Hello Oldies!

[MAVD]

Hi, needless to say i'm new, I've been reading a lot because i have issues with my deign education. I am currently a student at Miami Dade College (kendall campus), I work at the college too, doing design work, and I am doing an internship at New World Simphony in Miami beach. I studied Advertising in another country for 2 years, and I am now currently enrolled in an AS in Graphic Design, and thinking about my possibilities. I'm just starting to figure out how this place works so i guess i'll save my questions for now, so i don't post them in the wrong place! Well, Im glad i joined!:)

[CkretAjint]

Welcome. Nice to see another designer from the south Fl region!!! Don't save your questions, ask away! That is the only way you will ever learn anything... :D

[Two-Toe Tom]

welcome to the forum, MAVD! :)

[Kool]

Hi Mavd, welcome to the forum. http://home.comcast.net/~rnick9/koolsmiley.gif

[Virgo Nightingale]

Welcome aboard MAVD!!! :)

[balou]

Hi Newbie! Welcome!

[MAVD]

I read all the discussions about degree or no degree, and all that stuff. but an education is still important to me and i feel that if don't educate myself i wont reach my full potential, so:

it is taking me about 3 years to complete my AS. I have to work and I am really just poor (when it comes to money at least).

if i get into doing an AA at this point that would be about 2 more years after i finish my AS. Then i would spend about 3 Years in a University geting the BFA.

or

I could finish my AS. and go to Miami AD school right here where i live for 2 years, or say 2 1/2 because i work part time, spend 30k and then go out into the world.

i like the second one because i'm good. I don't want to seem arrogant but i know, and it is no sin to recognize, that i'm at the top my my classes, my teachers recomend me for jobs, and i have a decent student portfolio, the thing is: is portfolio school a good choise?

it seems to be when it comes to time, i'm 22 and just thinking i could spend another 5 or 6 years in school......it doesn't make much sense!

any ideas? HElP Please!:(

[Ben Kessler]

MAVD, welcome to the Forum!

[Red Kittie Kat]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/RedKittieKat/welcomes/mc2DHT5FSpringBlinkie5FWelcome.gif

Welcome to GDF MAVD :D

[Exodus]

Welcome

[Kool]

Naw you don't need any of those AAs orASs or BFAs. Just get this (http://www.changingcourse.com/make-money-as-a-graphic-designer.htm) ;)

[morea]

ROFL @ Kool!

MAVD, my best advice is to check out the threads posted HERE (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=42), particularly the "links to frequently discussed topics".

I've never heard of "portfolio school", so I can't help you with that. Bear in mind that everyone here knows that you DO need to be educated to be a designer, whether you learn on your own or seek out a professional education from a college/university. Work experience (even working for a few hours on Saturday mornings in a print shop) can help open more doors for you as far as finding a job in the industry, and can also be an invaluable part of your education process.

The frequently discussed topics thread has some great information on job searching and portfolio building. You might find it helpful to read over those, and consider picking up some of the recommended books (either from the library, amazon, ebay, etc).

Volunteering to do some freelance work pro bono for a charity (animal shelter, soup kitchen, etc) that you believe in can give you real-world design pieces for your portfolio and also practical experience in working with clients.

We've also posted some helpful information for aspiring graphic designers HERE (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25079), even though it's not quite what you're looking for you might want to give it a look.

Hope that helps some. Best wishes, and welcome aboard.

[Samakimoto Graphics]

*Karibu* MAVD !:)