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Diva
I am what I am
Member since 12/05 2825 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Any graphic artists out there?
Wondering if you could answer some questions I have about your career. TIA!!
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Posted 3/28/06 9:40 AM |
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CaseyGirl
Mommy to 3 Boys :)
Member since 5/05 19978 total posts
Name: Jen - counting my blessings...
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Re: Any graphic artists out there?
i used to be in HR at an ad agency...i can prob answer a few questions
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Posted 3/28/06 9:59 AM |
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jar823
LIF Infant
Member since 7/05 231 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Re: Any graphic artists out there?
I am a full time graphic designer. My husband is a full time graphic designer/web master.
I would be happy to answer any of your questions.
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Posted 3/28/06 10:27 AM |
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usuk2004
I'm ONE!
Member since 5/05 5150 total posts
Name: Farah
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Re: Any graphic artists out there?
Actually, I would love to know more as well.
What kind of degree do you have? Did you start as a GD right out of school?
It's something that I'd like to ease myself into -I work in PR now, but did quite a bit of Marketing, so I know a lot about print and design. Also have a good handle on various programs (photoshop, quark & dreamweaver) - and I'm going to start an intensive photoshop course in April so I can really learn things from the bottom up.
But I'm worried about changing careers, and don't know if we can afford for me to start at the bottom all over again. (espeicially after reading the household income thread!! YIKES!)
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Posted 3/28/06 10:37 AM |
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jar823
LIF Infant
Member since 7/05 231 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Re: Any graphic artists out there?
Posted by usuk2004
Actually, I would love to know more as well.
What kind of degree do you have? Did you start as a GD right out of school?
It's something that I'd like to ease myself into -I work in PR now, but did quite a bit of Marketing, so I know a lot about print and design. Also have a good handle on various programs (photoshop, quark & dreamweaver) - and I'm going to start an intensive photoshop course in April so I can really learn things from the bottom up.
But I'm worried about changing careers, and don't know if we can afford for me to start at the bottom all over again. (espeicially after reading the household income thread!! YIKES!)
DH and I met in school, so we have the same crudentials.
I have a certificate in visual communications from Katharine Gibbs. I gradutated in 2000, and got a job a few months after I graduated. (It took a bit longer for DH to find a job)
I did not have the greatest income, being new to the field, but it has grown with my experience. I think that in the Graphic Design field, it is more important to have the hands on experience with the programs, vendors etc. than to necessarily have a degree.
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Posted 3/28/06 10:46 AM |
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AtomicMom
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/05 632 total posts
Name: Denise
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Re: Any graphic artists out there?
Posted by jar823
I did not have the greatest income, being new to the field, but it has grown with my experience. I think that in the Graphic Design field, it is more important to have the hands on experience with the programs, vendors etc. than to necessarily have a degree.
Do you feel like you were really prepared when you graduated? I have a year left before I graduate with my Bachelor's in Visual Communications and I was wondering just HOW MUCH experience you need to get a job? I have found that it's hard to keep on top of all these programs when you are busy learning other programs. And, if you aren't in the graphic arts field, then you have even less time to practice and get that hands-on experience. Part of me is PETRIFIED that when I graduate, I am only going to remember the stuff I learned in Photoshop when I took it 2 semesters ago.....and I am going to be behind....
Message edited 3/28/2006 1:19:01 PM.
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Posted 3/28/06 1:18 PM |
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jar823
LIF Infant
Member since 7/05 231 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Re: Any graphic artists out there?
Posted by neesiepie
Do you feel like you were really prepared when you graduated? I have a year left before I graduate with my Bachelor's in Visual Communications and I was wondering just HOW MUCH experience you need to get a job? I have found that it's hard to keep on top of all these programs when you are busy learning other programs. And, if you aren't in the graphic arts field, then you have even less time to practice and get that hands-on experience. Part of me is PETRIFIED that when I graduate, I am only going to remember the stuff I learned in Photoshop when I took it 2 semesters ago.....and I am going to be behind....
Again, I only have a certificate in Visual Communications, so my schooling may have been totally different than yours. I only went for 18 months.
