Want To Pursue Design

[ppadi]

I studied graphic design some years back and haven't worked in the industry since for so many reasons such as moving to the U.S. and outdated skills. I seriosly want to pursue graphic design (web design particularly).. just bought adobe cs3 and a laptop. Can anyone tell me what to do next?...Thanks

[semioticantics]

You may want to work out a lot of the old cobwebs :) I suggest making up fictional companies (based on real companies is even better!) and thinking up realistic projects that they would need done, and then practicing with those. You can then upload your results or progress here for critiques and we can all help each other.

For a while I've actually been considering either making a site or latching on to another for a database of example clients & projects for practicing or trying out new things in a non-gonna-be-shot-for-missing-deadline environment.

You can look up and frequent blogs and sites like:

http://www.csszengarden.com/ (a must for any web designer)
http://www.zeldman.com/
http://www.alistapart.com
http://www.itsnicethat.com/
http://thecreativeblog.com/
http://www.designverb.com/
http://dieline.typepad.com/
http://www.designmeltdown.com/
http://www.bluevertigo.com.ar/
http://www.typographykicksass.com/
http://www.xhilarate.com/

I find the more time I spend around design, the better my life is :)

You can also go to social bookmarking sites like del.icio.us and look up what people are bookmarking related to design and creativity

[budafist]

Welcome ppdai!

Are you looking into finding a job or working for yourself? Or just as a hobby?

[ppadi]

I am looking into making it my full time profession.

[budafist]

Put together a portfolio then. You might as well brush up on skills on things that might eventually find you a job.

[ppadi]

Thanks a lot for all the pieces of advice.. I'm jumping on it and trying to upgrade myself. Once again thanks for your time.