Hey...just a few questions

[ucantflylikeme]

HEY!

I should probably introduce myself first. My name is Crystal and I am a junior in high school. Recently my Computer Applications class was assigned a project to research a job that we are interested in. One of my dreams is to become a graphic designer some day. I though that instead of just doing research on the subject I could ask some people that were experienced in graphic design.

I was wondering if some people could tell me a little bit about what they do and their opinions about it.

A couple of questions that I need answered are:

1. Which schools offer graphic design courses? (that you would recommend)
2. What is the average salary for a graphic designer?
3. Which degrees are required to become a graphic designer?
4. What kind of jobs are available in the field?

I would really appreciate any answers, and any advice you would be willing to give me.


Thanks

<3crystal

[Red Kittie Kat]

Lot's of questions there Crystal ... while you await answers let me say welcome :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/RedKittieKat/welcomes/welcome28.gif

[morea]

the answers to most of your questions can be found in our frequently discussed topics thread, here: http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7892

You might want to have a look over that... there is a lot of great information.

1. Which schools offer graphic design courses? (that you would recommend)
check this article. What should a high schooler look for when selecting a GD college (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16612)

2. What is the average salary for a graphic designer?
depends on your location, experience, the type of work you do, the size company you work for, and many other factors. You can check www.salary.com but their listed salaries tend to look a lot higher than what people actually seem to get paid.

3. Which degrees are required to become a graphic designer?
please refer back to that frequently discussed topics thread... some positions don't require a formal degree at all, though it is very important to know design principles. The general concensus seems to be that a great portfolio and the ability to set up files properly for print (and/or web) may get you farther than a formal degree. That said, a degree provides a structured learning environment in which one can learn design and it may give you an edge in certain positions.

4. What kind of jobs are available in the field?
probably too many to name. You can work in a prepress department at a print shop preparing files for printing, an advertising agency or GD firm, as an "in house" designer at a regular company, at a newspaper or magazine, or you can own your own business... there are lots of avenues to explore.

Please be sure to look over this article: What to Expect out of a Design Career (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/articles/design_career_expectations.htm). Not trying to scare you, but this is a very crowded industry, and many people with perfectly good degrees and even years of experience have trouble finding work at ALL, let alone work that pays well. This is a job that you get into because you love it, not because you expect to make a lot of money.

Hope that helps some. Good luck!

[Broacher]

I have to tell you this story. This week I was at a meeting at a college campus. When the meeting finished I walked down a long hall that was filled with tables of displays that were all to do with careers. I think it was a class project of business students (Marketing?) and each student had chosen a different profession and they were presenting to whoever was interested all the various aspects of their chosen career topic.

My eye caught one titled "The Graphics Arts Industry". Not so much because of the display's design, but the topic (of course). As I was studying the display I overheard the display's designer talking to another student about jobs in the graphics trade. The part I remember went something like this:

"Oh, yeah. I wanted to get into graphic design myself. I mean, you make tons and tons of money. But I'm not sure I want to sell my creativity as much as share it. You know? I was thinking I'd be good at teaching it though."

Good thing I had finished all of my coffee.

[PrintDriver]

ROFLMFAO!
That is just too good Broacher.
I wish you hadn't finished your coffee... Woulda been a great spew!

[Red Kittie Kat]

lmao Broacher - did you get a sore lip from biting it? ;)

[Broacher]

Yeah, and you know... the sad thing is, this kid will probably be either one of our clients or managers in the next five years or so.

Hmm.... maybe I'll add a 'bullet to bite on" to that graphic designer travel survival kit that I'm designing. Unfortunately, I was not able to get all the pieces ready for retail distribution this holiday season. Maybe next year.

As a teaser though, I'll mention just one piece that's in the kit already-- and one that my carefully selected focus group has responded to most enthusiastically.

The 'Creative Rejection Absorption Pad'-- the 'CRAP' tool is a sturdy, wall-mounted impact absorbing sponge pad designed specifically to absorb those frequent post-rejection frustrations, quickly, and silently in an anatomically calibrated system of pressure resistant cells. Available in stylish Broacher Brand grey with optional upgrades for those with larger cranial masses.

[Red Kittie Kat]

lmaooo @ CRAP tool ... that is priceless Broacher :D

[ucantflylikeme]

Thanks for all your input. I'll cheack out those sites. If you think of anything else please tell me:)

Thank You again,

Crystal

[markov]

Hey 3crystal ! Welcome to the forum!

[Samakimoto Graphics]

*Karibu* crystal!

LMAO Broacher!

[Exodus]

LOL, Broacher!

Welcome to the Forum Crystal! :)

[(gra-ph!c-D'sig-nah)]

HAAAAA ha ha ha ha.....oh my frigggggin gosh~! That is the funniest thing I have heard, and I need one....LOL @ Broacher!