I need guidance!

**007XX** · 18th March 2008, 08:55

Hi all!

I don't usually ask for help, be it in real life or on here...but in this instance, I really need to speak to as many people as I can to get as many varied opinions as possible.

Are there any graphic designers on Kb I could speak to, or anyone knowing someone working as or teaching / hiring graphic designers that I could get feedback from?

Reason being: I am one of them accursed "Jack of all trades, master of none", who have made it by for the last 13 or so by ways of the gift of the gab...

Thing is: I am sick and tired of doing something I don't love because it pays the bills...

Now... I have above average artistic capabilities, am reasonnably handy and confident with computers (all self taught), but only have an overseas education, and I don't know where to start looking as I am aware there are many categories answering to Graphic design.

Please help, I really just want to make my son proud and be able to have a job that gives me a bit of satisfaction while affording me to spoil my boy and husband a bit...

Thanks in advance for any PM, or contacts / advice.

Cheers,

V

**nodrog:Me** · 18th March 2008, 09:24

what area of graphic design do you want to get into? technically what i do could be classed as some sort of graphic design, and its farkin boring, then again i have been doing it for 10+ years.

**007XX** · 18th March 2008, 09:32

yes, you and I have already touched upon the subject of your job, but I didn't think it could enter in the category of graphic design.

I was more thinking along the lines of pamphlets making, digital design...

Then again, as stated before, I am rather keen to know more so keep the ideas coming

Cad design I have had a little to do with and it was ok, but not as creative as I could have wished for.

**nodrog:Me** · 18th March 2008, 09:39

Originally Posted by 007XX

Cad design I have had a little to do with and it was ok, but not as creative as I could have wished for.

you should see some of the wanky 3D pictures people ask for, (FFS they are only kitchens people), you can get really creative, like the time i managed to stuff a koala into a jar on a shelf for a really annoying aussie women, she didnt really have a sense of humour, lucky my old boss did.

**jrandom** · 18th March 2008, 09:40

You know, you could consider working in prepress / layout at a printing company. Fascinating work, and quite good pay, since the EPMU has all such operations in this country firmly in its iron grip.

I could get you a lunch date with an industry veteran if you're keen to learn more.

**Joni** · 18th March 2008, 09:47

I am currently busy recruiting a Graphic Designer for my employer... I have been doing interviews, reference checks and been in long discussions on what is needed this week, so it’s very fresh in my mind.

PM me if you need help. i.e. what is needed, difference between agency/studio work and pre-press for printers etc...

**007XX** · 18th March 2008, 10:00

Originally Posted by nodrog

you should see some of the wanky 3D pictures people ask for, (FFS they are only kitchens people), you can get really creative, like the time i managed to stuff a koala into a jar on a shelf for a really annoying aussie women, she didnt really have a sense of humour, lucky my old boss did.

Then I guess I'll just have to come and have a look at your job at some stage and make up my mind based on that...cheers, buddy!

Originally Posted by jrandom

You know, you could consider working in prepress / layout at a printing company. Fascinating work, and quite good pay, since the EPMU has all such operations in this country firmly in its iron grip.

I could get you a lunch date with an industry veteran if you're keen to learn more.

I have had some contact with that when I was selling printing a couple of years ago...this is the type of area that I'd be interested in knowing more about, so yes please re: veteran interview

Originally Posted by Joni

I am currently busy recruiting a Graphic Designer for my employer... I have been doing interviews, reference checks and been in long discussions on what is needed this week, so it’s very fresh in my mind.

PM me if you need help. i.e. what is needed, difference between agency/studio work and pre-press for printers etc...

That'd be awesome...I'll do a list of questions before bugging you with a PM...Thanks Joni.

**007XX** · 18th March 2008, 10:57

Bump...and no, it don't mean I'm up the duff

**slick** · 18th March 2008, 11:19

Your options...
1. If you are a creative genius, go straight to a big agency and sell yourself.

2. A more realistic approach might be to do some training, get in the door somewhere as a junior and build up some expereince.

3. Get some practical training in software and pre-press and go self employed, if you have a wide network of friends, can be a good way to get work.

You need to know indesign and photoshop inside out. Most places use Macs, and you need to know how to supply files to print. Agencies are looking for experience backed up with a portfolio of great work, actual qualifications are a bonus. Magazines will take juniors but don't expect to get rich. Self employed can be great but you spend less time designing and more time on the phone and doing paperwork.

Hope this helps let me know if you have more specific questions. I have been in the industry for 20 years, started in the UK with 4 years at art college, now in an Auckland agency.

**007XX** · 18th March 2008, 12:10

Your options...
1. If you are a creative genius, go straight to a big agency and sell yourself.

However compelling the idea, I shall resist...My momma taught me modesty, and a deep seated sense of reality

2. A more realistic approach might be to do some training, get in the door somewhere as a junior and build up some expereince.

That was the way I was intending on going, with a goal of achieving option 3 after say 5 years of experience maybe...

3. Get some practical training in software and pre-press and go self employed, if you have a wide network of friends, can be a good way to get work.

I have some knowledge already about pre press work, as I worked as a sales rep for a printer/publisher...but I would by no means say that it would be enough to get me going by myself staright away.

You need to know indesign and photoshop inside out. Most places use Macs, and you need to know how to supply files to print. Agencies are looking for experience backed up with a portfolio of great work, actual qualifications are a bonus. Magazines will take juniors but don't expect to get rich. Self employed can be great but you spend less time designing and more time on the phone and doing paperwork.

I was told about indesign and Photoshop...Also about Adobe Creative Suite... I am currently checking out courses and Uni options, but it is confusing knowing which is actually the best to go for, especially when the options are not cheap. What really concerns me is not getting the right qualifications, and having to compete in a market flooded with 20 year olds with degrees coming out of their noses...Am I correct in being worried about this in your opinion?

Hope this helps let me know if you have more specific questions. I have been in the industry for 20 years, started in the UK with 4 years at art college, now in an Auckland agency.

That would be awesome, I'd really appreciate it....I will make sure to get in touch as soon as I've made a bit more ground work on the various courses and maybe bounce some ideas off you...

**MSTRS:Me** · 18th March 2008, 12:17

Originally Posted by nodrog

what area of graphic design do you want to get into? technically what i do could be classed as some sort of graphic design, and its farkin boring, then again i have been doing it for 10+ years.

Tagging doesn't count, bro....