Considering career switch to Graphic Designer

I work in the public health field and my government job is driving me crazy (bureaucratic, redundant, ineffective, no control over work products, etc.)--my independent, creative nature is being stifled. I'm drawn to graphic design because I'm looking for a career with creativity, flexibility, and variety. I would also like to be self-employed. I'd like to hear from others in the field.

1)How does someone with a non-art educational background become a graphic designer? 2)What kind of training/education is needed? What's the reputation of UC Berkeley's Extension Graphic Design certificate program? 3)Is a 3-year MFA degree necessary? 4)What are your major likes/dislikes about your job and this industry? 5)What percentage of your time is spent doing what? 6)What is the employment outlook for this field? Is it competitive? 7)What do you wish you knew about this profession before you trained to become a graphic designer?

Thanks. anon

Do you like working for $25/hour in the Bay Area? Because that's about what it's coming to.

Yeah, it's creative and all that... but make sure you check out the 'all that' part of the biz before you get into it. Trust me when I say it's about a lot more than spec'ing fonts and PMS colors. -- been designing too long

It's a field that's been devalued due to the abundance of free templates, software that the average person feels comfortable with, and cheap overseas competition. Few people want to pay livable wages for the skill, talent and knowledge. To get an idea of the level of frustration, there are a few videos people have made - go to YouTube and search ''stupid clients'' and view the first two that come up... To answer your specific questions:

You need an education. It's not enough to feel crafty/arty - you need critique, background, understanding. Online can do for some requirements but best to get real people. A real classroom situation will provide you with networking, job leads, motivation. You need people to know you, recommend you, guide you.

Can't speak on reputation of Berkeley Extension.

MFA - no. Bachelor degree - probably.

What I wish I knew? Wish I got in on the web stuff earlier and kept my brain limber instead of trying to learn too much rather late... Good luck!! Ellen

How do I become a Graphic Designer?

Two years ago I started to do some basic web design and absolutely love doing it. I have a couple of clients and truly enjoy my line of work. I want to do graphic design as well, but don't know where to start. Can anyone give me some direction? Should I take a class or start learning specific software? What software do you need to know to do good graphic design? joj

Return to Graphic Design after LONG hiatus

I graduated in 1994 with a degree in graphic design. I worked in-house in marketing departments fo a few years, and then left the business all together in about 1998. I went back to school and got a BFA in sculpture in 2004. Here I am ready to get back into the graphic design field, but I have NO idea how to start. I have had about 3 jobs fall in my lap in the past 6 months. All were start up companies that just needed logo design, there would be nothing beyond that. I do strictly Corporate ID, and print design. I have no experience in web design and frankly it does not interest me. Do any of you graphic designer mommies have any tips for me on how to break bak into the business? Thanks -Starving artist

BUT - to survive in graphic design in the future, you do need to know more than ever - web and print. No longer can you stop at just the logo design - you should know how to Photoshop it on 10 different items, animate it in Flash, and mock up a website. The CS3 applications are amazing and make things faster and easier than you could imagine - but there is the expectation and pressure to know ALL apps now. However, Lynda.com is an EXCELLENT resource for online training. Well worth the subscription. Start there!!

Start networking: Join AIGA http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/about InDesign User's Group http://www.indesignusergroup.com/ Attend Adobe launches and promos Sign up with agencies:

www.aquent.com
www.creativecircle.com
www.visuals.com

2) If you are going to look for freelance work, make yourself a professional looking business card. (No ''print it yourself at home'' stuff. The cheep, 4/c, quick-print, on-line places will be good enough if the design is good.) And CARRY THEM WHEREVER YOU GO. I meet potential clients at the playground as well as anywhere else.

3) Get familiar with Adobe Creative Suite 2 or 3 (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop). I used to be a Quark-head but have no doubts about switching over and think that's the way things are going for most companies. ''Real World Adobe In Design CS2'' (or CS3) by Blatner and Kvern is a great reference. Blatner also does free on-line seminars through the Adobe website specifically geared toward Quark-to-InDesign folks.

4) Talk to everyone you know and tell them about your on-line portfolio and that you're open for business. I did an email announcement, but maybe even a cheep postcard announcement would be good or better. And get back in touch with the folks you used to work with. They may be your best connections. Clients build up slowly.

