Career in Graphic Design?

[SoonIHope]

I know several PSers (Tacori, jcrow, I think there are several others??) are graphic designers by profession and was hoping you could give me some advice! I am currently in a (very boring) job in finance, which I have no interest in, and have already sworn I wouldn''t get another job in. Which means basically...I have no skills that could get me a job! I majored in Middle Eastern studies but I don''t want to do anything with that (at the moment at least) so I''ve just been doing finance crap for 3 years and am ready for a BIG change. Now, basically through obsessive wedding invitation research, I have become aware of how much I care about graphic design! I have had a bit of interest in it for years, but never thought I could do anything with it since I didn''t have any formal training or experience there, but now that I''ve reached a breaking point with my current job, I am all about going back to school (or at least continuing ed) if it will help me get to a job that I find more interesting in the long run. Also, a long term ideal plan would involve the ability to freelance/work from home/make my own hours when we get around to having kids, ~5 years from now.

My current relation to anything design-ish is: 1) My mom is an art professor, so I always grew up doing tons of art, taking lots of classes, fiddling with lots of different media, 2) I took a bunch of art through 8th grade and was chosen to be in the special 10 student internship that my art teacher was able to sponsor based on her winning a national art teacher award, 3) ...that''s about it. My mom had sort of a feud with my high school art teacher (who my brother had taken classes with) so she wouldn''t let me take classes from her, so I did a bit of art on my own over the years, but nothing formal. I have also never taken any formal color theory classes or the like. In college, I really waaaanted to take art classes, but everything is so much more serious in college, with people who are majoring in fine art etc, that it didn''t seem quite like what I was looking for. I have continued doing a teeny bit of art on the side, but really very little, and nothing on the computer. In college, I spent about a year retouching scanned artwork in Photoshop, so I''m pretty comfortable with Photoshop, but I can''t create new images with any real degree of sophistication. I don''t have any familiarity with the other several major software apps I''ve seen listed.

From my research online, my basic impression is that what I would need in order to apply to grad school is a portfolio, professional working ability with all of the major design apps, and a lot of knowledge on typography/color theory etc. Seeing as I have none of these

, my best bet at this point seems to be taking some continuing education classes and building a portfolio as I learn all the software and theory. Does that sound like a good plan? How many continuing ed classes do you think I''d have to take to build up a solid foundation?

After that...do you think I should start looking for jobs, or apply for an MFA? Is an MFA a real asset in design for someone who doesn''t care about advancing too far as I''d want to quit whatever job I got in a few years anyway and freelance? Does my freelancing idea sound feasible? Does anyone have advice on the various schools in NYC?

I know this is long and not a very specific question, but I''d love any advice anyone has to give!!! Also, any ruminations on the nature of learning graphic design and/or working in it! Thanks!!!

 

[Erin]

I received my BS in Fine Art with a concentration in Graphic Design and Photography. If you don''t live in an area that will pay you well - because of your portfolio and experience, you may end up working for one company that already has a brand and identity and there isn''t as much creativity going on. I live in an area away from big cities and my last graphics job paid about 12/hr with small produciton bonuses. I found that strong skills in Illustrator helped me to create things from scratch. You may look into learning it.

I don''t think an MFA would make you more desirable - it''s about your portfolio. Maybe look for a book on Basic Visual concepts, or Gestalt principles.

 

[SoonIHope]

Thanks Starset!!

My initial plan was to get an MFA but when I realized how much work I''d have to do before even applying, and then I started hearing more about how it doesn''t matter that much...I''m thinking I might just skip that whole stage! I will definitely be getting some books and taking at least one continuing ed class so hopefully I will instantaneously emerge with spectacular skills and be good to go!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Here are my thoughts on education....someone would have to have an AMAZING portfolio for my to hire WITHOUT a BFA. The BFA is a pretty intense program and really rounds you out as a designer/artist. I also think natural, raw talent is so important. There are somethings that just cannot be taught. I would only get a MFA if you were interested in teaching. I am not sure how it is in NYC but it is just not necessary here in the south. I would go into a BFA program which there are probably tons of them in NYC. It might be a little intimidating at first (some first years take themselves SOOO seriously) but it you are serious about design I think it is the best option.

