Making career change to graphic design

[sdecorla]

Hi everyone,

I would like some advice on making a career change to graphic design. In a way I've already made the change, since for a the past couple of years I've been working as an in-house designer in the marketing department of a technology company. When the company lost a major contract a couple years ago, we couldn't afford to pay the freelance designer we had hired to do the website and marketing materials, so I started doing more and more of what she used to do, since I had some minimal experience with design software. (I have a BA in English and was previously doing editing and proofreading of marketing materials). I ended up designing most of a new website, and now I design all our print marketing materials as well. I pretty much taught myself a lot about design and design software. I realized I like graphic design much better than editing and proofreading, and that's the direction I want my career to go. My boss loves my work and says I have a good eye.

I'm wondering if I should get more formal training in graphic design. I feel like there's still I lot I don't know. Is it necessary to have a degree in graphic design, or do employers mostly look at your work? If I got another degree, what kind of degree would it be? Another bachelor's? A master's? Can you get a masters in design if you have your bachelor's in something unrelated to design?

Also, how necessary do you think it is to be able to draw well in order to have a career in graphic design? I'm very visual and have a good eye for color and what looks good, but I don't have any drawing talent. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

[lauren3g]

I've answered this question many, many times. You should do a search in this career section.

Here are a few old posts on the subject:

Career change? Requesting some advice
Changing career
Switching careers in my 30s
Career Change From Computer Engineering to Graphic Design. How?
Chicago Design schools

[echoes]

In your case, I would try to get your company to cover some costs and take some courses. While your boss might like your work, you might be below what everyone else is doing out there.

I only say that because I have reviewed a lot of resumes and portfolios where the designer has five years of experience, but the work just doesn't match up. And this is usually because like you, they were in another position and turned designer by need. They only grew as much as their in-house projects let them.

With the market as saturated as it is right now, you will need the years of experience, a portfolio and at least a design related bachelors to get your foot in the door of a new company. Otherwise you are going to need some very good recommendations.

Good Luck!

[peterson425]

Yes, this has been asked plenty of times...but it won't hurt to put in my two cents either. I think it's already great you're getting a head start with your company--that's going to give you great experience. You're on the right path as you have found an interest in this even thought it isn't your major! It doesn't matter what your degree is--you can pretty much do anything you have a passion for.

Employers don't necessarily look for a design degree, but a strong portfolio. Have you saved any of your work that you really value that could be put into a portfolio? Make you have a really solid portfolio to show potential employers. Your experience most likely will excel over your formal education.

Here are some tips for building a solid portfolio:
1. http://www.allartschools.com/art-career ... -portfolio - 5 steps to get you going on your portfolio
2. http://www.onlinegraphicdesigndegree.com/ a graphic design degree would still look good on your resume so taking some courses online can help it look more appealing
3. http://www.youthedesigner.com/2008/06/3 ... portfolio/ - 12 steps to SUPER portfolio
4. http://www.design-training.com/graphic- ... folio.html - an in depth look at how to put it together

Anyways, good luck and you should be fine on the track you're going on now. Teach yourself/take some classes/read some tutorials to gain your skills and knowledge on some more programs, and you can really make this your career.

[A Digital Dreamer]

While being draw well can be an *** in graphic design, it's not a must. As long as you have some strong graphic design foundation along with a good eye and good problem solving skills, you should have no problems.

One thing to keep in mind with schools is that they can also get you connected with people related to the field you never would have connected with. Schools can be very good for networking with like minds as well as potential clients in the future.

[KissTheSky]

ORIGINAL: A Digital Dreamer

While being draw well can be an *** in graphic design, it's not a must. As long as you have some strong graphic design foundation along with a good eye and good problem solving skills, you should have no problems.

While being draw well can be an *** in graphic design, it's not a must.

This message is to "A Digital Dreamer"
Please stop posting in these forums. You are obviously posting meaningless drivel in an effort to draw traffic to your sites, which are peddling who-knows-what kind of scams (and are super-ugly, to boot.)
Also, if we must put up with your spam/scams, could you please learn to write in proper English?

[artifunction]

I wouldn't do a MFA or Master's unless its super convenient (you live very very near the school/they pay) more likely, I would try and get adobe certified or some other web design cert...get your Co. to pay for some of this...hit up an event or two per year..even if you have to pay yourself....

You already have contacts and your foot in the door, just get solid training...

[alexb]

Well, if you are looking to get hired, it’s important for you to get a college degree. Agreed that graphic design is one of those professions where having an impressive portfolio is very important, but equally important is having a relevant degree. I would suggest you get a graphic arts degree if you want to make it a full time career. Regarding your concern about not being able to draw all that well, I think another reason you should pursue a degree in graphic arts is to learn the tools that will aid you in creating designs. As long as you have an eye for art, these tools should help you do the rest!

[CAT343]

Are you looking at leaving your current employer? If you are but want to work in a simialar role but for another firm you can check out job ads on job sites and see what sort of experience and qualifications employers are asking for. This way you will get an idea about any further study you should do. If you plan on staying with your current employer speak to your boss and see if there are areas of design he would like to take the business into and then search for courses that cater to this need. From our surveys at Jobsearcho were we have surveyed employers we have found that certain employers care alot about qualifications and others more for experience and talent as training can be provided/attained on the job or after hours.

[jerrysmith]

Hi
As you say that you have good eye for color and what looks good, but you don't have any drawing talent then I think by practicing in graphics or by joining any graphics course you can make a good career in graphics design field. There are many scopes in graphics field. You can also try in animation field. You should have confidence and join any course for learning more about graphics design.