Advise on getting in the field
Out of context: Reply #5
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- vaxorcist0
I have no idea what your work is like, experience level,etc, so don't feel insulted if this seems over the top....
I think that the graphic design biz is not so different from the architecture / construction biz, especially carpentry, as all the bonehead classes in the world don't teach you as much as a bit of apprenticeship style experience. Also, the shit hits the fan when the clients change their mind randomly. And you have unexpected stuff happen. And you have to keep people with contradictory ideas happy. My GF works in an archiitecture firm, so I've heard stories....
Unfortunately, one idea where the graphic design biz is different is in clients thinking that their random ideas can get you to change your design in 5 minutes, because it's on a computer screen rather than set in stone and concrete..... so you may have to learn how to defend your ideas and choices and/or consider consequences of whim-based customer idea injections.... rather than point to an obvious pile of concrete and say "that change is going to cost a lot"
As a freelancer, you may have one huge advantage... the ability to have a side job that pays the bills while you're getting started. It's not like you're leaving some office cube job with benefits and a huge mortgage and such.....
I also think that you should, if you're starting out, make tons of mistakes in private before you start really hyping yourself out there, find some friends with really good eyes and visual feedback... so when you hang out your shingle, you're as finished as anyone, and not just an "also ran" who "tried to get into the business"
Some HUGE difficulties for people starting out:
1.Qualifying clients..it's had finding people who will trust you and not drive you crazy and actually have money and a compelling story to sell, it's easy finding clients without money who will drive you crazy.
2. Directing things so that they get done, on time, without random shit added and/or able to react clearly to changing business circumstances and equitably sharing the risk.... Architecture / Construction biz may have some insight here.... beginning designers often work on projects that seem simple but take forever...
3. making sure everything that goes out the door is really, really good, not just "good enough" as designers are often judged not on their best work, but some clients notice any sign of something not quite right, as they know what's not great but have little idea of what is great....
good luck!