I was totally unprepared when I graduated. I learned more in the first 2 weeks on the job than I did in 18 months of school. But the point of taking the schooling is to learn the basics of the programs, which I did know. I knew enough to get by, but learned so much more actually doing jobs. I am still learning, everyday that I work, I learn something new. This field is constantly being upgraded and you constantly need to learn, you just teach yourself. I had absolutely NO experience when i got my first job. That's what some companies look for, because they don't want to pay such a high salary.
You don't need to be petrified. Once you work with the programs hands on everyday, you learn them and can work with them in your sleep. Photoshop is one of the hardest programs. NOBODY, I mean NOBODY knows how to use Photoshop to it's utmost capabilities! It is so complicated and constantly being upgraded with new features. When I graduated I HATED Quark. Now I LOVE IT! I couldn't get through my day without it!
Remember, it this field there are a lot of ways to reach the same goal within the programs. DH and I constantly battle over the best way to do something, even though we have the same outcome! I don't think we could ever work together!
If you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to ask. I will be here!
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Posted 3/28/06 1:51 PM |
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Re: Any graphic artists out there?
I also have a certificate in graphic design, I received it through Eastern Suffolk BOCES while in high school. I did get a job right out of school making very little money, since I had not experience. While in that job I gained experience and applied for different jobs for more money. I am currently work in the in house department for a company, I run the department and all of the outsourcing we do. I love my job, I have to say though right out of school I was petrified also, but doing a lot of the programs is like riding a bike, you never really forget. Once you get into the swing of things, everything comes back to you. Also I use to call on some of my resources like printing companies I used and my old teachers when I was in a real bind.
HTH
Edited to add: That also some companies use different programs and different platforms. Once thing I can suggest is that you learn the program and familarize yourself with both platforms. More and More in house departments are switching to PCs from MAC inorder to better intergrate their systems. I learned on the MAC and then my first job was on a MAC but my job know is on the PC and at first I was very against it. But after going to more and more conferences I am hearing about how people are switching over to PC for alot of reasons.
Message edited 3/28/2006 2:05:13 PM.
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Posted 3/28/06 2:01 PM |
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Diva
I am what I am
Member since 12/05 2825 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Re: Any graphic artists out there?
Jen and bridget thanks so much for the detailed responses. Its given me a much better insight. Thanks ladies!!
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Posted 3/28/06 2:10 PM |
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Diva
I am what I am
Member since 12/05 2825 total posts
Name: Jennifer
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Re: Any graphic artists out there?
Another quick question. Whats the difference between majoring in visual communications and graphic design?
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Posted 3/28/06 2:37 PM |
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Re: Any graphic artists out there?
I really am not sure since I only have a certificate. I know that Visual Communications is a 4 year degree, and that their are some fine art classes. I only had one or two fine art classes that I had to take. Also I know that Famingdale has a great Visual Communications program and it is a SUNY school so the tuittion is not as hefty as some of the private schools like Gibbs or even Briarcliff. Also you will have a bachelors while I only have a certificate, I am currently in school to get my bachelors for something totally different. But I received my education for free through my school district. If I was paying for it myself I would select a bachelors Program at a local SUNY school like Farmingdale, because it winds up to be about the same as the Certification at Private School like Gibbs. The reason Gibbs and Briarcliff are so popular is that you can earn the degree fast, but it dose cost more that way. Each school has a great program, one is just more expensive then the other. The other thing I think of is that like my boss use to tell me if the economy was going through rough times and you can hire two people one has a certificate and a lot of experience and wants a little more money, or one that has a degree and is fresh out of school and wants a little less or even the same amount. You would hire the one with the degree. I also have to say I think the market for Graphic Designers are a little more flooded then it was when I got my job, so I would think a degree would go a little farther now then a certificate only because their are less and less jobs. See Graphic Design jobs are one of the few jobs you see people retire from, because for most it is a hobby as much as it is a job. So the more people who flood the market the less jobs their will be, because without a high retirement rate most people hang around their jobs. So if it were me in this stage of the game and I was just starting out, I would go for the full degree. But before that I would take some of the classes and see if it is what I really want to dedicate my time to. Also for the degree you will also have to take general education requirements with a certificate you do not.
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Posted 3/28/06 2:50 PM |
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