I don't think I want to do graphic design anymore.

[Mr. Lion]

I've been studying graphic design on and off for the past few years. Most recently I completed my Graphic design degree, with very good grades, even picking up a design award on the way!

Studying graphic design was a lot of fun. But working in the graphic design industry? I think it’s not going to be as exciting.

I think I would like to be a comedy writer instead. That seems like a lot of fun. I’ve already enrolled in a part-time screenwriting course at a local college. I think this will help me write the sitcom I’ve been planning for the past 2 years.

Can I leave my graphic design career behind and go back to it in a few years time if necessary? Or is it now or never!

Cheers.

[Broacher]

>>Can I leave my graphic design career behind and go back to it in a few years time if necessary?<<

Ha ha! Good one! I see you have talent!

[Mr. Lion]

>>Can I leave my graphic design career behind and go back to it in a few years time if necessary?<<

Ha ha! Good one! I see you have talent!

:) thanks!

[WannaBrie]

I think you need to follow your heart. If you don't have a passion for this industry, it really isn't worth it and that's no joke. ;)

[JgS]

I actually know a guy that does both. During the day he works for an ad agency and at night he is a host at a comedy club.

[Mr. Lion]

Hello, thanks for the advice so far.

I still enjoy graphic design, but on my own terms. Does that make sense? I don’t think I could spend hours upon hours everyday in a design studio. I just don’t think I’m built for it. :( Am I just being a chicken? Should I just bite the bullet and do it? :eek:

I like to do my own stuff. For example, I like to write funny stories and then do the illustrations for them and make them into books. I also like to design stencils and spray paint them onto walls. I like to make websites and sell stuff that I've created. Sometimes I screenprint my own t-shirts too. I like to do arty-designy stuff, but like I said, on my own terms. :(

The thing is, i’m not going to be getting any younger, and sometimes I worry about the future. One day I’m going to be married with children I guess, and I'll need to buy a house. I can’t keep messing about in my own dreamworld forever, I suppose. Or can I? I’m not sure really...

[steve2112]

Why not do both. I have friends in graphic design that do a lot of other stuff. If you can suppliment you income doing freelance work that cool. Plus some freelanc stuff actually goes quickly at times and besides a few rush jobs here and there you work at your own hours. Also if the comdey thing picks up a bit you can maybe get picky and do only graphic jobs that interest you. Laptops lets you work anywhere


steve

[Typically]

it sounds like you haven't even tried working in a design studio. give it a shot before you move onto something else. you got the degree might as well try it out a bit =]

[mojoprime]

^^i gotta agree. try it, you might like it. there are some dues to be paid, but we all do it (for many, many years) because it not only (usually) pays the bills, but we like it.

4 out of 5 designers can't be wrong! ;)

[Riya]

Go for it. At this point in your life you have nothing to tie you down. Go run around and try different things. Once you are married with kids that gets a hell of a lot harder. Worry about being responsible and settling down after you get married.

[Broacher]

I think if I was doing it all over again, I would advise any young creative to NOT get too hung up on job titles, or professions. If you thrive on creativity, just run with the best opportunities you can find AND create! I emphasize that last point because there has never been a better time for getting further ahead in a creative career that you (or a small group) can jump start yourself. It is the web that has made that a reality.

Don't get caught into thinking a career has to be made the old-fashioned way. If you have good ideas, prove it. It's cheap, it's fun-- and if you're young enough not to be worried about the mortgage or student loan payback bills-- it's very doable. Sure there'll be complete flops and failures. But you want those. Learn while you move, but just keep moving.

[Mr. Lion]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Especially Riya and Broacher. Probably because you said what I wanted to hear. :D

I like to dabble in anything and everything. When you’re a student, you’re free to do that, but I don’t want that to suddenly change just because I’m a “graduate”. I want to always be free to do whatever I want, to try, to experiment, to CREATE (as Broacher said).

I’m usually quite carefree about stuff, and tend not to take life too seriously, but sometimes I go through these phases of questioning myself and what I’m doing. I think about it for so long that I begin to get quite depressed. I guess all I needed was someone to tell me that I don’t need to worry and that things will be O.K. In a funny kinda way, the posts in this thread have done exactly that. So thanks.

[Broacher]

Mr. Lion (the non-cowardly one):

For further inspiration check out this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Whatever-You-Think-Opposite/dp/1591841216

Takes about maybe 15 minutes to read but will totally pop up your creative NiCads. Great stuff.

[budafist]

Do both from home. You can set up an office for both quite easily. Hey you only need a computer, desk, chair, a couch and a coffee table.

[SurfPark]

Yeah do both! Let's face it...neither one is going to pay the bills all the time, especially if you want to be a freelancer at both. Work from home and do projects you like. I also suggest you take the screenwriting class.

It sounds to me like you're pushing more towards being an artist than a designer. This is good because you'll have to be a good designer to make your work stand out anyway.

While you're chasing your dreams, always keep it real as to what is going to pay your bills.