A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree differs from a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in that it focuses more on a field within the arts, such as visual art, theatre, music or writing. BFA degrees are also known for their emphasis on imparting practical skills to students rather than the traditional format of college seminars.
The goal of a BFA is to prepare graduates for careers in specific fields; these students ideally arrive ready to work, having applied the necessary tools and gained experience in bringing artistic work to fruition during their time as students. Students also exit with a portfolio, which is typically an essential part of securing a job or further study in a postgraduate program.
Within visual arts, graphic design is an appealing career path for those who are interested in seeing their work in action every day. From website design to branding and beyond, high-quality graphic design is vital for the success of businesses of all kinds.
Students interested in graphic design can benefit from a highly specialized degree program, such as the Youngstown State University (YSU) online BFA in Graphic Design. Not only is the coursework specifically designed to prepare future graphic designers, rather than a more general studio art degree, but it is also available online, offering increased flexibility for students, including those who may already be working in related fields.
Choosing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Specialty
Before one reaches the point of applying for jobs, it is essential to choose the right path of study. As mentioned, BFA programs come in many shapes and sizes to cater to a wide range of students, interests and career goals. A student might consider enrolling in a program that gives them a taste of several disciplines or allows them to work in an interdisciplinary manner, but those committed to a specific career path may opt for a highly specialized degree.
Indeed offers advice on exploring the wide variety of programs available, explaining that “most BFA degrees require students to choose a specialty area such as computer animation, painting, acting or television production, indicating the importance of focusing on a specific area of interest.” One such specialty is graphic design, offered through YSU’s program.
What Jobs Can You Pursue With a Graphic Design Degree?
Many roles are suitable for those who have studied graphic design. This includes associate and senior graphic designers, graphic design managers, senior designers, design marketing specialists, motion graphics designers and web designers. While some of these roles, like the latter two, may require even further specialization in web coding or video editing, a graphic design BFA is a great foundation for these pursuits.
While salaries vary depending on the specific job, BFA graduates can pursue roles with average salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, according to Indeed. Those earning higher salaries typically have more experience or responsibilities, such as UX designers or those in key visual arts-related roles, like concept artists. For example, according to Indeed, creative directors, often responsible for heading brand campaigns, managing the creative budget and leading creative teams, earn an average annual salary of $126,468. Graphic designers, on the other hand, earn an average of $61,300 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These options reflect the strong potential starting wage and growth potential of those with a BFA degree.
Graphic Design vs. Interactive Design: Key Insights With an Online BFA Degree
YSU’s program combines the study of graphic design with insights into interactive design, but what exactly are these two fields, and how do they work together? Brokerwebs, a website dedicated to web design and marketing, explains that these related fields both deal with essential building blocks of design like “color, typography, and imagery,” but that there are differences between them.
While graphic designers create content for print and digital media, such as all of the content a company may need to display or market its wares to potential customers, interactive design “focuses on creating user-centered experiences that involve interactions between users and technology.”
Interactive design, therefore, is primarily concerned with the digital realm and is considered a discipline under the broader umbrella of UX (user experience) design. Graphic design typically deals with more static content, but there is overlap, so some designers work across the two on a regular basis.
As a graphic designer, it can help to have an understanding of both interactive design and graphic design. Designers with knowledge of both disciplines may have a competitive edge when applying for certain positions. This versatility is a key advantage of pursuing the Graphic Design BFA online program from YSU, which integrates both of these design fields into the learning journey.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design program.