I barely use Photoshop (or use it as little as possible). I mostly use InDesign and Illustrator. Now that I started designing a magazine it is 85% InDesign (I even do ads in it now) and only use photoshop to convert pictures to CMYK, change backgrounds, take things out, that kind of stuff. I do think if you know one Adobe program you can pretty much figure out all of them (similar options and icons). I am not sure I am the best one to talk to about job advice because I have always been my own boss in this industry which like you said is ideal once we start having children. I do believe, unfortunately, that who you know may be just as important is how good you are.

 

[jcrow]

i have a bach. in fine arts with a concentration in graphic design. i have lots of art background, which you seem to have too.
i would definitely look into school. yes it''s ALL about your portfolio in the end- but to get there you need to understand rules and such and understand what you need to have a great portfolio. if you are serious about freelancing, i also would recommend besides GD classes, taking business classes if you haven''t already. i think tacori is a freelancer, so she would have more info on this side of the business. i feel like freelance is a whole other ballgame than working for an agency or company as an in-house designer.

 

[SoonIHope]

Tacori & Jcrow - Thanks! I was hoping you two would see this!

Tacori - this may be a dumb question, but can you get 2 bachelor''s degrees? I already have my completely unrelated BA and am not interested in an "undergrad" experience again. Can you get BFA''s through continuing ed? I''d be willing to go to school full time again for a while if I had to, but I don''t want to get stuck in some program where I have to take basic writing classes and science requirements and all that....

And thanks for the advice on types of software...I already set up a lunch with my current company''s designer so I might try to bug him to let me have copies of those for my personal computer to play with.

I feel kind of sneaky, but it''s going to take me a long time to get the ball rolling on this, so it''s not like I''m quitting this job anytime soon, so I might as well get my coworkers to help me get a job I like better elsewhere!

Also, how did you go about getting started as a freelancer? I think objectively I would far prefer to go straight into freelance, but that seemed really scary so I figured I should start off with a regular job for a while first to get the hang of how things worked before trying to do it on my own. Do you think you were better equipped to go straight into freelance because of your extensive background, or do you think anyone (with the requisite knowledge/talent/portfolio) who is ready to apply for a GD job could also start as freelance? How did you get your first clients?

Jcrow - I hope you know my love of your invites had a lot to do with my revelation.

I really really hope I can turn this hobby I have always enjoyed so much into an actual job one of these days!! One thing I have learned at my current job (which I don''t find iiinteresting but may still be useful) is a lot of general business and accounting practices that make me a bit less nervous about trying to go into business on my own, from that side of things. Before going freelance I might look into that a bit more though...

Whew, I feel like I''m finally getting somewhere!!!

I''ve been trying to come up with my life plan for a good many years now, so it''s nice to feel like I''m actually working towards a desirable goal for once!!

 

[njc]

I also have a BFA in Graphic Design. I have never seen a real graphic design job that didnt want either a BA or a BFA in graphic design and ive noticed companies wanting BFAs more and more. And while they prefer you to have a degree in GD, its really your portfolio that will get you the job. I would find a program that works best for you (cost, location, etc) and pour everything into your portfolio... do extra projects, find freelance (ask profs), make up your own ad/packaging for a product out there. I''ve learned first hand that the institution giving you the degree isnt such a huge deal. I really wanted to go to a big name art school, but am now glad I didnt waste the money!

As for freelancing, i dont have much advice as far as doing it full time. I recently changed jobs to prepare myself to take that plunge in the next few years.

I agree with Tacori, that once you know an Adobe product (or any graphic program really), you kinda know them all. You will find some places either use PageMaker, InDesign or Quark. PageMaker and Indesign are basicly the same and Quark is too although really expensive and I have used it since college.

Best of luck and ask any other questions you may have. I''ve found it to be a great field to work in and decent salery (DC Area). I enjoy it every day and often have people tell me how jealous they are of me, that I get to "draw" on a computer all day while they crunch numbers!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I would contact local colleges (with programs you are interested in) and see if you can use some of your previous classes to cancel out some of a BFA program. The great thing about a BFA is you don''t take that many unrelated classes. Where I went to school you had a major and a concentration (mine was GD with a concentration in drawing).

When I graduated from college (spring of 2002) there was really no jobs for me where we live. I did some freelancing for a start-up marketing firm (that never got off the ground) and met my now business partner there. We decided to start our own design firm spring of 2003. It is surprisingly easy to start your own business. I found my first clients through my night job at a restaurant. Also through networking groups (which my partner attends) and through friends. Then they start to refer people and so on. We took no loans out and just waited until we had the cash to buy the programs, two lap-tops, pantone books, color laser printer....so it was less scary (if that makes sense). Now we have started a second business so our focus as switched a little. I mentioned in another thread that we started a local magazine (I know, I am crazy

) I really like doing the layout and art direction of that but its much more expensive so there is MUCH higher risk than with our first venture but there is opportunity for more money

 

[SoonIHope]

njc & Tacori - thanks so much for all this info!! PS-ers really have been my most valuable resource so far!

