Do you appreciate using visual imagery, animation, music, or video to put your thoughts to life?
Are you fascinated by interactive flash advertisements?
If you are interested in all the things mentioned above, graphic and multimedia design might be the perfect course for you!
This comprehensive guide below covers almost all the information you need to enrol in a graphic and multimedia design course in Malaysia.
What is Graphic and Multimedia Design
Graphic and multimedia design includes creating visual and audiovisual material for informational purposes using printed, films, electronic, digital, and other sound and visual media.
For usage in computer games, movies, music videos, print publications, and commercials, they provide graphics, special effects, animation, and other visual imagery.
The appearance of mobile applications, the realism of video games, and the engaging advertisements we see in publications and on websites all use multimedia design in today’s society.
You can learn more about modern design by pursuing a degree in graphic and multimedia design, and learn how to work with the softwares and technologies efficiently.
Why Should You Study Graphic and Multimedia Design
Work remotely from anywhere
The flexibility of this job allows you to work from anywhere in the world.
Your design or projects will always be in your portfolio or cover letter, therefore it is not required to revalidate your degree or complete documents in order to pursue a job in graphic and multimedia design.
You could work for a single client as a member of an in-house team or for a range of clients in a big agency setting, each with its own unique style.
Several employment opportunities available
The need for graphic and multimedia designers is strong and constantly growing across all industries, particularly for those who are tech savvy.
As a graphic and multimedia designer, you will be tasked with a variety of duties and expected to create unique work that you are proud to share with the rest of the world.
It is never boring
It will never be dull since designers are always producing new content for different clients.
There are constantly new trends and technology to learn, along with rapidly changing style and aesthetics.
Keep up with the trends and make sure you’re prepared for whatever is coming if you want to stay relevant.
You’ll go far in this field if you have a curious and open mind.
Improve your problem-solving skills
The constant change in problems presented in graphic and multimedia design keeps your brain active.
It encourages you to approach the situation differently in order to produce content that will stand out from the crowd.
Thus, graphic design could be helpful if you want to keep your brain sharp, active, and healthy.
What are the Fields in Graphic and Multimedia Design
Art and Animation
Animation, special effects, and other visuals used in movies, television, video games, and websites are produced by multimedia artists and animators using computer software in addition to conventional mediums.
Web Design and Development
Professionals that specialise in multimedia design for the web use images, video, animation, and layout to build interactive web experiences that adhere to the client’s requirements.
Graphic Design
Create graphics for a range of things, including magazines, commercials, billboards, and packaging.
A talent for design, outstanding IT abilities, being well-versed in the most recent trends, and remarkable attention to detail are advantageous as a graphic designer.
Film and Video Editing
Video editors can edit material from TV programmes, movies, music videos, documentaries, and even features like news or sporting events to create the director’s vision by adding cuts, transitions, and/or special effects.
Game Design
The video game market is thriving.
As a result, there is a great need for multimedia designers with expertise in animation, 3D illustration, motion graphics, and other areas who can bring games to life.
What are the Popular Graphic and Multimedia Design Pathways
After earning your SPM or IGCSE/O-Level qualification, you have the option of enrolling in a Foundation in Arts or Design programme for 1 year or a Pre-University (A-Level, SACE, STPM, etc.) course for 1-2 years.
You can then pursue a 3-year Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Degree programme.
Otherwise, you could also pursue a 2 to 2.5 years Diploma in Graphic and Multimedia Design.
After completing your Diploma in Graphic and Multimedia Design, you have the option of going into the workforce or continuing on to a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Degree (often enrolling from Year 2 onwards).
So what does your pathway look like?
Diploma in Graphic and Multimedia Design
To qualify for a diploma course, you only need to have:
- SPM / O-Level: min. 3 credits, including a pass in Bahasa Melayu and History
Diploma courses usually take between 2 to 2.5 years to complete and cost from RM 38,000.
You can enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic and Multimedia Design
For degree courses, you will need to have 5 credits in SPM/O-Level qualification, including Bahasa Melayu and History, and the following pre-university course:
- A-Level: min. 2Es
- STPM: min. 2Cs
- AUSMAT/SACEi: min. ATAR 55
- Diploma: min CGPA 2.5
- Foundation in Design or Arts: min CGPA 2.0
A pre-university course can take up to 2 years to complete and cost from RM 20,000.
Once you’ve completed your pre-university course, you can then move on to the degree course.
