Preparing For a Job In Graphic Designing/Illustrator

[Word Of Vendetta]

Well I live in the UK and I've been thinking a lot at the moment and I've been wondering, how difficult is it to get in a job based on Graphic Designing & Illustrator? What skills should I have before attempting to get a job? I know how to use Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator (a little) Im currently doing B-Tec Art & Design in my college and im trying to improving my hand drawing skills weekly. (sometimes daily)

• What other computer programs should I learn?

• Will having a graphic tablet be of any use? (getting one at Xmas hopefully)

• How strong should my portfolio should be?

• Is B-Tec Art & Design the right course for me?

• Any sites you would recommend me checking for improvements?

• What Area Should I work on to get a better chance?

I really just want to know it all before its too late.
Because my mother is retiring her job in 5 years so I just want to get everything sorted out before that happens.

Thanks.

[captain spanky]

The industry itself is fairly saturated... but there still is a desperate need for designers with relevant experience and who can work to a decent standard.

• What other computer programs should I learn?
layout programmes... quark or indesign most importantly
you need to decide where you are heading tho... print or web?

• Will having a graphic tablet be of any use? (getting one at Xmas hopefully)
unless you are doing graphic instensive illustration then a graphic tablet will be more fun than useful imo :) not a bad thing tho... i've got one.

• How strong should my portfolio should be?
as strong as you can make it... every little helps

• Is B-Tec Art & Design the right course for me?
i've got the same qualification but i find people judge me on my outlook, drive, skills and experience rather than a bit of paper

• Any sites you would recommend me checking for improvements?
improvements in what?

• What Area Should I work on to get a better chance?
work on what you feel happiest doing... someone once said "if you enjoy what you do, you will never work a day in your life"
if you feel your skills in certain areas are lacking, try and improve them.
Try and get as much freelance experience as possible.

[PrintDriver]

You will never know it all in this industry. It is mutating daily. Literally.

You really need to know theory as well as programs.

You taking over mum's job?

[Word Of Vendetta]

• What other computer programs should I learn?
layout programmes... quark or indesign most importantly
you need to decide where you are heading tho... print or web?
Most likely print.

• Any sites you would recommend me checking for improvements?
improvements in what?
Like design programs

Nope im not taking over my mothers job.