hey im new to these forums and that i was just wondering whether some one could help me out in how i can get my self into a graphic design career i have just come out of a 3 half year art and design course and i pretty much know all that the teacher tells me if anyone can give me any advice on what to do that would be most appreciated thanks ?
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Junior Member
- Sep 2006
- 11
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Senior Member
- Jul 2003
- 30624
Morea will be along any minute to give you links, I'm sure.
Do you have any practical experience at all? Internships, work study, that kind of thing?
Because in this field, the difference between knowing everything the teacher told you and actually knowing how to get something printed (or online) is vast. Entry level right now is about 2 years on the job experience and a solid portfolio. Catch 22. -
Doppelganger
- Jun 2006
- 2959
Unfortunately, PrintDriver's right. Its really hard to get your foot in the door. In my experience, it seems every teacher has a different view on the industry becasue they all come from different design backgrounds so make sure you are learning from other sources as well. You have gound a good one, this forum. There are also a lot of recommended books on here, etc. Most of all, get your name out there. Network through friends to get word of mouth work. Freelancing is a great way to get some experience when you have talent but no one will hire you. Make sure they dont walk all over you though.
Go to conferences, build your portfolio and after you get some "real work" under your belt, you'll get more respect out there and it will be easier to get a job (not easy... easier). Its a tough industry to break into- but good luck and welcome
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Junior Member
- Sep 2006
- 11
yeah i have a good solid portfolio and that ive been getting it together for the 3 years now to take with me to job interveiws its not the fact i know how to do things and that i am getting a better general idea in how things are done and how people go about doing them, as my friend has his own business he was telling me i should maybe think of doing my own business but as i havent had any previous experience in creating a business it would be silly to jump straight in if you see what i mean?. i have still got to catch up with him about a job as he has seen my work and says that i have the knowledge and skills to further a career in it ? i will have to get hold of him soon and have another chat i think...Comment
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Doppelganger
- Jun 2006
- 2959
I got a semi design related job and then I kind of fell into freelancing and just learned the ins and outs as I went... mostly from this forum. This is a great resource and we'll all help you out if you want to start freelancing... I wouldnt call that starting your own business, even though it essentially is. People here will help you will legal issues (ie. contracts, copyrights), critique your work in the showcase section and even feel for you when you have ahole clients.
Evereyone on here is more than willing to share techniques, tricks and shortcuts. Just ask! good luck, we've all been (and are) there.Comment
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Junior Member
- Sep 2006
- 11
yeah cheers for all the help people i will probably need all the help i can get at the moment lol cheers
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Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.
- Jan 2006
- 2960
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Paranormal Moderator
- Jun 2005
- 2991
Good luck dope05.
Just a side-critique here from a former journalism student: I hope you don't speak like you type. Relearn your punctuation. Please!
It looks like how my teenage girls IM! 
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buckler of swashes
- Jun 2004
- 41099
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/fo...ead.php?t=7892
Check out our frequently discussed topics thread - there are some great tips there.Comment
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Senior Member
- Jul 2003
- 30624
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Paranormal Moderator
- Jun 2005
- 2991
I think Quark has a paragraph format button for that i can't remember how to get it maybe it was in quark 5 that was beack in the good old days of Quark sorry dope05 i'm poking fun at your expense we try to have a good time in hereComment
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Its a dog's life
- Apr 2004
- 1424
Ahh to be young and not so jaded again...
Good luck!
You might try getting into a prepress department as an intern at a print shop. It simply amazes me how much you can learn by working with other designer's files. Especially what NOT to do.
In the meanwhile, freelancing where you can will help to build your portfolio with real world projects beyond your school assignments.Comment
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Senior Member
- Jul 2006
- 3003
This is a great suggestion. To me its like training camp, once you come out of it you can be pretty confident not only in your file preparation etc, but also to get a bigger understanding and relationship between the GD and printer.You might try getting into a prepress department as an intern at a print shop. It simply amazes me how much you can learn by working with other designer's files. Especially what NOT to do.
If you can't get a job doing it I would try to visit one and ask to hang out. Freelancing, you would eventually learn things anyways through regular contact with your printer for any job you send. Establish a good relationship, they will be more than willing to help you out as it only make their jobs easier.
Fixing, imposing and troubleshooting other peoples files will help you sharp shoot your own.Comment
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a.k.a - Mr Roy G Biv
- Jan 2005
- 929
Yep prepress is what got me to the legendary status I have as acatalog monkey. If you find a way to work in pictures of Godzilla or Mr. T into all your designs like I do then you well be on your way to becoming a thousandaire.
* and like Danger mouse and Vika said- it will shapren your skills. Heck even working the desk at Kinko's will give you some insight.Comment
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Graphic Design With Teeth
- Jun 2006
- 294
Getting your foot in the door takes persistence and a keen mind. I got mine in the door ages ago by creating ad slicks for a paint store, then moved into the newspaper business. Since then I have touched many different branches of design and the most experience I got was from a prepress dept. It was fast paced and detailed and I learned something new everyday. Great suggestion, Vikia.
Good luck!Comment
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Yesterday, 11:55 PMWelcome Aboard Juneteenth!
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Yesterday, 11:45 PMThat type in the original post may be a typeface that was custom designed for that logo. But the links above should be a good start to do your own
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Yesterday, 11:28 PMCommented to Another DrawingThat's actually pretty good. Not an easy breed to draw at all. I have to say I am definitely impressed by your steadfastness to keep learning
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Yesterday, 11:16 PMCommented to LOL, the story of my life.Love it
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Yesterday, 11:12 PMCommented to New to the forumWelcome Aboard
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Yesterday, 10:57 PMCommented to A Series of Album CoversYou're not doing the breadth of the books justice simply by concentrating on one House. They are long long stories, each one an intricate interplay between many many characters. Your first implies it's...
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Yesterday, 10:40 PMCommented to College Kid Looking for Critiques on PortfolioBuda - thank you so much for the detailed feedback! I never thought to try different sizes and backingss, and expanding what I currently have to other formats will be a great creative exercise. I also...
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Yesterday, 10:36 PMCommented to New designer and forumer! :)You made me curious as to how far along I am in regards to that 10,000. So I had a look and I've taken 23,163 photos on my camera. So I guess I'm on my way
Every photo you...
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