Getting Higher Standards - Puerto Rico

[Rootz]

Hello to you all. I am living in Puerto Rico where the Graphic Design industry is um not so well as in other parts of the world. I see a lot of stolen images, low balling, people becoming overnight designers after buying photoshop, etc. It's kinda like Sin City. Nah I just liked the movie, but everywhere I look there is centered text all the time, small hard to see text on billboards, horrible layouts, yada yadda.

what I really want to do is something for my home community of designers that think the same way as I do. You know I spent as much money in my edu and consequently learned alot. I don't want to give myself less value then what I know I am worth. The people who gave me my student loans always remind me of that and they are very good at it.

I am new to the industry here. I know nobody because I studied in Seattle, WA.

I went to a "design conference" here in PR and it was more of a sales show for printers. There I didn't learn who's who in the island or anything. They were charging around $300 for some seminars. I was glad that I knew most of the topics and didn't pay but isn't it cheaper to buy a $50 and learn it yourself?
Any way

How do I get the attention from other designers about starting a design community for Puerto Rican standards?

[benjo]

Rootz,

You know we don’t say paisano so I’ma say Weeeepa! If that don’t give it away “¡yo so boricua papa!”

So this is a great idea actually I have an even better idea and if your real serious we can launch it together. I love my people, my Island and belive that if we try we can make a big difference. I don’t want to get into politics about PR but eventually that is going to happen you know how we are bro. But lets keep it on an educated and respectful level.

My cousin is out there wants to be a designer and I explained to him how this isn’t no overnight thing, basically ran him through the ropes but with encouragement cause this industry is a tough on especially when your dealing with the “conformismo de la isla”.

So lets open this conversation up and if you really want, I got something I want to launch in PR by years end.

[defjoe]

ha.. .sounds like the states also.

[benjo]

ha.. .sounds like the states also.
LMAO! But trust me it's a tad bit worse and I'll leave it at that.

[Eraser Nubbin]

"...I see a lot of stolen images, low balling, people becoming overnight designers after buying photoshop, etc."


Haha, at least the overnight designers there are actually buying Photoshop.

[Kink]

"...I see a lot of stolen images, low balling, people becoming overnight designers after buying photoshop, etc."


Haha, at least the overnight designers there are actually buying Photoshop.

Good one Eraser!

[Rootz]

Benjo que tienes en mente? I was thinking of starting an org or club or something.
I'll be going to Chicago in Sep and I really want to start something to pass on to my island.

[morea]

Welcome to GDF, Rootz.

You might find this article helpful, it's all about how the "Creative Latitude" community got started.

http://creativelatitude.com/about/about_us_how_began.html

[imagemaker]

Not sure of the demographics, and it would take a LOT of work, but you could try to start:

1. An Art Director's Association

2. An 'Ad' Club

3. A Special Interest Group/User group

These types of organizations can be established as 501(c)-3 non profits, and can bring in local and touring speakers, product reps, etc. to explain what , why and how they do things.

They could elect an organzation (i.e. local charity, civic group, shelter, ecologic goal, etc.) to provide graphic/ad services to for a year, and within that year, bring the organizations materials to a professional level.

Then do another organization the next year, etc. But the selections need to be for other reasons than 'Your newsletter stinks!'

Coupla ideas.

[Vikia]

Welcome to GDF, Rootz.

You might find this article helpful, it's all about how the "Creative Latitude" community got started.

http://creativelatitude.com/about/about_us_how_began.html

I agree with Morea, Creative Latitude is a great place that you may want to consider joining too (and you don't have to leave your friends here - LOL).

Lots of great articles to reference, info on ethics and learning about GD business. Members all around the world as well.

[benjo]

I'm not really thinking of a club more of a service and something feesable. I would need a main person on the island to manage it but it's something that can potentially make us alot of money and help out those hindered images going around.

[Rootz]

yeah well like I said I'll be leaving for Chicago in Sep. so I don't think I'd be your best bet. But I can always help out you know. Aqui al la orden si me nesesitas pa qualqier cosa.

[Rootz]

Those other links for creative lattitude and the non'profit idea gave me a couple of good ideas. thanx guys.