Where to begin my career in graphic design?

severed · 07-31-2005, 07:06 PM

Hello, I'm young yes i know. At the age of sixteen though it is easy to see that I could be very advanced in my designing techniques. I myself think I have gotten extremly good at what I've loved to do as my hobby for the past 9 years (since i was 7 with my first computer, first thing i did was learn html) My question though is to the pro's for those of you who have made some successful earnings doing this as a job. I want to know where I need to go to pursue my dream of being a designer. I already have the skills and knowledge and would like to know where I can take them in a financial way. What type of things do I need to set-up and upload. Any good idea's for portfolios, or a site to describe my occupation. I would like to have some help in these matters. Also prices and all of that. Anything would be helpful. Even if it's a little 2 cents. Thank You/
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/graphic-design-flash/111549-where-begin-my-career-graphic-design.html

Brad

True_Snake · 07-31-2005, 07:34 PM

Well, I think every designer starts on their own using his/her different methods. Some general things are that you'd need to start slow. I was designing prior to starting my business, but it still took getting used to. You'll need start by taking on lower priced projects. Participate in those low paying contests; it helps not only improve your designing skills, but it gets you known.
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=111549

I remember doing a logo for peanuts. But it got me to learn to use my skills better.Another essential part is to make an online portfolio; make a site, and put your best work on it. It helps potential clients choose a designer over another; past work is very important in this business, IMHO.

Also, professionalism will definitely move you forward. I think a professional attitude tells the client that you're serious; not some scam artist. Lastly, a reminder alot of people need, is that ALWAYS, ALWAYS watermark your entries. It is VERY important. It helps protect you from a fraud contest holder/client.

Those are some tips; I'm sure others will help you out as well.

Good Luck and Welcome to NamePros

!

True_Snake

ATWatts · 07-31-2005, 07:38 PM

Private message sent

DSL · 08-01-2005, 01:30 AM

What is some of your work?

will7 · 08-01-2005, 04:28 AM

Firstly, good job on entering the business, it is a fun, exctiting and dynamic business to be in.

Now, you will have to decide whether or not you wish to work for yourself (start your own business) or work for another company as a designer. If it is the latter, you will need to get a good education, you'll need to get good exam results at High School and also at College and University. Then, build up a good portfolio and show the company you'd like to work for what you can really do.

If you want to start your own business, then a full education is not quite as necessary. I would recommend getting good results at High School (just in case it all goes wrong, with good GCSE's, you can still get a half-decent job). There is not strictly much need to go to College or University but it would give you a better back-up plan.

I'm starting my business now, at just 15, but I am not going to College or University, it's either very clever, or extremely stupid (I'm sure we'll find out in a few years time).

As for actually starting a business, that would depend on where you are in the world and what type or company you wish to start.

I would also be very interested in seeing some of your past work to see what you can do. What skills, specifically do you have?

What programs can you use?
Are you fluent in HTML? XHTML? CSS? PHP? MySQL? Javascript? Actionscript?
Are you a flash designer or static / dynamic XHTML site designer?

These are all questions that if you pursue the route of working for someone, your employer will ask you.

Well, good luck and I hope I helped you. Any more questions, feel free to ask!
????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=111549

Will.

Rayzn · 08-01-2005, 09:00 AM

Will, even with a buisness going to college can only help you. If you major in buisness it will help greatly. You never know, your buisness might get in a slump and you might need a second job just to hold you over for a few months and with without a college degree you are not going to get a very good one. It can only help you.

will7 · 08-01-2005, 11:39 AM

I said it wasn't as necessary as if you were working for a company. I never said it wasn't necessary

Rayzn · 08-01-2005, 12:49 PM

Whatever, good luck.

lextalionis · 08-02-2005, 09:10 AM

There are also many different divisions of graphic aritists too, such as illustrators and layout designers.

One easy but not glamorous way to cut your teeth is in screen printing. There are tons of t-shirt shops in every town. Just show up one day and start working and don't leave until they pay you.

If young and on a budget pick up Jasc's Paint Shop Pro, cheap powerful primer for the progs listed below.