Working independently is both good and hard. About half of your ''work'' time will probably be spent on accounting, billing, writing letters of agreement, and any other aspect of your business, let alone the hardware/software expenses, health insurance . . . The other half of your time will be the actual design/production work. So, bill what you need, I'd say no less than $50/hr., but really, more is better if you can get it (to cover all that non-billable time/expense). ''The Graphic Artists Guild Pricing and Ethical Guidelines'' book is also a great reference.

And think about whether you'd rather work in-house, as a staff person. Either way, the portfolio, business card, learning the software, and talking with everyone will help.

Best of luck! max

Getting into an Arts Administration job

I am interested in entering the field of Arts Administration and would like advice or resources for doing so. I am happy to begin with volunteer work or a part-time/ internship position in order to gain experience, but would also like to hear any advice that others may have. I should note that I have a MA degree in Industrial Design. Thank you for any feedback that you can offer.

Mid-life career change--graphic artist

I am interested in becoming a graphic artist at the ripe old age of 48. I had a career in the law for many years before having two kids and have been out of the work force entirely for over six years. I am a pretty artistic person and had a studio for a while, but want to find something artistic that is gainful employment as well. Am I dreaming or is it possible to break into this field now, or is it dominated by twenty- somethings? Do graphic artists have to pursue a degree program? What kind of hours do most of you work? Is part-time work even possible? Where are the best local schools? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Need to draw

I would be willing to show you some things that would get you drawing, because you would have to present a portfolio. If you have some good ideas for logos, maybe we could collaborate and I could trade with some drawing skills for you. I find that local businesses will hire us for illustration and some graphic arts and it is good to just begin with what you already know. You were a lawyer, you have good contacts. How about we work on a logo for your beginning artistry? Suzanne

Another thing to consider is that most designers these days need to be willing to do online/web design. I suggest taking a look at commarts.com for the job listings. 85% of them are for online design professionals. So that means knowing Flash and how to create webpages/sites (not to be confused with programming, which is really a different skill).

I guess bottom line you should be interested in problem solving. How to solve the communication/marketing problem, how to solve the design execution problem, and then how to solve the implementation (technology) problem, i.e. how do I build this in flash or with html and .css? (or both).

That said, I love what I do. I have worked in both big agencies and been self-employed, so there is a lot of flexibility with this career. And it pays very well. Good designers with online skills are in demand.

Now, if you want to be paid to draw, then you can always be an illustrator, or even a fine artist. With the web you can reach a global audience and sell your work to the masses! People are buying art and cool tshirts like crazy. Check out www.threadless.com for tshirts designed by artists and designers and see http://www.beholder-art.com/ for artists who are selling their work online (there are tons of these sites, by the way).

Good luck to you, and no you are NEVER too old Paula

As far as the field being open to twenty-somethings only, I don't think it is. There are SO many places you could work, that want someone who is fast and good. You may have to work at a lower rate of pay at first to get the experience, which is pretty much the same in all fields, I think. You can also freelance. That might be harder at first, just because it's great to work around others when you are starting. You can ask questions of your co-workers, and give feedback on projects, all that you can't do when working for yourself. I work full-time, in a flexible environment, so I can also leave early if there is a family emergency or sporting event. I also worked for myself for many years. they both have their good and down sides. If you like to spend time alone, manage your own schedule, freelancing is great, on the other hand if you don't like husseling for work (you really have to sell yourself in the begining), and working longer hours at times, freelance might not be your first choice. I think it's good to try both though to what you like.

One word of warning, this is not a field of art that you are working with your hands very much. You are pretty much sitting at a computer and, as you know, that comes with it's own problems. Also, I find that what this field is about is pleasing other people and being a good problem-solver, both in your design and also getting the client to explain what they want. You must be organized and clear. And with practice you can give the client what they want without agonizing over a design to the point where you end up making $2 an hour!

You might try looking on craigs list to see what jobs are out there and calling around to ask more about the jobs and what they are looking for. It might be helpful to say up front that you are thinking of going into design as a career and what words of advice can they offer.

I, myself, am going to move on (eventually) to something that involves being outside and combines art and gardening! I haven't figured it out yet, but until then I'm staying organized and clean.

good luck!! graphic designer who wants out soon

A good school to check out would be CCA (California College of Arts). That is where I went; started in my mid twenties and even then I felt much older than the majority of the student body which was comprised mostly of kids right out of high school. And school will only teach you how to be a compentent designer (you will learn the programs and work on formal visual problems) but the rest is up to you. Would be happy to talk more about it with you. My email is philosophygirl_1@yahoo.com Good luck!

2) I'm 40 something and the designers in my age bracket are either in a big corporation or freelancing (and neither group is exactly happy or thriving).

