Hey chop shop, this may be borderline off topic for what's in this section, but I figured it was appropriate. I'm looking into a career change and leaning toward graphic design as I've always been interested in it and recently started researching what it would take to get into it. My question is...what kind of positions do you guys have (if even in the field), and what kind of formal education do you have? I'm looking into a certificate program at my local community college that is only 6 classes, should I expect to go further than that to get an entry level position, or would that get my foot in the door while I pursue a B.A. After getting the certificate?
Thanks!

 

I am not in the graphic design field, but I did take an extensive course at a technical school in high school for graphic design. I am not sure how far you will have to go in your training to get a good job. I do know that the field is VERY competitive.

 

I'm becoming an engineer Never have taken a graphic design class, mainly just lots of practice in my free time.

 

Graphic Design was my minor and Tanner's right...It is VERY competitive. Don't let that stop you though. If you know that you would be happy with that, go for it! Nothing better than loving what you do everyday! Well... maybe sex and horsepower but that's a whole other story. I do know that graphic design positions are primarily contractor positions that are filled on temporary basis. It is possible to EARN a position once you are a temporary but be prepared to bust your ***, work late hours and take on **** projects. Get your portfolio ready, develop a website to showcase your ability and prepare a very creative resume. Best of luck to you and I hope this helps!

 

i'm not a graphic designer, but i too have heard it's pretty competitive. i would say go for the certificate, then go for a BA. i looked into going the graphic art route, and it seems like the best chance you'll have landing a 'worthwhile' job is having a BA, as well as experience. make sure you get real world experience if possible; find an internship, work as an assistant - basically try to do anything in the graphic arts field that will expand your experience base... it almost seems like experience is more important than education nowadays

 

Thanks for the input guys! I've also been tossing around the thought of industrial design. Seems as though indusrtrial design is more CAD based, and focuses on 3-D modeling, prototyping, and stuff like that. Not sure which route to go, but pretty sure it'll be one of 'em. I'm unemployed at the moment because I couldn't deal with being in the auto body industry anymore! I want to just focus on my car for a change, and I was getting tired of being exposed to all the hazardous materials every day. 33, and still not sure what I want to be when I grow up
Been toying around a lot more with GIMP and I'm getting pretty good at it (at least I think so). I'm amazed at the stuff that you can do to photos!

 

^^^ i like your sig ; but i'm afraid i have to ask you to resize it please (max size should be no more than 500px wide by 250 tall)

 

No prob...I've actually been meaning to shrink it a bit, just haven't gotten around to it. I'll try to take care of it by the end of the weekend.

 

Should be set...

 

that works, thanks