WHAT exactly is Visual Communication? The use of images and visuals for communication is as old as humanity itself. Visual communication is the communication of ideas through the visual display of information. Primarily associated with two dimensional images, it includes: art, signs, photography, typography, drawing fundamentals, colour and electronic resources. Recent research in the field has focused on web design and graphically-oriented usability. In a country that has a deficit of designers and creative professionals, a degree in visual communication may just be the route to channelise creative instincts and pursue a career in it.

This course can be taken up by anyone who has completed 10+2 in any stream. Most colleges have their own entrance exams and interview before selecting a student. A few of them also review portfolios. “The course is designed to help students theoretically understand human communication, development communication and media culture and society as well as gain basic practical knowledge in advertising, photography, television production, film and computer graphics,” explains Henry Maria Victor. V, Head of Department, Visual Communication, Loyola College, Chennai. Loyola College was one of the earliest colleges in the country to start a course in Visual Communication in 1989. There are about 30 colleges in and around Chennai offering a course in VISCOM.

The course offers students openings in the media industry and advertising industry as art directors, copy writers and account executives; in the television industry as programme executive, camera man and editor; in the film industry as directors, actors and art directors; in IT field as web designers, computer graphics artists and animation personnel, interface designers; in the photography industry as photo journalists, advertising photographer, fashion photographer, industrial photographer and wildlife photographer.

“After doing my graduation in Visual Communication, I immediately got a job as a photojournalist with a leading newspaper. Next year I am planning to apply abroad for a specialized course in photojournalism,” informs Gayatri Murthy, a former student of Visual Communication at a college affiliated to University of Madras. An entry-level job would pay a fresher anything between Rs. 10000-15000. Although, there are jobs available for graduates, most graduates specialise in a field of their choice. For instance - if you have a flair for writing and are passionate about it, journalism is one option. Institutions like Loyola College offer MSc programmes in VISCOM. So if you are attracted to visuals, art and designing, a course in Visual Communication might be a lucrative option for you.