just quickly

[dope05]

hey im new to these forums and that i was just wondering whether some one could help me out in how i can get my self into a graphic design career i have just come out of a 3 half year art and design course and i pretty much know all that the teacher tells me if anyone can give me any advice on what to do that would be most appreciated thanks ?

[PrintDriver]

Morea will be along any minute to give you links, I'm sure.

Do you have any practical experience at all? Internships, work study, that kind of thing?
Because in this field, the difference between knowing everything the teacher told you and actually knowing how to get something printed (or online) is vast. Entry level right now is about 2 years on the job experience and a solid portfolio. Catch 22.

[Jackimalyn]

Unfortunately, PrintDriver's right. Its really hard to get your foot in the door. In my experience, it seems every teacher has a different view on the industry becasue they all come from different design backgrounds so make sure you are learning from other sources as well. You have gound a good one, this forum. There are also a lot of recommended books on here, etc. Most of all, get your name out there. Network through friends to get word of mouth work. Freelancing is a great way to get some experience when you have talent but no one will hire you. Make sure they dont walk all over you though.

Go to conferences, build your portfolio and after you get some "real work" under your belt, you'll get more respect out there and it will be easier to get a job (not easy... easier). Its a tough industry to break into- but good luck and welcome :)

[dope05]

yeah i have a good solid portfolio and that ive been getting it together for the 3 years now to take with me to job interveiws its not the fact i know how to do things and that i am getting a better general idea in how things are done and how people go about doing them, as my friend has his own business he was telling me i should maybe think of doing my own business but as i havent had any previous experience in creating a business it would be silly to jump straight in if you see what i mean?. i have still got to catch up with him about a job as he has seen my work and says that i have the knowledge and skills to further a career in it ? i will have to get hold of him soon and have another chat i think...

[Jackimalyn]

I got a semi design related job and then I kind of fell into freelancing and just learned the ins and outs as I went... mostly from this forum. This is a great resource and we'll all help you out if you want to start freelancing... I wouldnt call that starting your own business, even though it essentially is. People here will help you will legal issues (ie. contracts, copyrights), critique your work in the showcase section and even feel for you when you have ahole clients.

Evereyone on here is more than willing to share techniques, tricks and shortcuts. Just ask! good luck, we've all been (and are) there.

[dope05]

yeah cheers for all the help people i will probably need all the help i can get at the moment lol cheers
:)

[Samakimoto Graphics]

Welcome to the real world, lots of big brothers and sisters here!

[rickself]

Good luck dope05.
Just a side-critique here from a former journalism student: I hope you don't speak like you type. Relearn your punctuation. Please! :eek: It looks like how my teenage girls IM! :rolleyes:

[morea]

http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7892

Check out our frequently discussed topics thread - there are some great tips there.

[PrintDriver]

Rick, don't you like paragraph long run on sentences?

[rickself]

I think Quark has a paragraph format button for that i can't remember how to get it maybe it was in quark 5 that was beack in the good old days of Quark sorry dope05 i'm poking fun at your expense we try to have a good time in here

[Vikia]

Ahh to be young and not so jaded again...

Good luck!

You might try getting into a prepress department as an intern at a print shop. It simply amazes me how much you can learn by working with other designer's files. Especially what NOT to do.

In the meanwhile, freelancing where you can will help to build your portfolio with real world projects beyond your school assignments.

[Danger_Mouse]

You might try getting into a prepress department as an intern at a print shop. It simply amazes me how much you can learn by working with other designer's files. Especially what NOT to do.

This is a great suggestion. To me its like training camp, once you come out of it you can be pretty confident not only in your file preparation etc, but also to get a bigger understanding and relationship between the GD and printer.

If you can't get a job doing it I would try to visit one and ask to hang out. Freelancing, you would eventually learn things anyways through regular contact with your printer for any job you send. Establish a good relationship, they will be more than willing to help you out as it only make their jobs easier.

Fixing, imposing and troubleshooting other peoples files will help you sharp shoot your own.

[Crimson]

Yep prepress is what got me to the legendary status I have as acatalog monkey. If you find a way to work in pictures of Godzilla or Mr. T into all your designs like I do then you well be on your way to becoming a thousandaire.

* and like Danger mouse and Vika said- it will shapren your skills. Heck even working the desk at Kinko's will give you some insight.

[SharkFinStudios]

Getting your foot in the door takes persistence and a keen mind. I got mine in the door ages ago by creating ad slicks for a paint store, then moved into the newspaper business. Since then I have touched many different branches of design and the most experience I got was from a prepress dept. It was fast paced and detailed and I learned something new everyday. Great suggestion, Vikia.

Good luck!

[dope05]

thankyou guys most appreciated i have just been on the phone to a few companies they want to see some of my work so i have to ring them in the week to sort out a time and date to visit.