Now I have a question about which type of further education I should pursue...it seems to me these are my basic options at this point. I''m going to list the pros and cons and would love any thoughts you guys have!!

1. Continuing education classes only. No degree or anything saying I completed X amount of work, but would give me a chance to improve my skills, get a little formal training, and start working on a portfolio. But no matter how incredible my portfolio turns out (wishful thinking!

), it sounds unlikely that anyone would want to hire me based solely on this.

2. Continuing education "certificate." Same as above only I would get a certificate at the end saying I completed the X number of required classes in that field, meaning I got some basic groundwork. But my impression here is that most companies looking to hire would still expect more formal training than that, right?

3. BFA. I''m a bit confused on how exactly I would go about getting one since I already have an unrelated BA. Perhaps I could transfer some course credits (but can you do that if they''re already applied to another degree??) but this would probably take a long time of full-time classes with regular undergraduates, right? I also feel a little funny about going back to school for a long time for an "equivalent" degree to the one I already have. I''m somehow okay with continuing ed b/c it''s not like I''m trying to claim that''s a "real" degree, but it feels a little redundant to get my bachelor''s, work for a few years, then go get...another bachelor''s. But this could end up being my best option since it doesn''t sound like I would need a portfolio or formal training as prerequisites to enroll, although I''m still not sure exactly how that would work since I already have a BA...

4. Associate''s Degree. The Parson''s website has a whole thingy on associates degrees, including a big brochure of people who had undergrad degrees (& a lot with masters too), then went to Parson''s to get their associate degrees to switch career paths. According to the brochure, this sounds a lot like what I want. But no other schools I looked at had similar programs, and my general impression of associates degrees was that they''re kind of like bachelor''s degrees only less prestigious/shorter in term? In which case I''m not exactly sure why I would want to pick this over some of the other options. Do any of you current graphic designers have any opinions on whether an associates degree would make me employable, or if it just sounds like a bit of a cop out?

5. MFA. This is starting to look the most appealing to me, even though it may take the longest and several of you have said it doesn''t really seem necessary. BUT if given the option of EITHER a BFA/associates degree OR an MFA, then doesn''t an MFA look at least as good there? Since I didn''t get a BFA the first time around, I still feel like I should be moving forward. Of course, the main problem with getting an MFA is that I don''t have a portfolio or any prior training, so no school would exactly be jumping to accept me at the moment. But I''m thinking the long term investment of taking a few continuing ed classes for the next year or so might (hopefully) be enough to get me accepted (does that sound feasible??) and then in the long run I like the idea of saying I have a BA and an MFA as opposed to just saying I have two bachelor''s degrees. So that might just be sort of a vanity reason, but I feel like if I''m willing to put in an extra year or two''s effort then I might as well come out of it with the more advanced degree, no?

Anyone have any thoughts? Sorry I keep writing so much!

I really appreciate everything everyone has taken the time to say!!!!

 

[jcrow]

if i were you, i''d say 1 & 2 are out. i would only presue those two options once i had a GD degree and wanted to get REALLY involved with a program- learning all the ins and outs.

i really don''t know the specifics of BFA/Associates/MFA, but i would look into these options.

 

[jcrow]

i found this thread posted by njc regarding GD and education.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Albi, I don''t know how much natural talent you have but I think GD is MUCH more than knowing the programs. It is a way of thinking and looking at things. I think that is why some educational program is helpful so I would vote for some sort of degree. They teach you how to think through the projects they assign, their own experiences, and through the history of GD. Anyone can learn the programs but not everyone has the ability to design a logo for example. Just something to think about.

 

[SoonIHope]

Thanks Jcrow & Tacori!

That thread had a ton of great info! But I''m still not exactly sure what to do. The general consensus seems to be that your portfolio and talent are way more important than education, second place is experience, BUT no one really wants to hire someone without any formal education, but an MFA isn''t really worth it unless you want to teach. Sooo I still don''t know exactly how to proceed at the moment. I''m probably just going to take some continuing ed classes this semester because it''s too late to apply for any real programs, and do some more research while I''m doing that...

