A job in Graphics? advise please :)

killa · Won't Shut Up Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

Having a technical creative background on computers im pretty confident i could handle a position in graphics. I currently use AutoCAD and inventor but the precision in engineering is getting a little old. Im currently looking for another position but not so keen on carrying on this mechanical design lark.
So, the idea is that i use my technical abilities to move to graphics. Im not entirely sure what field i want to be in, ive heard of graphic work for booklets, maps and banner design so far. The thought of getting a little more creative makes me happy so im interested in shifting my career a little.
My question is, i think im capable but i need some guidance on what software / course / route i should be looking at. As i work 8-5 5 days a week it doesnt give me much time for a course i guess, or maybe a i can do something online.

Killa Thumbs Up

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ballbag · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 12 Apr 2008 Karma :

You need to learn Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. These would be the core technical requirements if you were to apply to a design agency.

There are lots of tutorials online. Good Luck.

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator are the main packages you need to know inside out. Plus these days they are asking for Dreamweaver and website design experience.

Also need to be aware of Acrobat and pdfs, and some microsoft packages, as a lot of customers are 'designers' and work in software like Publisher.

Be prepared to be doing battle with 'us' oldies (with oodles of years experience), and those fresh faced from university, who are prepared to start on as little pay as £13,000 a year and work long hours.

The main epicentres for Graphic Design are Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol, Brighton and London.

The more examples of work you have in your portfolio the better, the more diverse you can be the more employable you could be.

Good luck. Karma

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killa · Won't Shut Up Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

Very helpful thanks.
I think you've nailed that on the head with portfolio. I don't have anything to show right now apart from a couple of flyers ive designed and my C.V which says ive used certain packages.
Would the best route to take be something like an evening course??
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bEN_ · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Karma :

You'd probably learn more and learn alot faster just by going off tutorials online which is all i've done.

Only downside is to this is i don't have a shiny certificate or anything... but i bet you i could photoshop one Cool

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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

Everyone and there nan can do this stuff, there must be 1000's of uni students every day flooding the market.

I imagine there is much highier demand for engineering designers. I imagine the pay would be better too.
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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Locally I know 2 people with graphic design degrees completed several years ago. Neither have worked in it. One is working as a barman (and think they had a very good result in their degree), while the other is now an apprentice electrician.

All the best

Keith
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Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Valentino Mossy · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Karma :

Maybe approach a local printers and see if they are taking on any trainee mac' operators or typesetters... one way to get in to the graphic/design side of things.
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instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

Obviously as a mechanical engineer, I would say stay where you are but I accept that everyone is different, as is their personal situation. I could say that your job is far more secure in the engineering field but that comes from my own circumstances where I have worked damn hard to ensure the skills I have obtained are required in the marketplace.

If you aren't happy and are willing to be unemployed/on very low wages for quite some time, then go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I've ventured and it paid off. If I didn't, I'd be stuck in a rut.

But seriously though, in this digital age, where the government are trying to pile 50% of kids into higher education (of which, most popular degrees are useless), all those kids will just jump onto computers to try and achieve something. I reckon, once you're out of your position in such an early stage (you're still studying?) then it will be hard to get back in.

GSF Jamie 600 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 17 Oct 2008 Karma :

Were using solid works at uni, its A quality software!
You can make 3d representations quickly, second best to RPT Thumbs Up

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

My tip would be to stick with your industry, just move into a different area, and find something you do enjoy designing...and just build up your portfolio of other skills alongside it.

I am currently applying for work in Graphic Design, and also in Social Care/Community based work as that is my 'other' (something I did in my spare time), and so far so good, because a lot of interviews have been popping up in the latter and not GD!!!
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Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Watch this...it's soooooo true, (don't watch at work as uses bad language, though your boss may find it funny).

https://www.creativereview.co.uk/cr-blog/2009/october/graphic-designer-vs-client
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killa · Won't Shut Up Joined: 18 Oct 2004 Karma :

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

I applied for a job for an Art Technician with experience in Photoshop, Corel, and Illustrator (outside of the area I live). Last week I went for the interview, staying over at a mates place nearby. The setting was perfect, but the job was not.

It was basically a desktop publishing job, working with Word. No creativity whatsoever, unless you consider text layout. I can't believe it, I felt duped. My skills were not required in any shape or form!!

What a waste of my time, and effort. Mad

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