Where to begin my career in graphic design?

[severed]

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/

Brad

 

[True_Snake]

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.

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 :tu: !


True_Snake

 

[ATWatts]

Private message sent

 

[DSL]

What is some of your work?

 

[will7]

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!

Will.

 

[Rayzn]

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]

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

 

[Rayzn]

Whatever, good luck.

 

[lextalionis]

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]

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

 

[ben51959]

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]

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

he continues to amaze me... lol

 

[will7]

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]

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

Kind regards,
William

 

[abs636]

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]

im 15 also :D