Newbie on the block =]

[macbeck]

Hi fellow designers.

My name is Becky, I use macs, and my last name is McCoy,
Hence the username, MacBeck. Heh. Heh.

I work at a daily newspaper in North Carolina (www.rrdailyherald.com) that also publishes a monthly magazine that I design for (and don't get paid extra for) and I freelance (from home, at an hourly rate) for a community theatre in the area. (www.hcccentre.com) None of my work is on either of those sites, but I'll post some eventually if there's a spot, or just link to some later. I'll figure it out once I explore the forum a little bit.

I am poor. I came to vent. Granted I am have only had an actual design job for only a year, however I have quite a few years of graphic design/art experience, and almost done with my degree, so I'm still baffled as to why I am near poverty level. I barely make it seriously, even with 2 different design jobs, and designing for 3+ publications. AGH.

Can't wait to be a regular here. *waves*

[Two-Toe Tom]

hi macbeck, welcome to the forum! i hope things pick up for you soon :)

[morea]

Welcome to GDF, Becky. Cute alias. ;)

I do some pro bono work for my local Shakespeare troupe - programs and such. It's nice to meet a fellow theater buff.

Unfortunately, lots of us are not making the salaries that we expected when we signed on for this - graphic design is a terribly overcrowded industry, so employers can get away with paying lower rates since they know that they will find SOMEONE willing to take the job no matter what they offer. Fortunately for you, your work experience is likely to give you an edge over other graduates, since many focus strictly on academics and don't have any real world experience.

I would be lax in my duties if I didn't direct you to the threads posted HERE (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=42) - please take a look over them when you have a few moments... in particular the New User FAQ (it's not very long, and I've tried to keep it reasonably entertaining; there is also a link in that thread which explains most of the 'inside jokes' you'll run into on the boards) and the links to frequently discussed topics, which includes some helpful information on job hunting, portfolio building, and other relevant information.

Nice to have you here. I hope that you enjoy the place. ;)

[AlexNJ210]

welcome to the forum. Most of us here feel where you're coming from. Many designers here actually work in printing, and do freelance design on the side. I myself have a design degree but i work for a large financial print company which pays a decent rate. If youre having career woes like many of use, one thing we recommend is to search for work in the printing industry, there are many jobs and the exprience require is very similar. This kind of experience will also help you design better and be more efficient with getting work out the door and back. Hope you enjoy the forum here, there are many professionals and respected people in the industry here and we all like to have a good time and learn from each other. Welcome.

[Exodus]

Welcome to the forum. :)

[SpugNothuson]

Welcome Becky.

If we've got any Kings hanging around the GDF can we politely ask you to keep your distance from them. We don't want any little "accidents" now do we. ;)

[morea]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c343/gdfmorea/silly%20things/rofl.gif

Uh oh! Mac.Finn is the King of Spain!

[Ben Kessler]

Macbeck, welcome to GDF!

[mac.FINN]

Is it just me or do those trees look closer?

[macbeck]

I'm trying to understand it all! Ahh! Naive, I am.

[macbeck]

Welcome to GDF, Becky. Cute alias. ;)

I do some pro bono work for my local Shakespeare troupe - programs and such. It's nice to meet a fellow theater buff.

Unfortunately, lots of us are not making the salaries that we expected when we signed on for this - graphic design is a terribly overcrowded industry, so employers can get away with paying lower rates since they know that they will find SOMEONE willing to take the job no matter what they offer. Fortunately for you, your work experience is likely to give you an edge over other graduates, since many focus strictly on academics and don't have any real world experience.

I would be lax in my duties if I didn't direct you to the threads posted HERE (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=42) - please take a look over them when you have a few moments... in particular the New User FAQ (it's not very long, and I've tried to keep it reasonably entertaining; there is also a link in that thread which explains most of the 'inside jokes' you'll run into on the boards) and the links to frequently discussed topics, which includes some helpful information on job hunting, portfolio building, and other relevant information.

Nice to have you here. I hope that you enjoy the place. ;)
Ahh, well I am making such an embarrassingly low amount/wage that I am too ashamed to even share it quite yet..

[Tea]

Welcome!

[mac.FINN]

I'm trying to understand it all! Ahh! Naive, I am.

from Macbeth.

Macbeth, Macbeck... similar. Yes? No?


eitherway, welcome Becky :D

[macbeck]

haha, whew ok. I got the King reference, but was lost on the trees.

[mac.FINN]

MacDuff disguises his army as trees when approaching Macbeth's castle.

[Virgo Nightingale]

Welcome to the forum Macbeck!

You're not alone. I'm poor too. And I date/live with a musician. That makes me even more poor. :rolleyes:

[Logo-Mechanix]

Welcome Macbeck, my wife and I make a good living but have three one year olds which means I'm poor too.

[cornfed]

Hi macbeck! Welcome to the forum! Sorry you're poor, but even sorrier that I am! If I were rich, I would be a philanthropist. Really, I would.

[macbeck]

Welcome to the forum Macbeck!

You're not alone. I'm poor too. And I date/live with a musician. That makes me even more poor. :rolleyes:


And I date a photographer, but he makes it okay. ;)

[SpugNothuson]

That MacDuff was a clever man.

MacBeth's lot were as thick as Pig DooDoo though. Seriously trees don't move by themselves.

[tuliptree]

Hi MacBeck! Welcome.
I'm poor too!....my husband and I both have degrees in fine art (me painting, he sculpture), I don't think I need to say anymore! :p

Hope you have as much fun here as I do, this is a great place!

[budafist]

You haven't got a degree yet and have only had a job for 1 year? Patience my dear. Don't expect to be rich without experience or an education.