By Monique Kennedy
There are two different types of designers, those who are self-taught and those whose talents were honed in the classroom. I can honestly say I am a little bit of both. There is no right or wrong way to get started, but no matter how you get started you must have talent and a passion for what you do.
When people think of graphic design the first thing that comes to mind is probably a party flier with an attractive scantily clad woman. There is so much more to design than that. People often ask me what a graphic designer does, I tell them everything from package design, posters, business cards, and book covers. The great thing about being in this field is the versatility of how your work can be applied. So how does one get started?
The first step would be research. It is important to get familiar with what your role as a designer will be. You can start by reading articles, looking at tutorials and even asking others in the field. Before you invest your time and money learning a new skill it is important to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
As a designer, your world will be constantly changing and you have to keep up. This field is all about staying current with trends, software updates and other designers. You have to constantly keep an eye out for the next best thing, and how you can make it even better. Your clients will look to you for your expertise so you have to be on point.
Even if you have natural talent or you are already self-taught, taking lessons will be an asset. A degree or even a certificate will make you more credible. Having a creative mind is not always enough. There are several technical aspects to the job that you might not be able to learn on your own.
Another thing to consider is, do you have the drive? This is a highly competitive field and you will not only be competing with seasoned professionals but every other person who owns Photoshop. You will have to stay committed in order to set yourself apart from the competition. This will mean long hours, constantly outdoing yourself, and many projects that won’t even come to fruition.
The bottom line is, Graphic Design is a rewarding career but just like anything else in life you have to stay dedicated and constantly reinvent yourself to succeed.
Check out my portfolio at http://issuu.com/momoken/docs/mkennedy_portfolio and visit my blog at www.makeyourmrk.com.
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