Graphic designer/artworker

[lucemma4]

Hi there,

I am only 23 but feel like I've made the wrong career choice. I have worked for a couple of design agencies as admin support but now I want to become a graphic designer or something that has some creativity in it. I don't feel like I'm cut out to do the type of work I'm doing - I find it uninspiring! I have a HND in Media Production & BA in Media, my HND was slightly design related and I have basic knowedge of Quark & Photoshop, not really much with Illustrator. I don't want to go bck and do another full blown degree (mainly due to finances!) but would like to get some qualfications which would help me progress into a more creative area, maybe a part time/evening course? Any advice especially from anyone in the design sector would be much appreciated! Thanks.

[Ladypenny]

Hi I trained as a designer and worked as a recruitment consultant for designers. Firstly to be a successful graphic designer you have to 1. Have the talent (the competition is fierce) 2. To be incredibly determined to be successful. The perception of the design industry is that designers are paid a fortune, this is is a misconception - so you really have to do it for the love of it. You are often required to work long hours and 90% of the time you will be in front of a computer. So thats the reality check! On the positive side your main selling point would be your portfolio so I would suggest you try for a work placement or saturday job in a design agency and get to grips with Quark Xpress and Photoshop. If you can prove that you can hit the ground running, show a creative flair and are prepared to work for a low salary...you'll find work in no-time. It depends how high your standards are and how successful you want to be. Generally though if you want to aim high you will need a degree or HND. Good luck and never forget that you cannot please everyone, you just need to believe in yourself.