If web use the Macromedia suite. Photoshop is still the king of graphics, but the Mac suite is webtastic.

Will, take your college money, invest in a TROWE PRICE growth fund or s&p index 100 EVERY MONTH, and with compounded interest you will retire a multi-millionaire regardless of where you work or if you have a degree.

jammydodger · 08-02-2005, 11:12 AM

lol will you are the most mature 15 year old ever!!

ben51959 · 08-03-2005, 06:28 PM

To start getting real "paying" jobs online you have to start at the bottom... I remember doing logos for $5 a piece, unlimited revisions. And I was damn happy to do it

haha

Devery · 08-04-2005, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by jammydodger

lol will you are the most mature 15 year old ever!!

he continues to amaze me... lol

will7 · 08-04-2005, 02:02 PM

Heh, thanks James and jammydodger, glad I am making good impressions. A lot of people have told me I am mature which I take as a compliment.

Hopefully I am an exception to the "teenagers-are-immature-and-can-not-run-a-business" rule

I sure hope so, I'm trying to change people's minds and show people that teenagers can be mature and can run an effective business

gesture · 08-04-2005, 05:21 PM

Signup for a freelancer account at www.jobposting.ws and receive e-mail updates of related projects.

Kind regards,
William

abs636 · 08-04-2005, 08:14 PM

Get a place to display your work and do some free work for people. Eventually, your name should grow and you'll start getting a rep.

jakewright · 08-09-2005, 03:35 AM

im 15 also

07-31-2005, 07:06 PM	THREAD STARTER #1 (permalink)
severed New Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 4	Where to begin my career in graphic design? Hello, I'm young yes i know. At the age of sixteen though it is easy to see that I could be very advanced in my designing techniques. I myself think I have gotten extremly good at what I've loved to do as my hobby for the past 9 years (since i was 7 with my first computer, first thing i did was learn html) My question though is to the pro's for those of you who have made some successful earnings doing this as a job. I want to know where I need to go to pursue my dream of being a designer. I already have the skills and knowledge and would like to know where I can take them in a financial way. What type of things do I need to set-up and upload. Any good idea's for portfolios, or a site to describe my occupation. I would like to have some help in these matters. Also prices and all of that. Anything would be helpful. Even if it's a little 2 cents. Thank You/ ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/graphic-design-flash/111549-where-begin-my-career-graphic-design.html Brad

07-31-2005, 07:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
True_Snake In-House Graphic Designer Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,288	Some Tips! Well, I think every designer starts on their own using his/her different methods. Some general things are that you'd need to start slow. I was designing prior to starting my business, but it still took getting used to. You'll need start by taking on lower priced projects. Participate in those low paying contests; it helps not only improve your designing skills, but it gets you known. ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=111549 I remember doing a logo for peanuts. But it got me to learn to use my skills better.Another essential part is to make an online portfolio; make a site, and put your best work on it. It helps potential clients choose a designer over another; past work is very important in this business, IMHO. Also, professionalism will definitely move you forward. I think a professional attitude tells the client that you're serious; not some scam artist. Lastly, a reminder alot of people need, is that ALWAYS, ALWAYS watermark your entries. It is VERY important. It helps protect you from a fraud contest holder/client. Those are some tips; I'm sure others will help you out as well. Good Luck and Welcome to NamePros ! True_Snake __________________ Logos:PM ME! OVECHKIN.INFO! Rising Star!

07-31-2005, 07:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
ATWatts NamePros Regular Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 385	Private message sent __________________ Jefferson General Store Jefferson General Store Affiliate Program, 7% Per Sale!

