Questions for Designers
NitroPye (36 pencils) | Tue, 2004-08-10 17:55I am rather new to graphic design, I had attended a year of college as a Computer Science major, I got bored with how slow the program was in the computer area (I am a self taught coder and will be a coder at heart always) and annoyed at how fast other areas were (physics!!!!). But I have gotten to like graphic design so much I possibly want to change my path in life and give it a shot. (Kind of a long story but lets just say the love of my life is involved :D they are always good to have around.)
My questions to all you designers out there are:
- What kind of degree do you have?
Where did you get it from?
How did you break into the business?
Where are you currently?
If you don't have a degree in design how did you get into / learn the ways of design?
If you don't have a degree at all how are you treated in the professional world?
I am very interested to hear all your cool stories.[/]
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If I may start first.
I do have a college degree in Packaging design and a masters in Art management from the University of Applied Art, Budapest, Hungary. However, I had to learn all the computer stuff myself, because at that time they were only teaching very little of that.
I think you don't need a degree. I've seen great graphic designers, who had no formal education and vica versa. At least half if not more of the greatest advertising professionals came from a completely different area to become ad mans. Part of their success imo is that they have a completely different view on the same subject than the rest of the professionals with an academic approach. In our business, being different IS good. In the professional world if you don't have a degree, nobody cares unless you have a superb potfolio and some work experience. Believe me, most creative directors look at your porti and the last place you worked at, but not the schools you attended. So, develop yourself and go to school if you can and learn what you can. But if you can't go to school than you can still develop yourself with your own methods.
If you want to be a great graphic designer, than draw freehand as much as you can. I didn't do it, although everyone told me to. I was too lazy and I know it slows down my development now at a later stage. A good basis for any future greatness is great skill with pencil and a brush.
Also, learn a lot about history of art, and the history of applied art and graphic design. You will discover that everything on earth has been done before. It will give a tremendous background of visual reference. And, if you're talented and lucky, you might still do something new, but you need to know if it really is new.
Also, read a lot about marketing. I think that's what many talented graphic designers lack. They don't know how to talk to the consumer. Their designs are great, but it doesn't do the job.
I have learnt the most from my collegues. Every person I worked with was my teacher. I appreciate their help very much.