The International Business College’s graphic design program has produced graduates that have gone to work in some pretty nice digs. One graduate was responsible for the website of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for five years and another worked alongside the late Steve Jobs at Apple. The best part is that they were in school for only 16 months.
“We offer short-term education with immediate results,” said Kevin Wilson, graphic design instructor. “The biggest thing I try to teach students isn’t necessarily about drawing or design; I try to teach them that they can do anything they want to do if they apply themselves.”
Although it may sound cliché, Wilson’s strategy works. Joe “Allen Imagery” Woods, a graduate of IBC, speaks highly of Wilson saying, “Ninety percent of students come to IBC because of Mr. Wilson.”
“I don’t actually talk with students. I let them talk with one of my current students,” said Wilson. “My thing is this, would you rather buy a car from a salesman or someone who has already bought a car from that salesman? I let my students speak for me and tell what their experience has been.”
The experience, according to Woods is extraordinary. IBC’s graphic design program helps develop students’ skills using common design principals and they receive training in color, typography, drawing, illustration as well as the business side of design. There are also small classroom sizes.
Woods said he appreciated that the program began with the basics.
“They teach web design, print design and the fundamentals,” he said. “It was important to learn fundamentals because now when I see other people’s work, I can tell the difference. Having that foundation was really important to me.”
Graduates of the graphic design program create a portfolio of work that can be used to show future employers. Wilson notes that one of the reasons IBC students are sought after is because they educate them as if they’re in the real world. They offer a program called Professional Development where they teach students how to interview, how to write a resume, dressing for success and writing business letters.
“I give my students real world deadlines. I’ve seen projects come out of other schools and students will say they had two weeks to complete it and that’s just not realistic,” he said.
After graduation, Woods started his own business, The Allen Imagery Design Group where he specializes in brand consulting, social media and graphic design.
“IBC helped me enhance my skills,” Woods said. “Every school isn’t for everybody. However, if you want to take classes that are related to what you want to do in your field, this is the best situation.”
For more information on International Business College call (317) 813-2346 or www.ibcindianapolis.edu.
For more on The Allen Imagery Design Group, visit www.theaidg.com.
