Computer hardware and software
How do I transition into a graphic design career?
Question : How do I transition into a graphic design career?
I currently considering a four year degree in graphic design. I am artistically talented and I have two solid years of foundational art/illustration courses from Ringling School of Art & Design. I also have a marketing background with exposure to CRM, online media, and web analytics tracking.
Does anyone have thoughts on transitioning into the graphic design field?
online crm
Best answer:
Answer by Todd Y
Sounds liek you already are on the track to Graphic Design. What does your portfolio look like at this point?
Put your resume together and start sending it out to places and have your portfolio ready to show them, that’s the best way to get into it.
If you want to transition your current degree, (what is your current degree in?) it sounds like you shouldn’t have to do much as far as classes go…
Make sure you have a good grasp on type and being able to communicate the ideas through your work. One thing I’m constantly reminded of is is this is Graphic Design and not Fine Art, so I have to make sure I’m getting the point across first and foremost…
It sounds like, from your background, you just need to start applying for jobs and seeing if you have what they’re looking for. From being out in the job market I know first hand that the job market is looking for your skills. Make sure your portfolio is the best it can be and that will help you immensely.
Also, if you know Web Design, HTML/CSS Coding, Adobe Flash and Actionscript…those are HUGE in the market right now and will increase your value exponentially…any other web languages/database skills you know will only be butter on your muffin…
Graphic Design is all about ‘selling’ something…a product or information…in the private sector you’re going to be trying to get the message of the product out there and make it shine in the noise that has become the product market…lol..
Good Luck….
Well my thoughts are, you sound like you have some background already. Therefore a time consuming 4 year degree program would not benefit you that much. Your question is a little general, and does not list a specific weakness, so it’s hard to diagnose exactly.
In case you don’t already know, you’ll want to learn what design really is by doing some research online.
I’d say pick an area of graphic design that you want to do, like web, identity, illustration, advertising, etc. and build a portfolio of about 10-15 pieces in that area. That may mean getting jobs yourself off of Craigslist, or your local newspaper. It may mean learning various software like Photoshop and Illustrator if you don’t already know them.
Do you want to work alone? In an agency? Full time, part time or contract?
You might want to build some self-promotion pieces and send them out to various companies. (Go to your local library and get Mary Cox’s 2008 Artist and Graphic Designer’s Market for a huge list, and some good tips).
Best of luck.