Education · 1 of 5

The path

Learn the craft, build a portfolio, get hired on the portfolio.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Art, media and any computer courses. Start collecting your work now, because what you make at 17 can go in the first portfolio.

2. 2

   Design program

   2 to 4 years

   A two-year associate degree, a four-year bachelor's at a public university, or an art school. Many programs review a portfolio as part of admission.

3. 3

   Internships and real client work

   During school

   Paid internships, campus jobs, small business logos. This is the part employers actually read.

4. 4

   Build the portfolio

   Ongoing

   Eight to twelve projects that show thinking, not just pretty pictures. Explain the problem and your choices for each one.

5. 5

   First job

   After graduation

   Junior designer or production artist. The degree opens the door, the portfolio gets you through it.