 

[jcrow]

Date: 9/6/2006 2:59:09 PM
Author: albicocca
Thanks Jcrow & Tacori!

That thread had a ton of great info! But I''m still not exactly sure what to do. The general consensus seems to be that your portfolio and talent are way more important than education, second place is experience, BUT no one really wants to hire someone without any formal education, but an MFA isn''t really worth it unless you want to teach. Sooo I still don''t know exactly how to proceed at the moment. I''m probably just going to take some continuing ed classes this semester because it''s too late to apply for any real programs, and do some more research while I''m doing that...

i agree with this statement, though i think it may be different in your case. you aren''t someone whose gotten their BFA in GD and contnued on to obtain a MFA in GD too. i think if i were looking at a resume that read BFA in finance and MFA in GD and saw their amazing portfolio, i wouldn''t think, oh, they needed that to teach. i would assume they changed career direction. this isn''t a bad thing.

 

[SoonIHope]

Date: 9/6/2006 3:05:46 PM
Author: jcrow

i agree with this statement, though i think it may be different in your case. you aren''t someone whose gotten their BFA in GD and contnued on to obtain a MFA in GD too. i think if i were looking at a resume that read BFA in finance and MFA in GD and saw their amazing portfolio, i wouldn''t think, oh, they needed that to teach. i would assume they changed career direction. this isn''t a bad thing.

Oh, good, this is totally what I wanted to hear!!

I think this is looking pretty likely to be my top eventual choice. BUT the problem there is that it will probably take another year, because by next fall I may have taken 3 continuing ed classes and built up a good portfolio...but by the time I would need to be APPLYING for school next fall I definitely won''t be ready!

But at least I like having a plan!!!

 

[ello]

I just wanted to say that it''s great that you have interest in the profession – and would like a fresh start. I do have to say that everyone I know would like to be a GD (smile) but the reality of the profession is that it''s not as glamorous as it appears.

My advise would be to temp at a Printing Company so that you can learn from the start to build your files correctly and to understand what will work and will not work in terms design once it’s printed. This will come in handy when you work on multi-spread layouts. Especially since the makers of the software does not always test their filters and fancy add-ons with the fancy printing equipment. You will learn that not every design idea in terms of filters will print the way you intended and that it’s better to work with a swatch book than go by the color on your monitor.(ha ha ha!) The printing industry is very different from the Web world. It’s a fast pace and once it’s printed it’s printed! The industry is very competitive...what will set you apart is not knowing the software (that is a given) but how fast and original you are in your ideas. Your patience and drive will be your most important asset.

Software: Adobe InDesign and Illustrator (Design/layouts) and Photoshop for Images will become your best friends. QuarkXpress is also a good back up depending on your employer and printing company.

I''ve been in the profession/working for 12 years – My Education: Studied Fine art for 2yrs, Graphic Design for 3 and post grad. Animation/computer graphics for 1 year – Unless you make time to paint and sketch you rarely get time to do the fun stuff...My computer and mouse has become my pencil and my buttocks rarely leave my chair... This is fine with me because I truly love it!

Also, you have to ask yourself..."do I want to do it part time or go all the way?" When you work in a high profile GD firm you often work up to 12 hrs a day. This is not always mentioned to you during your interview. It''s just a given because a paying client is your priority and if you strive to be the best in your profession the hours will come naturally. If you would like to do it part time, then yes you will have time to have or enjoy your family and friends. However, if you want to go all the way as in Senior or Creative Director it is difficult to have a family or even find the time to see your friends. I yet have to figure out how to do that.

Your attitude is also very important. ''You may like blue but your client would prefer yellow.'' You will not always get appreciation for the amount of hours you''ve worked (your client will not care) and not everyone will like or admire your work. However, once you see your work published you will feel amazing and it will remind you that it was all worth it.

I love my job but I can tell you that it''s not glamorous at all! Lastly, once your friends and family or anyone for that matter learn that you are a graphic designer you will have to design and print most of their stuff for free.... Because they will never understand the amount of effort/time or cost it takes you to do a little favor. The most common thing I hear from friends is: I will tell everyone about you and more work will come your way...just remember that those types of referrals generally expect the work for free as well... ha ha ha!

So that''s Graphic Design in a nutshell! If you can handle all that then I think you will be amazing! All the best!!!!

 

[SoonIHope]

Ries - thanks for taking the time to write me such a detailed reply!

