Hi I'm Matt

[m2design]

I'm a..well...wannabe designer. I graduated in 2000 while I've had some short stints doing design work, mainly I've been doing customer service. I had what could be my first real design job in November, but was let go at the end of the month because as she put it "my skills aren't where they need to be", basically she though I did not know Photoshop which was not true. So I'm back to job hunting now, though I've been thinking of trying to freelance. Anyway, thats my story I hope it wasn't too depressing.

Matt

[PrintDriver]

Welcome to the forum.

There's a difference between knowing a program and being proficient at it. You may not have been fast enough at using the program to suit their needs. That comes through practice and learning shortcuts.

[Virgo Nightingale]

Welcome aboard, Matt!!

You say you graduated in 2000... From high school or from a college with a GD degree? Either way, if you want to improve your skills in Photoshop or any of the other programs that are the bread and butter to a pro designer, find some online tutorials. There's ALWAYS more to be learned. ;)

[GraphixNPrint]

Welcome Matt...

Based on your introduction I would note that there is a TON of valuable information in the active posts as well as the archives here. Take some time to really read up on the various GD software threads and tutorials that are posted. Many will give you insite that was written by extreemly proficient designers and will help to guide you into more productive work for your future employer (or even your own freelance work).

Welcome aboard and relax, we are all pretty friendly here once you learn all the ins and outs of the community.

[morea]

Welcome aboard, Matt!

Here's the stuff you'll want to know about the place:

When you have a few moments, please take a look over the threads posted here (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=42); they explain just about everything you need to know about the place.

^ Actually, if you're job seeking, you should be sure to check out the "frequently discussed topics" thread in that section... it has some great tips for job searching.

And finally, if you're not familiar with vBulletin forums there are some great tips to help get you acquainted posted here (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28801).

Enjoy your stay! ;)

[Two-Toe Tom]

welcome to the forum matt! :)

[m2design]

Thanks guys I can tell you all are a great group.I've already looked through the forum some and plan on looking through it more.

PrintDriver: You are right. When I was hired I had been unemployed for a few months and my job before that was not design related so I was rusty in Photoshop and I did explain that. Also truth be told I am for the most part self taught. I never learned the keyboard shortcuts because I preferred using the mouse.

Virgo Nightingale: I graduated from college in 2000 with a BFA in Art. Also I'm taking courses in web design at Sessions.edu

[Craig B]

Trust me, learn keyboard shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts help make you more efficient. Efficiency is a good thing. :)

[Virgo Nightingale]

I <3 keyboard shortcuts. I wish I knew more of them though.

[budafist]

I try to learn new shortcuts as soon as I've memorised the last batch. They are an amazing time saver. I'd say it cuts my working time in half. Good for me and my clients.

As for your skills Matt, if you're rusty, it's really in your best interests to get your skill set up. Did you do any grahic design in your BFA? Any theory, colour, typography, print or software?

You are competing with people that are applying for GD positions that have GD qualifications.

[Bladez]

Welcome aboard M@. you'll find this site to be of great value. I'm new here too and am already absorbing as much as I can when I can. I've been to some other design forums and this one is by far the most helpful and most friendly. They've kept me coming back. the tutorial here are great. Good luck with the hunting.

[GraphixNPrint]

Friendly?? Who, we'll behead them!!

Word of caution... some of the frootloops (they even taught me to spell) around here can become addictive; they will guide you down the path of READING; can you believe that?? Its like a cult or something.

Your mind turns to mush and you'll be coming back and begging for more. You won't be able to help yourself and no matter how many loved ones try to pry you away you'll come back again and again!

Burn this into your mind, NEVER forget it... GDF = crack to the industry insiders... RUN man RUN!

---------------

This message has been brought to you by one of your fellow addicts. Please, disregard any previous thought provoking messages contained herein. :p

on a side note: I like the M@

[Bladez]

Burn this into your mind, NEVER forget it... GDF = crack to the industry insiders... RUN man RUN!

Don't let GNP scare you too much...there's a detox centre just around the corner. Just ask that shady looking man down the alley for help.

[Red Kittie Kat]

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

Welcome Aboard Matt!!

I'm Kittie and one of the resident Frootloops :D

[m2design]

As for your skills Matt, if you're rusty, it's really in your best interests to get your skill set up. Did you do any grahic design in your BFA? Any theory, colour, typography, print or software?

You are competing with people that are applying for GD positions that have GD qualifications


I know and I am getting my skills up to par. I did a graphic design track at school, so yes I did learn theory, typography, software, etc.

[m2design]

Word of caution... some of the frootloops (they even taught me to spell) around here can become addictive; they will guide you down the path of READING; can you believe that?? Its like a cult or something.

Your mind turns to mush and you'll be coming back and begging for more. You won't be able to help yourself and no matter how many loved ones try to pry you away you'll come back again and again!

Burn this into your mind, NEVER forget it... GDF = crack to the industry insiders... RUN man RUN!


lol....perfect I consider myself a fuitloop also, that and a weirdo.Maybe thats why I'm having such a hard time finding work. Crack? Great I love crack! I smoke it all the time! jk

Matt