Computer Graphics major...not graphic design

[reuber1]

That is what I just graduated with this year, a degree in Computer Graphics and Interactive Multimedia...NOT graphic design. I've come to the conclusion that CG covers the broad range of new media design, so graphic design (print) is something I can apply for, along with basic web design (not development), 3D modeling, video production, motion graphics, etc.

I still feel out of the loop as far as knowledge goes. The only art classes I've taken are two semester-longhistory courses anda drawing course for three weeks; everything else I've had that was actually related to computer graphics were basically software training courses.

Long story short, I know practically nothing about design rules and basics and I really don't want to go back to college to fill those in. Then again, I don't know if I want to know the rules because, this is just my opinion and maybe I'm wrong about this, so design majors don't take offense, but wouldn't learning these rules essentially dictate your design styles and therefore limit any possible breakthroughs in design? I've looked at works by David Carson and I love that kind of stuff, even though I know there are a lot of people who scoff at it. When I design, I design to make it look good, I don't think about "whether this color goes with that color" or whatever; whenever I design something satisfying to me it's because it looks great and other people think so to, not because I followed rules. Maybe I am following the rules and I don't even know it, but myeducation section in my resume doesn't sayGraphic Design.I hope I'm not screwed out of work because my degree says "Computer Graphics" instead.

[PrintDriver]

Hey, welcome to the forum.

Like we've said a million times here, the degree don't count, your book (portfolio, demo disk) does. If you have a kick-ass book, whether you follow the 'rules' or not, someone, somewhere may like what you do.

I know of a few guys who started in the gaming program end of things and landed jobs designing interactives for kid's exhibits at museums and corporate splash videos - things like that. They all have a design 'sense' though and a couple went to film school.

As for 'rules', it's always a good idea to know them so when you break them you know where to hide the bodies.

PrintDriver is a large format digital print dude. His advice/opinions may not apply to the 4color/offset/web world of printing

[uncle carbunkle]

true!

knowing the 'rules' makes it so much more fun when you break them. post some work - there will be no shortage of opinions from this place!

:)

greetings, earthlings. take me to your dealer.

[3howards]

reuber1, it really doesn't matter what your background is in as long as you can do what you effectively. the company in newport beach called juxt interactive, they're high-end flash developers, was created by a guy who used to be an architect. now he's the creative director at this company and they do kick-ass work.

like the other 2 have said, it's about whether you can do the job and have a good book. more and more employers are learning that technical skills can be taught, but talent, that's a whole different ball game. you either have it or you don't. granted, there are some things you can teach yourself now and the wonderful thing about it is you don't have to go back to school to do it. there are enough resources online and in bookstores to learn what you need know. the one thing about this field, just like information technology, is that the learning never stops. technology changes constantly and you have to keep up with it.

good luck in your quest for work. also, remember that you probably won't get your dream job right off the bat. many of us had to start at the bottom and work ourselves up. it's just like everything else in life.

[reuber1]

Thanks for the replies. Kinda puts me at ease with some of that info. As soon as I can optimize some of my work I'll post it up here, but I must warn that my portfolio isn't huge because I have only 2 years of work from school (I transfered after getting my A.S.). Hey, I'd rather have a few good pieces instead of a bunch of crappy ones.

[3howards]

yeah, you're book isn't about quantity, it's about quality ...

[Big Perm-dizzle]

this is a great place to fill in the gaps....thats why we all are here.... WELCOME....

rules are great but but designing by insinct and 'feeling it' is the best....

JUST LAUNCHED - www.hirethisdesigner.com (http://www.hirethisdesigner.com) - check it out

[Jeff]

Though I'm a big advocate for designers to get formal education, in your case I wouldn't want to go back either.

If I were you I'd look into some self-education in the form of typography and print design books. The statement about wanting to design like David Carson and how 'knowing the rules would dictate your design style' is wrong-thinking. David Carson breaks the rules because he KNOWS the rules. That being said, its not like the 'rules' are some set of Swiss Design doctrine that every person with a design degree follows like a good little zombie either. If you want to be a professional designer there are going to be certain typographical rules you'll need to be aware of or your work will suffer for it. For example, not knowing the difference between an orphan and a widow and why they are best to avoid isn't being avant-garde, its just being ignorant.

You should not ignore ways to expand your knowledge of your chosen field.

[guber42]

Hey what up, im from Iowa also.
I would try to get a job somewhere small where you think you might be able to learn some design skills.
In the mean time try to teach yourself.
I know you said you dont design keeping the rules in mind, but next time you look at an ad break it down in your mind and try to analyze whats going on in that ad.
Such as the text, the photos, the layout, the colors, etc.
Try to think about each and every piece of the design.
Try to realize what could be done better.
Also keep a collection of ads you like.
Forinstancewhenever I go to a restaurant and I like their menu, I take it.

The man who is really serious, with the urge to find out what truth is, has no style at all. ---Bruce Lee

[paulrandfan]

Alright...let me give you some reference material:


Typography:
The elements of typographic style, by Robert Bringhurst
The Mac is Not a Typewriter, by Robin Williams
The Mac is Still not a Typewriter, by Robin Williams
Jan Tschichold: A Life in Typography, Ruari McLean


Theory:
The Designer's Guide to Color Combinations: 500+ Historic and Modern Color Formulas in CMYK, Leslie Carbaga
The Education of a Graphic Designer, Steven Heller
Design Dialogues, Steven Heller
David Carson, 2nd Sight: Grafik Design After the End of Print, Lewis Blackwell, Carson
The End of Print, David Carson and Lewis Blackwell
Fotografiks, David Carson
Becoming a Graphic Designer: A Guide to Careers in Design, 2nd Edition, Steven Heller

History and Designers:
The History of Graphic Design, by Philip Meggs (our bible)
MTIV: Process, Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer, Hillman Curtis
Paul Rand: A Designer's Art, Paul Rand (my god)
Trek: David Carson, David Carson
Paul Rand: Modernist Designer, by Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo
From Lascaux to Brooklyn, by Paul Rand
Paul Rand, by Steven Heller (personal favorite)

As you can see I've developed my favorites: David Carson, Paul Rand, Steven Heller. I think of these books, the one you should start out with is our bible. Having the history is the best place to start, and working through that will lead you through the rest. Of the type books, I highly recommend The Elements of Typographic Style, and the Mac is not a Typewriter. The first is the history of type, and the second is the how to: and do's and don'ts of typographic layout (i.e., rivers, widows, em's and en's)


I hope this helps, and if you need help: artwork513@hotmail.com






Post Edited (paulrandfan) : 7/2/2004 4:46:07 AM GMT

[reuber1]

Although a little late, a huge thanks for the replies, especially paulrandfan with the library of books; I got a couple of those titles and recently bought "Graphic Design for the 21st Century" by Taschen books which is pretty helpful. Going back to school right now is not my cup of tea, but if I don't get a job shortly I may consider going back to get my Masters (any good places, anyone? I'm thinking Iowa State mainly because it's close). Other than that a humongous thanks to all who posted; this site is f'ing awesome and I've gotten more knowledge from here than my final two years of college, and the people are nicer here too.

Guber42, where from?

[idaho]

Reuber,

Where did you go to school?

-Idaho