I''ve been talking to a few non-PS graphic designers too, and everyone is very quick to jump on the "not as glamorous as it sounds" bandwagon, so I think I''m good there.

Hehe. But honestly anything other than Excel sounds pretty glamorous to me at the moment! I don''t have any (realistic) interest in being the person everyone fawns over for creating the next brilliant design concept or whatever; I''d be happy with the basic plugging in to general templates, moving images around, etc. For example, I think the most satisfying day to day job I''ve had was probably when I worked for the art history department clone-stamping out dust specks on all the scanned artwork! It was absurdly tedious and I left crosseyed half the time, but nothing beats the feeling of just having it look RIGHT at the end, you know?

I''ll definitely look into temping for a printing company. That seems like the perfect job to fill in the gap between quitting this job and starting my MFA (if I do that...)!

As for the going all the way thing...I really have no interest in that side of things. Freelancing is sounding better and better to me the more I hear (not the least because my fiance will have a steady paycheck and spouse health insurance by then

), so if I go for a salaried job first, I''m going to aim low so it hopefully won''t interfere with my quality of life/time off etc. Man, I sound lazy from this paragraph, but I swear I''m just realizing that there are a lot more things in life that I care about than straight up working-to-pay-the-bills!! I just hope that this will be a good match for me so I can actually enjoy the working part of my day too - at least more than I am now!

Thanks again everyone who''s posted, and I''d love any more advice if you''ve got it!!

 

[lost on 5th]

i havent had time to read the above in detail (and its late!) but i thought i would share some other variations on graphic design.

first off, design is one thing, but the application of design to generate profit is another animal! a division of my firm goes graphic design and branding. it takes graphics combined with architecture combined with marketing and rolls it all into a marketable service.

here is our group within gensler: http://www.studio585.com/

and some other eye candy for you: http://www.hyperquake.com/

ill read over things and write more tomorrow

 

[PaulaW]

I just read this thread in detail too and I think that Ries hit on all the points I would have addressed so thanks for saving me from all of that typing!
My background is in mostly print design, I have dabbled in web design and know just enough to be dangerous. I''ve been a designer (now an art director) for about 10 years and have an associate''s in GD. I am now in school to complete my bachelor''s but I can tell you that your book and talent will get you further than anything else. The BA is only a hinderance when you get to senior positions or are looking for a new job. Most places have a generic screening process where a BA is mandatory and they won''t even look at your book without one, hence my going back to school to keep the upward momentum!
Anyway Albi, from your posts it seems to me that you''d be well suited towards production. You like the tedium and mundane and don''t care for the glory (what very, very little there is), and it seems to me that you''d like the meticulousness needed for produciton. Whoever suggested you temp for a printer is spot on, I think you''d get a very clear sense there.
As for your comment on aiming for a low salaried position, I''m afraid you don''t have much choice there. I have no idea what you make now, but entry level designers in southern CT can expect to make in the low $30s if they''re lucky.
Hope that helps and good luck to you!

 

[SoonIHope]

Thanks for the links Lost on 5th! If you have any more thoughts, I'd love to hear!

Date: 9/7/2006 9:37:27 AM
Author: PaulaW
You like the tedium and mundane and don't care for the glory (what very, very little there is), and it seems to me that you'd like the meticulousness needed for produciton.
[...]
As for your comment on aiming for a low salaried position [...]

Haha, I didn't quite say THAT Paula!

I was just trying to be realistic in terms of the type of position I would feasibly be able to get. From everything I'm hearing from various sources, it seems that a) only the very best people who have many years of experience get the straight-up "fun" jobs where they are encouraged to be as creative as possible and b) very very few people are paid particularly well for it. So the only way to even HOPE to have that kind "glamorous" job is to be incredibly competitive for those few spots out there like that; all I was saying is that I'm willing to accept that I probably won't have the glory job anyway, so I'm just not going to stress myself out too much over the competition. The comment about enjoying the photoshopping job was really more an insult to all my other jobs than anything else.

I'm just saying if I'm going to have to end up with a tedious job one way or another, I'd sure rather be doing something tedious in a field that interests me (and has potential for being less tedious as I advance) than doing something even MORE tedious in a field that I hate! So basically what I was trying to say is that I would be willing to do the meticulous production jobs for a pretty low salary, because I'm sure I'd find even that a welcome change from copy pasting numbers from one spreadsheet to another, since I value aesthetics a whooooole lot more than long strings of numbers and formulas!

