Speedy Learner!

Online Learning Allows Student to Study at Own Pace

Gorana Urlic

A copywriter with a painting background, Gorana Urlic of Croatia came to Sessions.edu to study Graphic Design. She plans to shift her career to the visual side of commercial communication and has been aggressively pursuing her Graphic and Digital Design certificate. She is currently working at her certificate at her own accelerated pace, and plans to graduate by early 2006.

World Wide Learn caught up with Gorana to discover more about her unique approach to online learning.

World Wide Learn:	How do you fit online learning into your schedule?
Gorana Urlic:	During the introductory courses, I didn't believe that I would be actually designing so soon. When I started the Graphic Design course, I was so excited; I would spend 6 to 8 hours at once without getting up from my PC at all. Then reality hit and I realized I've got to eat sometime :o). Although I have a lot of work and personal responsibilities to balance, I've taken Sessions.edu very seriously and try to do a bit every day. I am a perfectionist, so I may spend a bit more time on each project than I should.
World Wide Learn:	About how many hours a week do you spend on your classes?
Gorana Urlic:	On average, I would say maybe 15-20 hours. That includes going through design books, tutorials, magazines and so on that inspire me and help me realize my ideas. One of the reasons I spend a lot of time on projects is that I am still lacking a bit of technical knowledge, so some things take longer than they would someone more experienced. On the other hand, discovering what different computer programs let you do is an exciting adventure.
World Wide Learn:	How do you feel you are benefiting from the online critique and revision process?
Gorana Urlic:	I've had some fantastic mentors at Sessions.edu such as instructors Piper Nilsson and Laura Schwamb. It is the best way to learn from successful professionals who know what they are talking about (and not just in theory) and are willing to give you critique and guide you towards realization of your vision. It makes the whole learning process less overwhelming and you feel less lost.
World Wide Learn:	Now that your courses are well underway, have you started to develop a more specific area of interest within the design field?
Gorana Urlic:	I've recently started the Web Design course and I find it both interesting and challenging. Working in a Marketing department of an ISP company, I've done a lot of creative work for online and print advertising. Now I get to do the visual part of it at Sessions.edu and I love it. Having a professional background in advertising, I love designing posters, brochures, and corporate identity the most. The great thing about Sessions.edu is that you get to try a bit of everything, like designing packaging or illustrating a children's poem.
World Wide Learn:	Any projects you are particularly proud of?
Gorana Urlic:	Every project I have done so far is special because I never thought I would be able to do it in a million years. "The French Kids" illustration was the first project I did using Illustrator. The PHASHION magazine logo and layout was so cool that I ended up creating cover pages for 3 issues, instead of one that was required. I am especially fond of the City Project competition assignment; because I had never done a brochure before and I only entered because I was sure my logo design wouldn't get me to the second round of the competition. As it happened, my design came second overall.
World Wide Learn:	Some students take their time completing their courses, while others push through as quickly as possible. What works for you?
Gorana Urlic:	Since I've just taken a three-month leave from Sessions.edu to travel around Australia (what a place!), this is the time to push through the rest of the courses as hard and fast as I can. I am hoping to finish the Graphic and Digital Design certificate by January 2006. I have a feeling that in the future I might come back for another course or two.

Experience the world of digital design! Gorana discovered her creativity in this field, and you can too!

Related Links: - Online Graphic Design Courses - Sessions.edu - Online Digital Photography Courses - Online Web Design Courses - Online Web Graphics Courses - Online Graphic Design & Multimedia Degree

Article contributed by Sessions.edu.