To become an assistant designer, you will first have to choose what kind of designer you would like to be. Once that decision has been made, it is advisable that you research design programs at colleges and universities. You may also want to look into going to a design school. Going to school is a great way to network with top notch designers who are looking for assistants to help them build their collections or portfolios.
There are many different types of design disciplines for the student who wants to become an assistant designer. If you are more into clothing and trends, perhaps fashion design is for you. For a more technical and engineering perspective on design, you should look in architecture or architectural lighting programs. Design may also include website and graphic design for Internet properties. No matter which type of designer you ultimately wish to be, it is important that you research a wide variety of fields to see where your creative strengths and interests lie.
Enrolling in a design program at a university can be the most direct way to become an assistant designer. School will introduce you to the key players in the design field who can help you explore different creative career interests. You can choose to go to a university or college with a design major or choose to attend a school that is dedicated to the creative arts. Each type of school has its advantages and disadvantages, although both will teach you the skills needed to excel as a designer.
Going to a four year university with a design program will allow you to have a more collegiate experience where you can interact with many different types of people. You can take classes that are not strictly focused on design, gaining a more well-rounded education. Design programs within universities and colleges are more likely to be less intense and slower paced than a program at a creative arts school.
Attending a school specifically for the arts will put you in direct contact with professors and their colleagues who are often designers themselves and willing to help the student who would like to become an assistant designer. You can also benefit from being around many creative and talented people who are driven to succeed in their chosen field. One drawback is that design school can be very expensive. Most students need to take out loans to pay for tuition, fees, supplies, and materials for student collections.