3) Degree programs absolutely give you a bonus. It means you've learned the current computer applications, you've been stimulated, inspired by and humiliated by others pursuing the same goal. I got my degree b.c (before computers), and learned some hopelessly outdated skills, but that degree gets me noticed, and I still remember how good others were, and gained a better understanding of why and how they were good.

4) Hours can be stupid if you let them. I'm freelancing, and I'm often firing up the mac after the kids have gone to sleep and get queries on Friday afternoon for something done on Monday. But if you work in a more corporate environment (that is NOT advertising - notoriously insane), it can be better. Yes, part-time is possible, but you have to go into it with a ''ready to do full-time'' attitude to get a complete understanding of how it all works and know the ropes.

5) Talk to counselors/advisors at CCA or Art Institute. Work on a portfolio. To get into most decent programs, you have to show you have aptitude, so design some pieces.

6) Keep an eye on Craigslist and Creative Hotlist just to see what's posted, what they look for, where the jobs are.

7) Never say never! Hey, it's a lot easier than me going into law! Working Mom

How to balance parenthood and being an artist

We have two kids, a toddler and a baby. We both believe in shared parenthood. Between work and family our lives are very, very busy. I know that that is inherent in being a loving, involved parent. However, I have deeply strong creative urges that have no outlet because I have no free time whatsoever. It is very frustrating and my resentment is growing. I do photography.

How do you balance being a parent and an insatiable appetite for creativity? I've tried working at night on still lifes and whatnot, but for me such a part of the photographic process is putting on a pair of hiking boots and getting out to photograph nature. Plus, there is the time required to process images, both digital and film. I've tried stifling the desire by getting rid of cameras, but it cannot be done. I consume Flickr, photography books, web sites, blogs, anything I can to at least see it and share in it as a passive observer, but again this does not quell the internal desire to create it myself.

Any advice? Give up? Stifle it with medication (my work requires design creativity as well, though)? The shared parenting thing gives me guilt for not being around, and my wife needs her own time. And photography (or any art) takes time to get into and perform. I've tried but I can't just do it for 15 minutes every day and be done with it. At this point in our kids ages taking a few hours on a weekend morning to go out is a huge burden on the spouse. I've tried to satisfy it with family snapshots, but as far as you can take these they are still not art that comes from a vision in one's mind.

I know our kids are young and things will get easier, but still the desire is not there tomorrow, it is there today. Ideas float constantly around my mind and I want to practice, practice, practice to get better and better and develop my vision. It's fun, it's deeply relaxing and energizing and invigorating.

So, is there any way to come to terms here? Is there any way to accommodate both parenting and art? Is there any way to avoid resentment and depression? Any advice appreciated from those who have dealt with this type of thing. Thank you. Looking for time for art

There's a new movie called ''Who does she think she is'' about artist/moms. One of the women has 5 kids and manages to make art. She keeps sketchbooks in every room and brings her kids into the studio. When I saw her I thought ''oh I'm giving myself too many outs, if she can do it, so can I''.

Resentment is a killer. I have my bottom line- I must have a studio to work in and some time during the year and ideally each week to make art. If you can come up with what you must have, maybe that will clarify things.

I don't know if this is helpful but it's what came to mind.Your passion really comes through in your post and I feel certain you'll find a way to express it! another artist parent

I am no longer a full time working artist (due to unexpected sudden growth of my family with 5 kids), but when my first one was born, I was still actively presenting my work through well-known galleries throughout the U.S. After my son came, I drastically changed the way (or the process) and the scale of my work (I did sculpture using thin rice paper). I lost my studio after moving, so what I did was to work during my son's nap time. You may laugh but I kept all the tools and materials in a couple of shoe boxes, and took them out as soon as my son went to take a nap. I would make parts in 15 minutes increments, and every once in a while (maybe,, once in every three months or so) I asked my husband to give me one full weekend to complete my work. I also have a very small blank notebook to keep my journals, and whenever I have a moment alone, I do a journal writing.

Now, I no longer have time to do anything but housework and taking care of kids, but I still keep my journal with me, and keep my ideas there. For now, my journal notebook is my mental studio. mom of 5 kids, and feeling now that juggling housework is almost like an art.

Here are few things that I have discovered through my own experience and working with clients that may help you get past that ''stuck'' place.

1. Get organized in your creative vision- Try thinking of your connection to your creative balance as a process in itself that must be broken into bite size pieces. Imagine your perfect day. Chart out how much time/energy is devoted to what. i.e. time with kids, time with partner, time for your art, work, etc. Next chart your time/energy distribution now.