Degree courses take 3 years to complete and cost from RM 64,000.
Diploma students who want to continue their studies can do so with a degree course and they begin in Year 2.
Different universities may have varying entry requirements.
Feel free to contact us for more information!
What are the skills required in Graphic and Multimedia Design
Creativity
One of, if not the most crucial, graphic and multimedia design talent is creativity.
It will be challenging to produce unique ideas if you don’t know how to tap into your creative skills.
Graphic and multimedia designers are tasked to come up with solutions for their clients, through the creation of creative multimedia content.
Examples of the content include visuals that clearly illustrate a product and its benefits or promote a company’s objective through a website.
All of this requires creativity and innovative skills.
Communication
A design’s success is defined by its ability to capture the attention of its audience.
Having the ability to communicate ideas to clients and colleagues is crucial for graphic designers.
However, communication is a two-way street.
Designers also need to be able to listen and understand the needs of their clients and audience.
This enables them to better understand the expectations of their work and the impact it brings to the client.
Time Management
The majority of designers constantly manage several projects at once.
To be able to manage their time is beneficial since this gives designers a clear timeline to follow.
Moreover, good time management also gives designers the room and space to explore their creative skills.
Top Graphic and Multimedia Design universities in Malaysia
The One Academy
A college with MSC rank and MQA accreditation, The Bandar Sunway-based The One Academy has formal affiliations with renowned design schools all around the world.
Students have been able to experience a heightened growth in concept development and creativity as a result of The One Academy’s “Masters Train Masters” teaching style, which produces “Just World Class Results.”
Graphic and Multimedia Design courses offered:
BA (HONS) Digital Media Design (3+0) University of Hertfordshire, UK – RM 116,000
BA (HONS) Graphic Design (3+0) University of Hertfordshire, UK – RM 111,500
Taylor’s University
Located in Subang Jaya, Taylor’s University is ranked among the top universities in the world, the best private institution in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
It is one of the few Asian universities to receive a rating of 5 Stars for Online Learning, recognising the top-tier education offered to the students.
Graphic and Multimedia Design courses offered:
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media – RM 100,610
Specialisations
Graphic Design
UI/UX
Digital Animation
Entertainment Design
Saito University College
Saito, with its campus in Petaling Jaya, has received multiple awards and its students have earned more than 600 awards.
Through the Global Design: Global Experience Initiative, students are able to study overseas with top partner universities.
Graphic and Multimedia Design courses offered:
Bachelor of Design (Digital Media) (Honours) – RM 64,300
Bachelor of Design (Graphic Design) (Honours) – RM 64,600
Things You Need to Know About Graphic and Multimedia Design Career
Develop abilities that a computer or robot can never possess
While technology continues to advance rapidly, a human’s touch is still highly valued.
Graphic design is creative and involves human-driven intelligence and concepts to satisfy trends, preferences, and the past.
The skills you learn from your graphic and multimedia design course will not be easily replaced by a machine.
The freedom to be creative
Like all artists, designers too have their own style.
The key is to blend your style into the materials for your clients.
However, do note that some clients have strict guidelines in terms of internal and external marketing visuals.
As you work on more projects, you will develop your signature style.
The key is to use your own style to make your clients’ materials stand out.
Have fun at your workplace
You’ll be surrounded by vibrant people if you select a creative industry.
Designers tend to be a lively bunch.
In design departments, casual dress codes, artistically designed offices, and flexible work schedules are increasingly the norm.
Popular Graphic and Multimedia Design related Jobs
A graphic and multimedia design degree is versatile since the skills you develop can be transferred to design-related jobs.
It also gives you the opportunity to join a variety of industries.
Graphic Designer
Using computer software or by hand, graphic designers develop visual designs to express ideas that attract, educate, and entertain audiences.
The average base salary for this position is RM 29,364 a year.
Film / Video Editor
Film and video editors work with moving visuals to engage or enlighten the audiences.
These editors earn an average base salary of RM 27,068 a year.
Web Designer
Web designers develop, design, and code websites and pages, many of which integrate text with audio, images, graphics, video clips, and other multimedia elements.
The average base salary is RM 35,281 a year.
Animator
Special effects artists and animators generate moving pictures and visual effects for a variety of media and entertainment.
An animator can earn an average base salary of RM 34,794 a year.
Game Designer
A game designer creates game plots and narratives, levels and landscapes, character interactions, and other creative components.
Their average base salary is RM 35,000 a year.