a question of career path

[jhkali]

Hello folks. My name is Joe and I'm new to the forum here. I'm 30 years of age and have decided to pursue a career in graphic design. I do have degrees in art history (BA) and computer animation (AS). I have started to read up on basic design principles and typography; and I'll also be creating a new portfolio pretty soon. Still, I do need some advice.
I was wondering if starting out doing pre-press would be viable vs. trying to get into a regular design position in the beginning. As much as I would like to try to start doing conceptual work right away, I want to be competant enough to set up the design work for print properly. Still, I don't want to hamper my chances of getting good employment if there is some sort of "stigma" attached to being in pre press. I read the post of someone who was trying to get out of pre press into doing more conceptual work.
I really do appreciate any words of advice you folks can give. I really like the community here.
Thank you all for your time.

Sincerely,
Joe http://www.graphicdesignforum.com//emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Kool]

Hi Joe, welcome to the forum. A year in pre-press will make you a much better print designer. Most of our best designers have done it.

I love children but I don't think I could eat a whole one.

[Keyare]

Kool is so....
what is that word...

patient...
and stuff....


WHAT HE^^ SAID.

Care to share a tacoobie?

[Keyare]

Otherwise I would have said, "Get the heck out while you still can."




I love children but I don't think I could eat a whole one......again.......today.

Post Edited (Keyare) : 9/16/2004 6:52:14 AM GMT

[D-Zine]

LOL!!

Work atleast a year of prepress! Pweesee! Not the most exciting stuff design wise sometimes but you NEED the experience, trust me! It will do you well!

Boobie Island or Bust!

[defjoe]

you really don't have a choice. cause no one will hire you as a concept designer right off the bat. you will have to pay your dues first.

starting at 30? your a brave man...good luck.

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

'I'm the damn designer, bitches!'

[Eraser Nubbin]

Ya working on the print end for a while will give you a better appreciation for the guys on the other side when you actually do get a conceptual design job. Good luck!

Match in the gas tank, boom boom.

[Mickey]

Wisdom must come with age!!! Joe you are on the right track, as I see it the only way to truly be a well rounded designer is to learn how to get your designs to print the way you envision them and prepress is the only way to really get that experience...

http://home.wi.rr.com/mygraphics/konceptcreative.jpg

[defjoe]

you got it mickey and plus employers want someone that know that RBG images will not print right in when going to press.

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

'I'm the damn designer, bitches!'

[D-Zine]

/emoticons/offtopic.gif and I'm sorry but

defjoe - I have been saying what your sig says all fkn day today..haha!

Ok..back to matters at hand - Prepress! It's a must for someone starting in the biz.

/emoticons/thumbsup.gif

Boobie Island or Bust!

[jhkali]

I wanted to thank you folks again for your opinions and views (and for the greetings to the forum). I know that I am starting sort of late (at 30), but I figure better late than never. I'd rather be doing something in the graphic arts field than nothing at all.
Once again, thank you all. I plan on posting more in the future.

Sincerely,
Joe :)

Post Edited (jhkali) : 9/17/2004 3:37:38 AM GMT

[spaceddreams]

I wanted to thank you folks again for your opinions and views (and for the greetings to the forum). I know that I am starting sort of late (at 30), but I figure better late than never. I'd rather be doing something in the graphic arts field than nothing at all.
Once again, thank you all. I plan on posting more in the future.

Sincerely,
Joe :)

Post Edited (jhkali) : 9/17/2004 3:37:38 AM GMT


Example 1 of designer who started late: Frank Gehry(in Architecture)

[budafist]

Hmmm...I'm a year and a half in pre-press now. Does that mean it's time to move on?