Typophile - I'm looking for some possibly life changing advice... - Comments

You know what, he is 20!

AGL — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:05:17 -0700

You know what, he is 20! Aghhh. The ’canuto’ counts, no doubt. One thing is certain, you got to get da ass moving! Again, triple luck for you.

[thousandaire] is that what I think?

André

I agree with Peter. I’ve

Sharon Van Lieu — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:57:41 -0700

I agree with Peter. I’ve never heard anyone say they missed an opportunity because they had a college degree.

Sharon

I am terrified to see people

peter.ricardo — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:41:26 -0700

I am terrified to see people saying you should continue to be a dropout. No matter what happens, it’s hard to see a downside to having finished your degree 5 to 10 years from now, and easy to imagine upsides: scenarios in which you’ll be very, very grateful you did. I agree with an earlier poster: switch schools. Do what it takes—and do internships along the way—but get yourself fully and conventionally credentialed. Otherwise you’ll be naked out there in the future. Not to mention the global depression now starting to stir! Please, please don’t play around with your future. It doesn’t seem very substantial yet at 20, but that is a flagrant, completely predictable error of perspective and nothing more.

Blake, My most important

David Sudweeks — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:47:50 -0700

Blake,
My most important advice to you: Make sure it’s you who determines what direction you’d like to take in your career. Talking with others may help; but ultimately the desire must be discovered inside you.
I studied computer science for three years in college before finally coming to grips with the idea that—while I liked it, and was good at it—I didn’t love it. It would have been a safe career path for me, and I could have done what I really loved on the side; but I decided to change direction so I could work at what I love full-time.
Maybe you’re sticking with web design because you feel like it’s a safe path; but I assume that you’re wondering what’s next—meaning you’re not truly fulfilled with where you’re at presently. Find within yourself what kind of work you would eventually love to do everyday. For me it’s type design and print design. I’ve still got a way to go before type design can be the primary focus of my professional life every single day, but that’s what I’m working toward.
You’re good enough to get contracts working in web design, but you might love working with animals or making music or teaching history for all we know.
So try a lot of things; meet a lot of different kinds of people. But make sure it’s you who decides where you want to end up. Then follow your passion for it and you’ll get there.

NIce work James... I too

concrete — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 15:00:43 -0700

NIce work James... I too resigned and went back to school, it was the best thing for me. Change is good and the only way is forward... made the commitment. It comes down to life choices and where you think you want to go... you can only experience it yourself by doing it (with a bit of research first)

You are only 20!!!... if you

James Puckett — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:49:06 -0700

You are only 20!!!... if you think you need more design discipline or skills go back to design school NOW...

I walked away from an almost six-figure salary at 26 to go back to school. It wasn’t so bad.

Hi I always find it amazing

concrete — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:41:30 -0700

Hi I always find it amazing people trying to find a quick fix or a short-cut. Nothing really comes for free and the only way to get there is by doing it... don’t wait for hand outs. Hard work or putting yourself on the line, by just doing it...

You are only 20!!!... if you think you need more design discipline or skills go back to design school NOW... take from it what you want, be motivated and inspired by others as they too may be inspired by you. 4-5 years now to get that dream job (maybe) is worth it... unless you are so talented that an agency will head hunt you and put you in a great role of creative... ... it’s not going to happen.

Hard work, put yourself out there... get noticed... go back to school or get a job as a junior or a mac op.... because once you are in an agency, the foot is already well in the door.

Freelance as a mac op via design recruitment/HR/freelance company, though they will want to know history and will test you on your skills, once in they can get you temporary positions freelancing at small to large agencies.

A problem for graduates is that no-one wants a graduate without real agency experience, how is a graduate supposed to get real experience if no-one is willing to take them on?... thats where the internships help out I guess.

in your case you have had real experience in web, so I would be using that, it is your ’in’ your foot in the door.. or go to a company like Aquent (example only)... or bang on every door.

Go back to design school and do an internship at the same time... maybe pick another school... remembering you quit design school, so an employer may think “this person may quit us?”...