That said, after a long talk with my mom the art professor, I think I'm leaning towards an MFA as my eventual goal. She kept emphasizing that when she was applying for her MFA, and helping her students apply for theirs, the most important thing everyone was looking for the applicants to have was a lot of creative potential (over formal training or experience). She has not dealt with graphic design specifically all that much, and is very definitely pre-computer-age, so I'm not entirely sure how relevant her impression would be to present day programs, though.

Does anyone have any insight on how hard it would be for me to get accepted to a (not top notch) MFA program? I graduated magna cum laude from an Ivy League university, but I haven't taken a formal art class since 8th grade. Assuming I take a few continuing ed classes to up my basic comfort with the software, and manage to create a fairly impressive portfolio, what else do you think I would need to apply? How much of the portfolio should be explicitly graphic design vs. fine arts?

And thanks one more time to everyone who has contributed - you guys are the best!!!

 

[jcrow]

portfolio: if you are in trying to get in GD, your portfolio NEEDS to reflect that. my porfolio is strictly GD. that said, lots of projects that are in my book in a sense show that i have fine art skills. for instance, logos. lots of the logos that i have in my book show illustration skills. lots of times (most if not all) i go straight to the sketch pad and sketch out ideas in pencil. that later transfers to the computer. so fine arts show up in my book but maybe not in the way you think.

 

[SoonIHope]

Jcrow - thanks for that advice! That''s what I was thinking, but my mom felt so passionately that it was worth just APPLYING for next fall regardless of how much GD-specific stuff I''d learned, since I already had various other types of work to stick in my portfolio that I thought it was worth asking. Just to clarify though, you''re talking about applying for an MFA? I would of course expect my portfolio to be almost exclusively GD if I were applying to GD jobs, but I was wondering if it makes much of a difference applying to school as opposed to for a job?

 

[njc]

I had to submit 3 portfolios during my college career. One was with my application to be admitted to the school of art, which was exclusively fine arts since my HS didnt have any graphics classes. During my first semester I had to sumbit another portfolio to be admitted to the GD program which was a mix of fine art and digital (before applying, you must take an intro to digital art class). Below are the actual pieces required in the second review. My last portfolio was part of my graduation requirement and was all graphic design. It was basicly my book that I would be using to find a job.

1. A one page Statement explaining why you want to study graphic design at the university level, and what has prepared you for this course of study.

2. A Self Portrait using medium and technique of your choice. Example: pencil, charcoal, ink, watercolors, collage, or a combination of above. This drawing must not be executed with any digital or computer related medium. Size 10 x 16 on good quality drawing paper or illustration board, can be mounted on black illustration board.

3. An example of Digital / Electronic Artwork or Illustration. Size 8 1/2 X 11 to 11 x 17 inches, mounted on black illustration board.

4. Typography and visual literacy. Choose TWO distinct letterforms from the type styles recommended. You can use either upper and lower case, numbers , characters, etc..
This design exercise will combine both figure and ground using black and white mediums and your design abilities to further abstract the letterforms to create visual impact. The most fundamental organizational principle of sight for a designer is the figure - ground principle, sometimes referred to as positive - negative space. An object can only be seen in relation to the surrounding space around it.
A. BLACK & WHITE COMPOSITION WITH 2 LETTERFORMS:
In the first 10 - inch by 10 - inch format in black and white you will create a figure/ ground design using two letterforms. Use two of the following type forms, Garamond book, Helvetica, Palatino, Goudy Bold. You should utilize the principles of scale, deletion, cropping, and other basic design principles. The idea is to keep your design visual, graphic and should communicate its intended message to the viewer.
B. COLOR ABSTRACTION USING THE BLACK AND WHITE COMPOSITION AS A STARTING POINT:
In the second 10 - inch by 10 - inch square you will place your abstract color interpretation of the figure / ground example from example 1. Using colors, shapes, textures, patterns, reinterpret the first black and white letterform exercise. Visual impact is important in this exercise. You should make good use of shape, volume, and color theories.

MATERIALS: Use any of the following; pen and ink, magic markers, watercolors, color paper, mixed media on white illustration board.