08-01-2005, 04:28 AM	#5 (permalink)
will7 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,725	Firstly, good job on entering the business, it is a fun, exctiting and dynamic business to be in. Now, you will have to decide whether or not you wish to work for yourself (start your own business) or work for another company as a designer. If it is the latter, you will need to get a good education, you'll need to get good exam results at High School and also at College and University. Then, build up a good portfolio and show the company you'd like to work for what you can really do. If you want to start your own business, then a full education is not quite as necessary. I would recommend getting good results at High School (just in case it all goes wrong, with good GCSE's, you can still get a half-decent job). There is not strictly much need to go to College or University but it would give you a better back-up plan. I'm starting my business now, at just 15, but I am not going to College or University, it's either very clever, or extremely stupid (I'm sure we'll find out in a few years time). As for actually starting a business, that would depend on where you are in the world and what type or company you wish to start. I would also be very interested in seeing some of your past work to see what you can do. What skills, specifically do you have? What programs can you use? Are you fluent in HTML? XHTML? CSS? PHP? MySQL? Javascript? Actionscript? Are you a flash designer or static / dynamic XHTML site designer? These are all questions that if you pursue the route of working for someone, your employer will ask you. Well, good luck and I hope I helped you. Any more questions, feel free to ask! ????: NamePros.com http://www.namepros.com/showthread.php?t=111549 Will. __________________ Will Narburgh \| Graphic design \| Twitter \| Email me

08-01-2005, 11:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
will7 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,725	I said it wasn't as necessary as if you were working for a company. I never said it wasn't necessary __________________ Will Narburgh \| Graphic design \| Twitter \| Email me

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08-01-2005, 01:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
DSL Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 2,115	What is some of your work?

08-01-2005, 09:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
Rayzn NamePros Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 116	Will, even with a buisness going to college can only help you. If you major in buisness it will help greatly. You never know, your buisness might get in a slump and you might need a second job just to hold you over for a few months and with without a college degree you are not going to get a very good one. It can only help you.

08-01-2005, 12:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
Rayzn NamePros Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 116	Whatever, good luck.

08-02-2005, 09:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
lextalionis NamePros Regular Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 450	There are also many different divisions of graphic aritists too, such as illustrators and layout designers. One easy but not glamorous way to cut your teeth is in screen printing. There are tons of t-shirt shops in every town. Just show up one day and start working and don't leave until they pay you. If young and on a budget pick up Jasc's Paint Shop Pro, cheap powerful primer for the progs listed below. If web use the Macromedia suite. Photoshop is still the king of graphics, but the Mac suite is webtastic. Will, take your college money, invest in a TROWE PRICE growth fund or s&p index 100 EVERY MONTH, and with compounded interest you will retire a multi-millionaire regardless of where you work or if you have a degree. __________________ \| Text a phone \| Tattoo Gallery \| Graffiti Art \| Calculate your BMI \| Teen Buzz MP3 \| Funny Bumper Stickers \| Last edited by lextalionis; 08-02-2005 at 12:07 PM.

08-02-2005, 11:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
jammydodger Account Closed Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 30	lol will you are the most mature 15 year old ever!!

08-03-2005, 06:28 PM	#11 (permalink)
ben51959 NamePros Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: San Francisco Posts: 101	To start getting real "paying" jobs online you have to start at the bottom... I remember doing logos for $5 a piece, unlimited revisions. And I was damn happy to do it haha

08-04-2005, 02:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
will7 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,725	Heh, thanks James and jammydodger, glad I am making good impressions. A lot of people have told me I am mature which I take as a compliment. Hopefully I am an exception to the "teenagers-are-immature-and-can-not-run-a-business" rule I sure hope so, I'm trying to change people's minds and show people that teenagers can be mature and can run an effective business __________________ Will Narburgh \| Graphic design \| Twitter \| Email me

08-04-2005, 05:21 PM	#14 (permalink)
gesture NamePros Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 142	Signup for a freelancer account at www.jobposting.ws and receive e-mail updates of related projects. Kind regards, William __________________ Job Postings - Join Our Freelance Web Site Affiliate Program! Earn Great Residual Commissions.

08-04-2005, 08:14 PM	#15 (permalink)
abs636 NamePros Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 94	Get a place to display your work and do some free work for people. Eventually, your name should grow and you'll start getting a rep.

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08-09-2005, 03:35 AM	#16 (permalink)
jakewright NamePros Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 46	im 15 also

Where to begin my career in graphic design?

Some Tips!