The future is yours... play hard and have fun

I’ve found RGD which seems

blakehaven — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:31:16 -0700

I’ve found RGD which seems to be an equivalent of some sort?

Anyways, you hardly could have known I was canadian, and I found the aiga website useful, so hah.

Who was the idiot who

Chipman223 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:23:25 -0700

Who was the idiot who suggested AIGA to a Canadian? Oh, wait, that was me.

Thanks everyone! Your

blakehaven — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:57:22 -0700

Thanks everyone! Your comments have been very helpful.
Although I’m still debating on what I should do, I’m starting to lean towards an internship.

If anyone has any suggestions or advice on how to begin networking, or websites where I might find job postings [Toronto], I would love to hear your advice.

Black, I don’t dare to

AGL — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:14:49 -0700

Black, I don’t dare to advice anything. But I believe the trick on getting a career is more a matter of insistence and pursue of your dream, then diplomas. Keep going no matter what ’they’ say! I like what I have seen on your site.

Good luck for you!

Andre

Blake, you’ve worked with

Chris Rugen — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:04:29 -0700

Blake, you’ve worked with clients (which is a good thing to have under your belt) but have no formal training (no degree makes it harder). If you want to work for an agency/ firm, I think you’re on the mark when you suggested an internship or a junior position. Unless you are a design prodigy, you’ll have to prove yourself and build your resume for larger, more stable stuff. With web design, I gather it’s all about technical skills when you’re starting out.

Your work has solidity and variety, but lacks a certain spark and depth which usually comes from experience and collaboration with a team. My advice is to hit AIGA’s site, craigslist, Coroflot, and anywhere else you can find to seek out openings.

(disclaimer: I’m a print designer with a dash of web skills)

Who wants to be a

HaleyFiege — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:33:03 -0700

Who wants to be a thousandaire?!

That way you’ll have a

blakehaven — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:26:23 -0700

That way you’ll have a long career, a healthy lifestyle, retirement savings, some measure of social status as well as the gratification and esteem that goes along with doing something real, something that makes sense.

I love design, it makes me really happy. I can see where you’re coming from, but I’m hoping it’s just your experience, and not respective of the entire industry.

That way you’ll have a

James Puckett — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:17:38 -0700

Doing something real is why I got into design. At the end of a job I have something solid to show for my efforts. That can’t be brought down by pretentious demagogues with MFAs or by idiot clients.

You pay your dues so you can schmooze.

I don’t pay my dues, I just show up and schmooze. It’s a lot less expensive to just pay an extra five bucks to get into the meetings.

I'm looking for some possibly life changing advice...

blakehaven — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:24:04 -0700

Hey There! I’m looking for some possibly life changing advice, so I’d greatly appreciate it if you could read my post and offer whatever thoughts you may have. Thanks in advance!

Let me give you a quick run down on my life.

I’m 20. After high-school I went to university for graphic design, but hating it, I dropped out after only the first year. For the next two years [to present], I’ve worked as a freelance web-designer. Now I’m thinking about the future. Freelance is unstable. I’d like to find work with a studio, but I have no idea how, where to begin, or whether I am qualified or skilled enough.

I’ll link you to my portfolio so you can keep it in mind as you read the rest.
www.skywide.net

My question to you is: How does one go about finding their first full-time graphic design job?

I have no full-time working experience. My resume consists of a scattering of freelance positions with a variety of individuals, organizations, and a few running overflow agreements with some local studios. I do have a few strong references.

Is it generally accepted that studios/organizations only hire people who’ve completed university or college programs?

Perhaps I need to do some sort of internship?

Please take a look at my website and offer honest feedback. Do I even stand a chance? Is my portfolio varied enough? Is it what employers are looking for?

Really, whatever advice you have to give would probably be helpful.

I have little interest in going back to university to complete my design degree [citing reasons such as insane tuition costs, lack of actual learning.], but it is an option...

Thanks,
Blake