing a set of digital equipment that will be extremely useful throughout your graphic designing career and this will include a computer with good enough specifications and a digital drawing pad. And a fair amount of investment would definitely help you to outshine your skills.

Reach out to graphic design graduates: Yes! Reaching out to graphic design graduates will definitely help in your career, as they can guide you throughout your process. And some of them can even help you to learn in your dream jobs as well.  the best way of reaching out can be through LinkedIn. 

Learn Programming: Graphic designer it is recommended for you to learn at least three different programming languages. And make sure to learn only those languages that are currently being used in the market today. These languages include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Diploma in Graphic Design Syllabus

1. Visual Communication

2. Team Management

3. Background and Concept, Existing Process

4. Unrealized Potential

5. Communication, Understanding, and Creating

6. Designing for the Web

7. Project Management 

8. Quality Control for Products    

9. Identity 

10. Delivery Methods 

11. Production 

12. Distribution

13. Employment

14. Communication

15. Organizational Structure

16. Design: Character

17. Principles of Management

18. Drawing as Basis for 2D and 3D Animation

19. Digital Publishing

20. Information Architecture

21. Design for Enterprise Solution

22. Typography and Layout 

23. Color Theory 

24. Principles of Typographic Design 

25. Forms: Paper to Pixel 

26. Digital Photography 

Note: The syllabus for Diploma in Graphic Design may vary from one college to another. 

Diploma in Graphic Design Top Colleges in India

There are many colleges/Universities that offer a Diploma in Graphic Design in India. Some of the best colleges for Graphic Designing are listed below: 

NIRF/India Today or Outlook Ranking

College/University name

Average fees

18

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh

11,700

187 

Pacific University, Udaipur

40,000

150

Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata

6000

-

International School of Design, Delhi

81,000

13

Bharathiar University, Coimbatore

7,900

10

Vidya Knowledge Park, Meerut

55,200

376

Institute of Apparel Management, Gurgaon

2,00,000

Diploma in Graphic Design Career Options

Graphic design opens up a number of creative and promising career opportunities for the graduates. Listed below are some of the best career options after completing a diploma in graphic design:

1. Multimedia Programmer 

2. Multimedia Designer 

3. Multimedia Developer

4. Graphic Designer 

5. Graphic Artist 

6. Creative Director   

7. Illustrator/Animator / Photoshop Specialist 

8. Web Designer

9. Web Developer

10. 3D Animation Programmer 

11. 3D Animator 

12. 2D Animator

13. Motion Designer 

14. Lead Digital Artist 

15. Digital Artist 

16. Character Artist 

17. Concept Artist 

18. Texture Artist 

19. Industrial Designer 

20. App Designer/Visualizer / UX/UI Designer/Product Designer-Mobile Apps / Gaming Apps / Web Apps / Graphic Designers for Mobile and Web Browsers

21. Visualizer-3D Render and Visualization 

22. Game Developer (Nintendo DS) 

23. Game Developer (Xbox 360, PS3) 

24. Game Developer (PC, Web) 

Diploma in Graphic Design Top Recruiting Fields

Corporate Businesses: Many business executives are drawn to a company's identity, which often includes its logo, website design, and marketing materials created by graphic designers skilled in printmaking, digital art or illustration.

Marketing and Advertising: Designers work in advertising agencies and promote brands through printed and electronic media such as TV and the Internet. They create ads, brochures, logos, and websites that appeal to targeted audiences by using graphic design styles, typefaces, color schemes, and formats for each product or service.

Architecture: Architectural firms primarily use designers to create building plans, design interiors, develop graphics for displays at construction sites or prepare graphics for building permits submitted to city planning departments.

Publishing: Designers working for publishing companies design book covers and create advertising for magazines, newspapers, or other publications. They might also be involved in the development of the print and digital versions of a publication.

Fashion: Graphic designers work in the fashion industry, creating advertising campaigns that present apparel and accessories in a creative and appealing way. They might design clothing labels, create print and television ads or develop brochures to promote clothing lines for specific seasons or occasions. They also may develop logos for brands.

Web Development: Today's expanding field of web-based media is one graphic designer frequently enter after completing their training.

Theater: Designers may create graphic designs for stage sets and curtains, or for posters advertising a play

Photography: Collectively referred to as photo-realism, this art form places emphasis on creating “realistic” images. In the design process, designers often use the theory of abstract visual expression to create photographs that use elements of nature such as light and water to depict scenes. In contrast to illustrations in photography books, where high levels of abstraction are used to show an image rather than describe it.

