Can anyone help?

[will smith]

Hi All
I am a studio artworker with over 10 years exp. on all things mac based, expert on photoshop and illy, and know indesign inside out. Have worked along side award winning graphic designers, in production artwork capacity, and have had interest in graphic design and artwork since starting my first job as office jr. in publishing company.

Anyway, I have recently worked on a couple of small design jobs, which went down really well with the client, and it has given me a huge boost to my confidence doing gd work.

I now want to pursue this type of work, and I have been looking at doing a part time gd degree at University. I am a bit unsure as to what level I should start at. My portfolio is full of stuff that I have done computer based, and very little else.

So I guess my main question is this: should I pursue a gd course as I am, or should I try to enrol onto an illustration course first? How much of a factor will it be if I am not the worlds best sketch artist?

TIA
Will

[defjoe]

this has been talked about multiple times with varied opinions. do a search. but the short answer is no... don't bother. If you have some experience and a portfolio, try to get a job cause that is where you will learn about 99% of what you need.

[greyghost]

I don't know that sketch artistry really matters so much anymore. I don't think I have been called upon to do more than a REALLY rough sketch while talking to a client about their advertising or logo design.

IMHO, don't waste your money and time going back to school. You know the programs. Hanging out here long enough you will learn how to handle a lot of common computer problems and how to format things to send to various and sundry printers.

Go to the bookstore, and get all the graphic design books you like. Some of my favorites include designs for business cards and materials - great place for ideas. Get books on layout, how the eye sees things first while paging through a magazine, what colors work well together (color theory) etc.

And a few magazine subscriptions are great too.

Good luck!

[Broacher]

>>I am a studio artworker with over 10 years exp. on all things mac based, expert on photoshop and illy, and know indesign inside out.<<

Expert, eh? Hmm... man I'm tempted to ask a few Q's along that line.

But anyways, so you're basically a proud prod, who's seen the exciting glamour of the award-winning designer lifestyle (like, having no life outside of work). And you want to join that club? A GD degree? I'll disagree with the previous posters and say, if you really believe you have what it takes, concentrate on finding a GD program that minimizes computer training and concentrates much more on fundamental design principles. If you're an exceptionally driven self-learner, yes... you can learn a lot from CDs and books-- however, there is absolutely no substitute for 'graphic immersion' in a good class, with a good prof. You not only learn a lot faster about what's going right or wrong in your own work, but you see many others doing the same, and then some-- plus, you really get to practice 'talking design' in a way that you can't any other way.

It's like any language-- the best way to learn is to right in there.

[will smith]

Expert, eh? Hmm... man I'm tempted to ask a few Q's along that line.


Ask away dude, I am always happy to help!

I personally have seen very little glamour of the 'award winning designer lifestyle' - unless glamour involves being over worked, under paid, and on the brink of a nervous break down! I don't want to join anyones club, I want to be able to take a job straight from a clients head, create stunning visuals and take it right to the print stage, that's where I want to be.

Your point re:'graphic immersion' is probably what appeals most to me. I am already at the stage where I can talk confidently to clients about graphic design work, and feel I can continue to do so. But I'm only talking about the odd flyer, or business card. I want to back these skills up with more confidence so I can take on the bigger projects.

i have been looking at courses all afternoon, and the only ones available are full time. The courses that are part time seem to be basic entry level, I feel I am already there. And I don't think I am after a distance learning course either - I would lose out on what Broacher rightly describes as 'graphic immersion'.

I think the idea of purchasing a few really good gd books is going to be the best start for me, and see where that takes me. Anybody got any good suggestions for a good fundamentals in gd book?

[Crimson]

So do you actually know Will Smith? Get jiggy in this forum - it is a wonderfully helpful bunch here. Welcome to GDF.

[will smith]

I've never been to Miami or the Wild Wild West, my best mate is not Jazzy Jeff, I don't have a camp cousin called carlton, or a butler, or a fat uncle called Phil, and I don't live in frickin' Bel Air!

I am however really impressed with the gdf crew, and hope to get jiggy with you all real soon!

PS what was the butler called?

[Eraser Nubbin]

Geoffrey?

[will smith]

Oh yeah, cheers Nubbin! Or was it pimp daddy geoffrey?