2.The next time you have 15 min ask yourself ''what is 1 step that will bring me closer to my perfect balance.?'' Make a time-line with a few simple achievable steps toward your goal.

3. Remember as long as you are taking steps however small toward that ideal day you WILL get there eventually.

4.Schedule creative ''dates'' with yourself- In addition to small steps that can be taken in little windows of time every day, you need some larger chunks of time. The ''burden'' of being left with the kids for a few hours on a weekend pales in comparison to the burden of having a partner who is feeling resentful and unfulfilled. Your relationship to your art is part of what makes you whole. That relationship deserves respect and attention too! Your wife needs creative time too. See if you can trade off. Look to your community for support. Do what you can to write it on the calender! It helps to know that there is something on the horizon even if you have to wait a few weeks. If not for yourself do it for your family. They will get a happier, healthier, and more present father and partner.

Please keep in mind this is all super compressed for BPN. It can also be helpful to work with someone who can provide some outside perspective, ask powerful questions, and help break things down into clear, simple steps. If you have any questions or need further clarification please feel free to call or email.

Been there too, Lila

I would encourage you to find a way to include your kids in the process. Use them as your subjects, take them on your hikes with you and find them a spot to lay them in to play while you go around and photograph around them...

You might also want to see if you can work out a schedule with your husband or a mother support group so you can get some time to yourself and you can exercise and create on your hikes... Definitely pursue it and don't let it be stifled or fade out. keep clicking away

Another idea is to look for groups/ clubs, anything you'll be held responsible to attend, that do photography. This works well when couples with young kids are trying to feel out the personal space thing. Join others.

The last thing I want to say to you is that as parents, we all suffer some loss. You seem to realize that. We lose some of ourselves, some of our dreams, passions. We gain amazing love in return, you seem to know that, too. But some people have more pull than others, more passion. This is something you should accept now, don't question it, analyze it, or try to suppress it. It belongs to you, and it's there for a reason, you're in for a sad life if you try to fight yourself. Figure it out. Fight for your needs, and the needs of your wife. Hire a babysitter or do trade. Figure it out. As a famous artist/ parent once said '' Don't do it because you want to, do it because you have to,'' Yes, it won't be what it would if you had no kids, but it'll only be what you make it. Don't give up! light burning from the inside

If you love it and NEED to do it, then I bet you can work out an arrangement with your spouse where you get more than 15 minutes a day. You say that it's a burden for your spouse to have the kids for a few hours on the weekend, but honestly... it's not that difficult to watch a baby and a toddler for a couple hours. Just give your spouse four hours to him/herself the next day while you watch the kids. It's important for both of you to have alone time to pursue your interests, creative or otherwise. Your kids don't need to hang out with both of you at the same time, all weekend long. Good luck! Married to one

1. Congratulations for having creative passion. Appreciate this about yourself. Seriously.

2. Know that you have time. The span of adult life is quite a few years, and there are seasons, if you will. You have probably completed your student season and your single season with all of the advantages there. Now you are in a parenting season as well as marriage and work. But as many a parent with grown kids will tell you, the parenting will pass (or at least the time they are home). What you don't want is to MISS OUT on it. That can easily happen if you are not present. In fact, much of human unhappiness is simply due to comparing what is with what ''should be'' instead of being with what is. The truth here is that you have small children, a wife, and a job, and only so many hours in a week.

3. You can look forward to a time in the future when you will have more time for making art. But instead of a frustrated wait, you can be happy, and grateful that you have something wonderful to look forward to. Not everybody does.

4. Keep a notebook or folder where you put your ideas, like a treasure chest.

5. Rethink the short times that are possible. Is 15 minutes really worse than nothing? Is there something that you can work on very gradually? People have been known to write whole novels by writing 20 min. a day.

6. Can you very occasionally have a few hours to get out, say once every one or two months? Is there something else you are willing to sacrifice to have that? What can you give your wife in return?

I also, away from my studio, found how very humanizing it was to be with my child. Things I have learned during the time spent with her are always coming up in my pictures (and not ''cutesy kiddy'' stuff although inspiration does come from the unexpected...)

I just wanted to say, as one artist to another, that it can be done and done well. It is good for your family that you make art. You can be a better artist for the experience. Make art that you can make with the time and situations you have. (poetry fits lots of places) Everything you have is an asset depending on how you work it. And, Best luck!