What do I do next?
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- ThisIsMe
Currently I have a degree in Visual Communications (a degree with good mix of fine arts and design). Most of my training is in print design.
I am gainfully employed as a print designer for an in-house design department. Which although pay is good, and hours are good, I feel the need to take my education to the next level and branch out a bit and perhaps open some new doors.
What do you folks think should be the next step?
Web development?
Flash design?
new media studies?
further specialize in print?I guess it breaks down to the age old question of do you become "Jack of All Trades", or do you specialize.
Any insight would be appreciated.
- johndiggity0
what do you like doing? what do you do in your spare time?
- detritus0
What do you want to do?
- ThisIsMe0
Right now I seem to be doing everything. Photography, polishing up on my illustration skills, learning web and css, I've cracked the odd Flash book.
I have a background in programming, so im sure I can do anything. Interface design is very interesting.
I just would like to get the next level, and not sure were to focus my energy. Or what direction would be most marketable.
- JazX0
- ukit0
I believe to get to the next level you need to keep walking to the right and kill the boss at the end.
- lukus_W0
Get another job with a more interesting company - which does the kind of thing you want to so - and see where it takes you. Stop rehearsing now that you've finished studying and start doing.
Of course only you can know what kind of role want to ultimately end up with.
I think studying continually is ultimately a bit unproductive, and I wish I'd taken similar advice in my younger days.
- noneck0
Maybe get some experience in some other fields, but long-term you should be specializing, not generalizing. Become an absolute expert at something, better than anyone else.
- I agree, but I think the best way to narrow down choice is to find yourself in a specific role that requires specialism.lukus_W
- o_O0
hey ThisIsMe.. your name reminded me of this really amazing short mini movie... titled "This Is Me"
http://ny.beam.tv/beamreels/reel…
enjoy..
- johndiggity0
find what it is you like (digital, dev, design, brand, type) and specialize. don't worry about what's marketable. there's always a market for the very best in a field regardless of the field.
- BattleAxe0
mobile apps
- lukus_W0
make films in 3d
- 2d is deadlukus_W
- specifically, make Avatar 2 and you'll be a billionaireMilan
- 3d is so 2009, do it in 4dMilan
- 2D will never die.luckyorphan
- Be part of the 1D revival.DoTheMacarena
- Projectile0
basic web design skills are at very least a "preferable" in most job postings nowdays. that's why I just sent an email to a mate asking for lessons.
Get CSSand HTML down and your options will triple.
- ThisIsMe0
Perhaps the job I currently have is root of my discontent and I am just realizing what it is like to hold a "Creative job" in the real world. Or if I am genuinely doing unfulfilling work. Is the grass greener on the other side?
I guess the only way to find out is to check. Thanks for the discussion.
- breadlegz0
I think only you can make the decision.
In my experience, it's not the area you specialise in that makes you a success but the enthusiasm you have to stick at that particular area and become a master in it. (if that makes sense).
- drgss0
shovel coal in a factory
- lukus_W0
learn chinese
- it might be usefullukus_W
- eat cheeseprevious
- be the cheesealicetheblue
- mrghost0
drugs or more drugs
- luckyorphan0
Go about your career the way you'd go about any design assignment. Consider the problem, and work through a solution. Surely you must enjoy doing some things more than the other. Are you good at math or code? Then web maybe the place to go. But if you'd rather stare at paper samples and color books all day and go on countless press checks, then perhaps print is where it's at. Or maybe you think that no one's designed a good font yet? Or apparel? Zines? Poster design?
Better yet, try this:
Make a list of all the things you can see yourself doing, and then force yourself to rank them in terms of how much you enjoy them. It's kinda cold and analytical, but you might surprise yourself.
There are countless possibilities, but if you don't have at least a higher interest in what you pursue, if not an outright passion for it, then your next step will keep you occupied, but you'll be back here in two years with the same question. And we'll answer the same way: What do you like?
- duhsign0
work towards starting your own business.