What A-level Subjects Should You Choose to Start Preparing for a Career in Graphic Design?
29th November 24
Embarking on a career in graphic design is an exciting journey filled with creativity, innovation, and opportunities to make an impact in a variety of industries. Whether it’s designing captivating advertisements, creating visual identities for brands, or exploring the world of multimedia art, graphic design offers a fulfilling and dynamic career path. But how do you start preparing for this career as a student?
If you’re considering studying at a school like DLD College London, where excellence in creative education is emphasised, selecting the right A-level subjects is key to building the skills and portfolio required for university and beyond. This guide will walk you through the best A-level subjects for aspiring graphic designers and how they can set you up for success.
Why Do A-level Choices Matter for a Graphic Design Career?
Choosing the right A-levels is your first step towards establishing a solid foundation in graphic design. Universities and employers value candidates who demonstrate a mix of artistic, technical, and analytical skills. The right subject combination can help you:
- Develop essential creative and technical skills.
- Build a strong portfolio showcasing your talents.
- Prepare for university courses in graphic design or related fields.
- Gain a competitive edge in a growing industry.
At DLD College London, students benefit from tailored academic support, small class sizes, and extracurricular opportunities to enhance their learning experience. By selecting the right A-levels, you’ll be well-positioned to make the most of these resources.
Choosing the right A-levels for Graphic Design
Selecting the right A-Levels is a crucial step for any aspiring graphic designer. These choices will shape your creative skills, technical knowledge, and overall readiness for university programs in graphic design. At DLD College London, we guide students in making informed decisions to align their studies with their career goals.
- Art and Design: The Core Subject for Graphic Design
Art and Design is an obvious choice for A-Level students interested in graphic design. This subject allows you to develop your creative skills and gives you hands-on experience with various mediums, including digital design. A strong portfolio of your artwork will be essential when applying to graphic design programs, so this subject helps you build that early on.
- Media Studies: Understanding Digital and Visual Communication
Media Studies is an excellent complement to graphic design as it teaches you about visual storytelling, digital media, and the impact of design in communication. By studying Media, you’ll gain insights into advertising, branding, and the theory behind visual media—all essential for a future graphic designer.
- Photography: Exploring the Visual Arts
Photography is another valuable A-Level for aspiring graphic designers. While not directly related to graphic design, photography teaches you how to compose images, understand lighting, and develop a keen eye for aesthetics—skills that are crucial when working with visual content.
- Business Studies: Preparing for the Freelance World
Graphic design often leads to freelance or entrepreneurial opportunities. A Business Studies A-Level will help you understand the commercial side of design, including client management, contracts, pricing, and marketing. This knowledge will be invaluable if you decide to run your own design practice in the future.
- Computer Science or IT: Mastering Design Software
Graphic design relies heavily on design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. An A-Level in Computer Science or IT can provide you with the technical knowledge needed to navigate these tools effectively, especially if you’re looking to work in digital design or animation.
Building Your Portfolio
In addition to your A-Level subjects, one of the most important aspects of your graphic design application will be your portfolio. Universities look for students who not only understand design principles but can also showcase their creative journey through their work. Make sure to include a range of projects that highlight your skills in both traditional and digital design.
Preparing for University
At university, you’ll deepen your understanding of design principles, theory, and practice, with an emphasis on developing your personal style. Graphic design programs often include modules in typography, branding, animation, and digital media, preparing you for a range of careers, from advertising to web design.
DLD College London provides tailored guidance to help students navigate the university application process, including portfolio preparation and personal statement reviews.
How to Succeed in A-levels for Graphic Design
Studying creative subjects can be demanding, but with the right approach, you can excel. Here are some tips:
- Time Management: Balance coursework-heavy subjects with effective time planning.
- Portfolio Development: Continuously work on your portfolio by experimenting with different styles and techniques.
- Extracurricular Activities: Join art clubs, photography societies, or participate in design competitions to enhance your skills and portfolio.
- Leverage Resources: Take advantage of facilities and mentorship at schools like DLD College London, which offers specialised support for creative students.
Why DLD College London is Ideal for Aspiring Designers
DLD College London offers a unique environment for creative students, combining personalised attention, expert mentorship, and state-of-the-art facilities. Small class sizes ensure tailored support, while teachers with industry experience guide students toward success in art and design.
Located on London’s Southbank, DLD immerses students in a vibrant creative hub, surrounded by iconic venues like the Southbank Centre and BFI. Modern art studios and cutting-edge digital tools equip students with the skills needed for the industry, while stunning views of the Thames and Houses of Parliament inspire creativity.
The curriculum fosters innovation, with DLD students consistently winning awards for their work. The college has a proven track record of helping students secure places at top institutions like UAL, Goldsmiths, and Central Saint Martins, as well as global universities such as UCLA and Ringling College of Art and Design. Personalised support from University Admissions Tutors ensures students create standout portfolios and achieve their academic goals.
DLD College London is the perfect choice for aspiring designers, offering everything needed to launch a successful creative career.
Do You Know?
Our students’ remarkable achievements in results, artwork, and university destinations showcase the ambition and talent fostered by our exceptional Art and Design department. Despite being a mixed-ability school, DLD consistently achieves a 100% pass rate at A Level, including top grades of A and A*.
Conclusion
Starting a career in graphic design begins with thoughtful planning, and your A-Level choices play a pivotal role in shaping your creative journey. By selecting subjects like Art and Design, Media Studies, Photography, Business Studies, and Computer Science or IT, you’ll gain the essential skills, technical expertise, and portfolio pieces needed to stand out to top universities and future employers.
At DLD College London, we provide the perfect environment for aspiring graphic designers to thrive. With tailored support, expert guidance, and access to state-of-the-art resources, you can turn your creative ambitions into reality. The opportunities in graphic design are vast and ever-evolving, from branding to animation and digital media. Taking the right steps now will not only prepare you for academic success but also open doors to an exciting, impactful career where your creativity knows no bounds.
Start your journey today—your future as a graphic designer awaits!
