Would you hire someone without a degree in Graphic Design?

1. 86

   M. T. Dremerposted 13 years ago

   Would you hire someone without a degree in Graphic Design?
   
   I have years of experience with graphic design software, but I don't have any sort of degree in graphic design (my degree is in creative writing). I've been applying to some jobs recently without much luck and I was wondering how much the lack of an art degree is hindering me.

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2. 61

   DaNoblestposted 13 years ago

   I would hire someone without a degree. Degrees mean nothing next to the persons abilities and experience as far as I am concerned.

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3. 60

   DannyMaioposted 13 years ago

   Yes in a heart beat! I would make sure they had what I was looking for and the drive and desire. I have found not all the time but a lot of times someone who learned the trade from hands on is much better and more loyal. again not all the time but from my experience a lot of the time.

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4. 50

   micadeoluposted 13 years ago

   To have talent in art is quite different from having the skill added. It is good if you are talented but better to add skill by going to art school for your degree.
   
   I have seen many artworks produced by unschooled talented artists. I appreciate them but you see you will always notice the missing mark between one who has his degree and one who don't.
   
   The difference is always there. So, don't be weary in registering in an art school that offers a degree certificate. It will help you a lot. There are some lectures you receive at school which you can never meet outside school environment.

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5. 41

   I_Lurk_ThoseCellsposted 13 years ago

   I would hire any body for anything without degree except doctor, surgeon, dentist and pediatrician. If you are good in something then you are good in something. It is one thing to be schooled and trained and the other thing to be talented and gifted. People are born with breath taking talents in music, art, mathematics, tones of things, so I don't have a clue why should I hire anyone with spectacular taste and awesome ability to do some design.

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6. 90

   jpcmcposted 13 years ago

   I would.  As long as you have the skills, the experience and a list of satisfied clients.

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7. 59

   floydssodaposted 13 years ago

   This is a complicated question for me in many ways so I'll try not to wander off.  I have been using design software for many years and really enjoy the medium.  I enjoyed a one yr. subscription to lynda.com last year.  I am so busy right now trying to start a new business that I do not have the time to take on that crucial part of things.  I feel that you have to be able to focus on one thing at a time otherwise everything will become a series of compromises.  I work full-time as a cook and run my business in what little spare time I have.  Hiring someone to help me build a great first impression is not a luxury that I can afford.  I would certainly hire someone without a degree to help me design some labels and make sure that my website doesn't look like....well, what it looks like.  As a business owner I don't care, however as a humble student of many things I can't help but wonder what sage advice you would have gleaned from your professors.  There must be certain principles of design that I'm sure that I will overlook while I'm zoning in on managing layers correctly.  I'm hung up on a logo right now, which is what software can't help me with.

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8. 54

   Mathieu11posted 13 years ago

   I have hired graphic designers without concern for whether or not they have a degree. The most important quality is talent -- if you can show a portfolio of high-quality work which demonstrates that you stay on top of design theory and techniques without having studies it, you should be fine!
   
   The only exception to this would be for an Art Director type role -- if you're going to be managing other designers I think it's important to be able to "speak the same language" and that kind of fluency with theory is likely only going to come from formal study.

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9. 68

   The Jetposted 13 years ago

   Abilities and desire first. Degree is optional.

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10. 61

    Inspiremeonposted 13 years ago

    We are FAR too dependent on degrees and formalities today, and I am saying that as someone that has one...as I also know better self taught artists than many that went to school and still can't even draw a stickman on their own...or know very little about design....sorry...I happen to believe that although education is awesome, it is over rated today because as all things, too many people BUY their way....it's about money, not what you learn anymore...listen to the news as even they talk about how many people come out of University ILLITERATE!!! That...is sad...pathetic...how??!!...THAT should NEVER happen, and yet it does...far, far too MUCH!!!

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11. 60

    surfriderposted 13 years ago

    You should try to showcase your portofolios when you send in your resume. Write a cover letter and attach sample of your work. Good luck.

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12. 70

    ugagirl66posted 13 years ago

    It depends on their capabilities. Sometimes having a degree is a piece of paper compared to someone with hands on knowledge and a high level of actual work experience.
    
    Although the degree is what people pay for, as an HR Professional, I can tell you that I have had hiring remorse having to follow policy and hire someone with a degree versus someone who had real first hand job experience. Graphic design is a speciality field. However,  there is much to be said about a self motivated, self disciplined, self taught, individual who was highly motivated to most likey carry a full-time job and take the off time to learn the skills necessary to be competitive at a job like Graphic Design. For the record, I do not have a degree in Graphic Design Software, but there is very little out there, that I cannot use. It is a hobby of mine. When you love something, you are more apt to be good at it.
    
    Hope this helps.

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13. 61

    lycorneposted 13 years ago

    That depends on the work.  I can say though that you are most likely at a handicap because you don't have a degree, but it doesn't mean you can't do the job.  Your samples I believe is what is going to sell your ability, not the degree anyway.

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14. 60

    kenflipposted 13 years ago

    In the design world a degree simply adds a rubber green stamp of approval, the quality of your work should speak for itself.
    
    However, that being said, in the professional world a degree is a virtual must, companies like to tell their clients that their team is well qualified because so and so attended such and such a school, therefore they must be fantastic.
    
    Getting a degree means you will also have spent time in front of formal critics, which will help you to develop not only your style, but also your ability to communicate your thoughts, your presentation skills and your ability to work with others... if you want to work for a company, they are going to want to see all of this.
    
    Personally, I would and have hired designers without degrees, but if you're looking for work in the larger company you may have some problems.
    
    If you are not thrilled about the idea of going and getting a graduate degree, I might suggest enrolling in some university courses and working towards a design certificate or something to that effect.

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15. 60

    nightwork4posted 13 years ago

    i own a construction company and degrees are meaningless in most cases. i hired a plumber one time who finished top in his class but when it came time to work in the real world he made a mess of a very important job because it didn't work out like it was taught in school. my best two workers don't even have grade 12 but they are amazing builders.

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16. 41

    freelancerspotposted 13 years ago

    I would hire as long as you can do your job, I do not think a degree is needed. I worked my way up and have been doing well. But what you need to do is a.) have a good design or art understanding, don't expect to make yet money but to learn. And be critical-learning good design is to be critical, copying your directors, absorb their style and learn to create your own style.

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17. 60

    Jyoti Patilposted 12 years ago

    Definitely. Well I work with a Graphic Design Company and we hire people with creativity. Our first rule says that; a written proof (degree) is not necessary if you have the talent. If you want you can work for us. Provided necessity exists.

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18. 60

    taazakhabarposted 11 years ago

    Beyond a point it is a persons capability, creativity and sincerity to the work that I am bothered about than his marks in the marks sheet. Even if I get someone who was an average student but is going great work I will taken him rather than vice versa. I am not saying so I had a designer who not even a graduate

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19. 87

    Gary Holdawayposted 11 years ago

    A strong portfolio speaks louder than any art degree.

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