FORMAT: Layout two 10 inch x 10 inch squares using white the illustration board with the finished design. Arrange them within a 12 x 24 inch format and mount them on a black matt board leaving 2 inch margins around and between the squares.
----------------------------------------------

I know you arent looking at going to a big name school, but for the sake of research I looked at Savannah College of Art and Designs webiste (www.scad.edu) and found this statement which I think would apply to you:

Any student accepted into a graduate degree program may be required to take preliminary courses necessary to develop graduate level competency in certain areas. Courses are assigned at the admission review on the basis of the student’s prior educational experience, level of achievement and the desired program of study. Students must complete each required course with a grade of 3.0 or better and pass a faculty review before progressing into the graduate course of study.

They also offer a Master of Art which is less intense than the MFA, which could be an option for you. I think what you really need to do is find a couple school near you and go and talk with the graduate admissions. They could help steer you to which program would work best for you (heck, call up Savannah and ask them!) and what classes you may or may not need to take before you are officially accepted into the program and what they are looking for in a portfolio for admission. No point in taking continuing ed classes that wont count or help you out.

 

[lost on 5th]

.....so your in NYC. (guess i skimmed over that before...opps)

take a look at: http://www.schoolofvisualarts.edu

you can also take a look at: http://www.pratt.edu (tho they are rather $$$)


it might be worth takeing an evening class or 2 just to get your feet wet and see what you think. im trying to think of some other programs, but am drawing a blank.

really, a grad level program wont help you out much (and will most likely take you longer because they will require you to take the foundation coursework that others would have). a good undergrad and a well developed protfolio is what you will need.

 

[SoonIHope]

Whoops, I totally forgot to come back and check this thread again!

NJC - thank you SO MUCH for all that info!! That type of real-life detail is soooo helpful!!!

Lost on 5th - thank you too!!

To both of you: The comment both of you made about setting up a groundwork is exactly what I decided to do! I''m taking a continuing ed class called "Basic Graphic Design" at SVA just to see what it''s like/if I''m any good/get some of the basics down, and hopefully from there I''ll get a better idea of a long term plan. I''m still not sure what to do about everyone''s comments that all I need is an undergrad degree in graphic design since that''s the ONE OPTION I can''t do!!! IF a person already has an undergrad degree in something completely unrelated.....wouldn''t having an MFA (or MA) be a real asset over no formal training (let''s assume the portfolio is equally good either way)?

Thanks again everyone!!!!

 

[njc]

Well, since none of us that are in the field have a graduate degree, I think we are all at a loss of what to tell you. We know its not really worth it. People double major all the time, isn’t that two undergrad degrees? Yours would be just a few years apart. This field is unlike any other… no one is really going to care what you did before as long as you have skills and the portfolio to prove it. Its almost blue collar when thought of as a trade or a skill. Sure you can learn to use Photoshop, but to produce fabulous design takes skill. There is no book or technical formula you have to follow like engineering or accounting. I draw whatever I think looks best everyday while my co-workers around me worry over the correct way to do something!

As I have said before, I think the best thing for you to do is call a schools grad admissions and talk to someone. Call any school even if its not one you want to attend, just to get an idea of what kind of degree you should go for. It’s kind of their job to help you decide what’s best for you academically.

I hope this helps you, and I think taking your intro class is a good way of getting your feet wet before you take the big plunge of going back to school!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I think any kind of training is important (ie MFA, BFA or even an internship). Something that can improve your skills and expand the way to think about design. I think the most important thing is raw talent. I obviously do not know you or your abilities but if you have talent you can learn skill.

 

[swingirl]

You can not get a MFA with out taking the basics that would equal a BFA. A master''s degree is a continuation of an area of study that you want to pursue BEYOND a bachelors. It is NOT just a new subject you are interested in.

Realize that people with a BFA in Graphic Design have taken basic design and drawing classes as well as electives like photography, sculpture, art history. THEN they have taken upper level design courses, computer classes, animation, illustration, and portfolio preparation. This is ususally completed in 4 years.

A master''s program is taking one''s talent to the next level.

You need to start at the bottom and develop your talent and skills to reach the level achieved of a BFA. That is when you are really marketable and can START getting your professional experience. (most students freelance small jobs to get experience while in school)

So, no, you won''t be able to get to the "master''s" level just because you already have a bachelors in something else.

 

[lost on 5th]

i took a quick look at where i went to school and the graduate level design program required and undergrad in design. (exactly what swingirl said) they have some breakdowns of the various majors posted online if you want to take a look

UC college of DAAP


i think you are doing the right thing by taking a foundation class. it will give you a better idea than enything we can say here!

post some of your stuff if you like when you get it done..