Graphic Design Courses After 12th Arts: A Creative Career Path for Arts Students

If you're an Arts student with a creative streak and a love for visuals, then you're already on the right path. The world of design is wide open for you—and one of the most exciting and in-demand options is pursuing graphic design courses after 12th Arts. This career path allows you to turn your artistic talent into a professional skill that is highly valued across industries like advertising, digital marketing, publishing, and entertainment.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore why graphic design courses after 12th Arts are a great choice, the types of courses available, eligibility criteria, top institutes, career opportunities, and fee structure to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose Graphic Design After 12th Arts?

Being from an Arts background gives you a natural advantage in graphic design. You're already familiar with subjects like visual art, drawing, painting, or media studies, which align beautifully with the skills required in this field. Here’s why graphic design courses after 12th Arts are a popular choice:

• Creative Expression: Graphic design allows you to bring ideas to life visually.

• Practical Career Path: It's not just art—graphic design is a technical and professional skill.

• Wide Career Opportunities: From branding to digital media, every business needs design.

• Freelance Freedom: Many designers work independently or build their own studios.

Whether you're passionate about digital illustration, branding, or web design, this field offers limitless potential.

Types of Graphic Design Courses After 12th Arts

There are multiple paths you can take based on your interests, time, and budget. The three main types of graphic design courses after 12th Arts are:

H2: 1. Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design

If you're looking for an in-depth understanding of design theory and practice, a degree is the best option.

H3: Popular Degree Courses:

• B.Des (Bachelor of Design) in Graphic Design

• B.A. in Visual Communication

• BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Applied Art

• B.Sc. in Multimedia & Animation

H3: Duration:

• 3 to 4 years

H3: Institutes Offering Degrees:

• National Institute of Design (NID)

• Pearl Academy

• MIT Institute of Design

• Symbiosis Institute of Design

• Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology

H2: 2. Diploma Courses in Graphic Design

If you prefer a shorter, job-oriented course, diploma programs are ideal. These focus more on practical software skills and less on theory.

H3: Popular Diploma Programs:

• Diploma in Graphic Design

• Diploma in Visual & Digital Design

• Advanced Diploma in Multimedia & Animation

H3: Duration:

• 1 to 2 years

H3: Institutes Offering Diplomas:

• Arena Animation

• MAAC

• JD Institute of Fashion Technology

• ZICA (Zee Institute of Creative Art)

H2: 3. Certificate Courses in Graphic Design

Perfect for students who want to test the waters before committing to a full-time course. Also great for learning specific tools or techniques.

H3: Duration:

• 3 to 12 months

H3: Platforms Offering Certificates:

• Coursera

• Udemy

• Skillshare

• LinkedIn Learning

Eligibility Criteria for Graphic Design Courses After 12th Arts

The best part about graphic design courses after 12th Arts is that they are open and accessible. Here's what most institutes require:

• Completed 12th grade (Arts stream preferred but not mandatory)

• Some top colleges may ask for entrance exams like NID DAT, UCEED, or portfolio reviews

• Basic drawing or digital art skills can be helpful but not compulsory

• Passion for creativity, colors, and design is a must!

Fees for Graphic Design Courses After 12th Arts

Understanding the cost of graphic design courses after 12th Arts helps you plan ahead. Here’s a rough breakdown:

H3: Degree Courses:

• ₹1.5 lakhs – ₹6 lakhs per year

• Total cost: ₹4.5 – ₹15 lakhs

H3: Diploma Courses:

• ₹50,000 – ₹2.5 lakhs (total)

H3: Certificate Courses:

• ₹5,000 – ₹70,000

Fees depend on the institute's reputation, location, facilities, and placement support.

What You’ll Learn in Graphic Design Courses

Here’s what a typical curriculum includes in graphic design courses after 12th Arts:

• Principles of Design (color theory, typography, layout)

• Digital tools: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

• Visual storytelling and branding

• UI/UX design basics

• Motion graphics and animation (in some advanced programs)

• Portfolio development

• Live projects or internships

Career Opportunities After Graphic Design Courses

Once you finish your graphic design courses after 12th Arts, you’ll have access to a wide range of creative careers.

H3: Popular Job Roles:

• Graphic Designer

• Visual Designer

• Web Designer

• UI/UX Designer (entry level)

• Illustrator

• Branding and Logo Designer

• Social Media Creative Designer

H3: Industries That Hire Graphic Designers:

• Advertising Agencies

• Digital Marketing Firms

• E-Commerce Companies

• Publishing Houses

• Animation Studios

• Freelance Platforms (like Upwork, Fiverr)

Freelancing & Entrepreneurship for Arts Students

Many Arts students who take up graphic design courses after 12th Arts end up becoming successful freelancers or business owners. If you enjoy working independently and building your own brand, freelancing is a great option.

You can:

• Create your own portfolio website

• Offer services on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork

• Build a personal brand on Instagram or Behance

• Start a digital design studio or agency

Salary Expectations After Completing Graphic Design Courses

Your salary as a fresher depends on your skills, portfolio, and the type of course you’ve completed.

• Entry-level jobs: ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA

• Freelancing income: ₹15,000 – ₹50,000/month (or more)

• With 3–5 years experience: ₹5 – ₹8+ LPA

Designers with strong branding or UI/UX skills tend to earn higher salaries.

Final Thoughts: Is Graphic Design the Right Path After 12th Arts?

Absolutely! Choosing graphic design courses after 12th Arts is one of the smartest decisions you can make if you’re a creative thinker. This path gives you the tools, techniques, and opportunities to turn your artistic passion into a rewarding profession.

Whether you choose a full-time degree, a practical diploma, or a focused certificate course, the skills you gain will stay relevant for years. The creative industry is booming, and skilled designers are in high demand.

So, if you’re ready to shape the future with colors, visuals, and imagination—graphic design is waiting for you!

FAQs

Q1. Can Arts students do graphic design after 12th?
Yes! Arts students are highly suited for graphic design due to their creative background.

Q2. What is the best course for graphic design after 12th Arts?
It depends on your goal—B.Des for in-depth learning, diplomas for quick jobs, and certificates for skill enhancement.

Q3. What is the starting salary after graphic design courses?
Freshers typically earn ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA, with opportunities to grow fast.

Q4. Do I need drawing skills to study graphic design?
Not necessarily. While helpful, many design skills today are digital and can be learned through practice.