What vocational curriculum should i take if..?

Question

I wanted a career in the future say..designing the art on tshirts? Or things of that sort? Im planning to take the courses at a community college, only to get a certificate. There are two courses they offer.."Product Design" and "Graphic Design"..but i'm pretty clueless as to what route i take and where it will lead me jobwise. So can anyone with some experience careerwise advise me on this?

I'd much rather work with a pen than a computer (although im assuming a computer is how its pretty much all done these days). I really like drawing out graphics or logos, But what i aspire for mainly is to design tshirts graphics, maybe my own someday (I dont even know what the occupation is called :/ ) If that doesnt work out..then what other options/jobs might i have with the skill sets i learned? and also how steady would these jobs be financially?

well if you guys could answer these questions and more, itd be cool. help a young'un out.

Answer 1

There are fine lines between product and graphic design.

Product design incorporates engineering and architectural skill, applied to the hard shell surface and interior of some solid product or machine.

Graphic design puts architectural skill more into play, as you create marketing artworks to promote the sale of a product. You can ply pen to paper--but there today is the whiz-bang cool computer programs that make the job far far easier than it's ever been.

Answer 2

hi! I own an adverting business here in the Philippines. We offer personalized t-shirt printing and we also make signs like 3D lighted signs and panaflex signs.
In my opinion i would take the Graphic Design course so that you can learn how to conceptualize your ideas and turn it into graphics. you can also learn new design trends and techniques. Working with a pen is the best way to start your work. I work personally in making designs and there are times that you have to sketch it or draw it with a pen and finish it on the computer.
With tshirt graphics you hae to learn the basic in tshirt printing, photographic process and design. Its much easier today due to new technologies and products that are on the market, but you should learn these on "hands-on" basis because theres a lot of things that you just dont read in the net and books. You can learn a lot in working as an apprentice in shops and companies.
Tshirt Printing is a great business. At first it may cost a lot financially but it all becomes an investment. There are also ways to start a business even with less capital. The most important thing are your dedication and constant process of learning new and innovative designs.
How steady in this job? My father started this business back in 1975 with not much of financial capital. We now have clients from big companies and our tshirt printing area are always filled with thousands of sacks with thsirts. Our work would sometimes range from 20 pieces to more than 20 thousand shirts per client especially during election time and christmas season. We now offer the following services: tshirt printing, large scale digital printing (tarpaulin billboards) neon signs, display window designs, panaflex signs, promotional materials, and vehicle dress-up.