Diploma in Graphic Design Top Recruiting Companies

Here is a list of the top recruiting companies that hire graphic design diploma holders:

  • IKEA
  • Fisheye, New Delhi
  • General Motors Design
  • SAP Labs India Pvt. Ltd
  • Cogwheel Studios
  • Eastern Silk Industries Ltd
  • Wipro technologies
  • Mangoblossom Design, Mumbai
  • Think Design, Hyderabad
  • Design Factory India

Average Salary of a Graphic Designer

The average salary for a graphic designer in India is approximately INR 4,00,000 annually. 

In India graphic designers are mainly employed by advertising and marketing firms that are in need of their skills to design advertisements and websites that promote products. Additionally, once these designers have finished their education they can enter the workforce upon completion of their graduation and begin working at a few different companies where they will likely earn higher than the average amount. They may also consider starting up their own digital marketing firm and using freelance work to earn further money on top of the amounts provided by employers.

In addition to their regular income, most graphic designers working in India also work freelance and earn an additional amount each year through this route.

Career Path of a Graphic Designer

A graphic designer is an artist who uses art in order to communicate a message. They utilize the media of graphic design to convey this message in a visual manner using text, images, and color. Graphic designers may work with companies or organizations (corporations) as employees or freelance artists.

The career path of a graphic designer can be quite complex. In order to become one, you're going to need some talent and experience in the arts; but it doesn't stop there... You will also need formal education (high school diploma) and post-secondary education - most people don't make it without at least some coursework done in the field they specialize in (e.g., Photoshop).

Books and Study Material for Graphic Designing

Here are some of the best books on designing that are currently available. They will undoubtedly aid you in developing a thorough understanding of graphic design.

1. The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher

2. How to Be a Graphic Designer by Guillaume de Lafontaine

3. Graphic Design for Dummies by Jennifer Davidson, Jack Butler, and Lisa Fitzpatrick

4. The Elements of Graphic Design by Robert Bringhurst

5. The Art of Typography by Robert Bringhurs

Diploma in Graphic Design Skills Required

There are some essential skills that are required during your graphic design career. Here is a short list of those skills:

1. Web-design Languages

2. Problem-solving skills

3. Typography

4. Layout principles

5. Creativity

If you're looking for a course in graphic design, it's important to note that not all are created equal. You should keep in mind that any diploma or certificate in Graphic Design will heavily focus on the elements of web-design languages, problem-solving skills, and typography. However, if you want to gain a better understanding and expertise in layout principles as well as graphic design software programs such as Autodesk Maya 2016 or Adobe Photoshop CS6.

Diploma in Graphic Design: FAQs

Q1: What is a graphic design diploma?

Ans: During the Diploma in Graphic Design program, students will have the opportunity to specialize in topics such as multimedia, animation, and gaming. In this course, students learn some specific combination of text and pictures which helps them to develop their practical skills and creative abilities.

Q2: Is it hard to get into this program?

Ans: It's definitely not a very competitive course to get in. If you meet all the merit-based requirements there is a very good chance for you to get admission in this course.

Q3: Will I get a job after graduating with a graphic design diploma?

Ans: Yes. you will be eligible to apply for a job as a Graphic designer for print media, interactive media, and multimedia.

Q4: What is the benefit of studying graphic design diploma?

Ans: It's an industry-recognized course and can definitely give an edge over other people in the job market. There are lots of universities offering this course but the advantage of this course is that it will provide a better foundation and understanding towards good quality work in graphic design while giving exposure to practice more on your creative skills.

Q5: Is there any career path for Diploma in Graphic Design?

Ans: Yes there are lots of career paths in this field. You can choose to be a graphic designer for print media, and multimedia, or be a graphic designer for animation. Whatever your choice may be, this diploma program will ensure that you get the right exposure to enhance your creative skills while giving you enough knowledge so that you can start your own business.

Q6: Is it necessary to have a certification?

Ans: It is not mandatory but it will help if you have one. It depends on the job market as people look forward to having certified people with them as they believe they will bring more value to their company which isn't always correct.

Q7: Is it necessary to have a portfolio?

Ans: Yes. The more impressive your portfolio is, the more it will help you to get your dream job. But you don't have to go that extra mile with your portfolio as they need a portfolio only if they specifically ask for it. It is highly encouraging though.

Q8: How long will it take me to complete this course?

Ans: This is a one-year course.

Q9: Is it necessary to have previous Graphic Design Knowledge?

Ans: No. While they prefer you have some kind of creative or design knowledge, it is not mandatory to have any before you start the course.

Q10: Is it easy to get into this program?

Ans: It's quite easy. There is a very strong merit-based requirement on the subject you choose during your application form which makes it easy for you to get into this course and the university will provide a good foundation for you.

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