design advice
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- MXS
Good now I have you attention in the midst of all these politicstoday™ and religiontoday™ threads please help with my dilemma:
Im considering doing a MA in Graphic Design (at London college of communication) and would like you advise on whether I should do it or work for another year.
I have been working for 2 years since graduating as a web designer at places like the department of health and other public sector places like councils etc where the term web designer normally means web developer and where creativity normally takes a back seat (not my ideal choices – but it gave me some experience and paid the bills).So one aspect is - which is more valuable? 1 extra year of ‘experience’ at this stage of my career towards getting my dream job as a designer in a studio or getting a recognised qualification in design like this (as my degree was a BSc Computer Science).
I have also just completed a post-grad graduate certificate in design for visual communication which I did part time and loved so I do have a design qualification but its not very well recognised but it did help me get together a start towards a portfolio (lack of being another aspect to consider)
For sure the MA would the most fun option, but it will cost $$$ to do and means I wont be getting paid except the odd bit of freelance stuff.
Ok NT people I know that was long but I’m looking for the advise from all those who say “if I could go back I would ..” – nows your chance to help! Maybe BeachBoy can help advise whether he thinks its worth it or not, or other ‘made it’ NT regulars – Jevad, Dutchboy, JamesEngage etc
Thanks in advance.
- whoohaa0
what was the question again?
- MXS0
Ok too much there – as you can see I’m having a busy day at work
so cut to the chase:
Will an MA Graphic Design OR a 3rd year of experience help me get a decent design job?
- soda0
I am currently considering doing an MA mate. I have been working for over 10 years now so I am in a bit of a different position, but in regards to the question on experience I reckon go for whatever rocks your boat more.
I don't think it's a case of experience versus studying because both directions will give you something extra in the long run.
Good luck!
- plastipop0
I think both the previous posts were good advise. It's hard to make a choise based on the facts alone. A Masters degree isn't going to guarantee you a better job or even better pay necessarily. And unless you have it in writing or something, one more year of experience really isn't either. So I would do what you want to do in your heart.
If it were me, and I had the cash & my lifestyle/circumstances allowed it, I'd go for the degree. If you get married, have kids or some other major life/event comes along, you might not have the funds/time etc. to get a Masters, but you can always get another job. I think you'll be happier in the long run with the Masters... that's just my opinion.
- ricstultz0
good work and high exposure are the best things to get you a job....
Just stay at it and try to get your work out there.I know it sounds cliche.
- MXS0
Thanks soda (10 years!) and thanks plasticpop – true neither is guaranteed to help. Excellent replies so far.
The thing is, not having a design background means I have a hard time competing with other applicants for design jobs, which is frustrating cause its difficult to express my passion for design.
Anymore opinions?
- MXS0
"good work and high exposure are the best things to get you a job...."
ricstultz
(nov 17 04, 06:51)
---------------------------Agreed. But at such an early stage in my career getting the opportunity to do the type of work that will get me noticed and give me the exposure is tough! Maybe im just looking for a kick up to ass to do the MA – its really what I want – I just want to feel the cost will be justified.
robotron3k – I feel his pain!
- Blofeldt0
I think the first question you have to ask yourself is: Do you believe your design work is any good? Do you think that you can compete with other designers in geting a job? If i was you i'd start to get a portfolio together. It can be mock up stuff, but you'll be competing for Junior positions. You have an advantage over design students in that you have an insight into the processes of a professional job.
What sort of designer do you want to be? Print and Web?
Mock up some full campaigns, identity, letterheads. Make it all fucking wicked. Then prospective employers will be impressed with your portfolio.Mind you, an MA would be good fun.
- DutchBoy0
hahaha, you called me 'made it'
i am far from it, i have done many schools but never finished one.
i'd say go for the MA. really. if i could do it now, i'd do it right away, but alas i cannot afford it. :(
i'd love to go to the Piet Zwart whenever i can: http://pzwart.wdka.hro.nl/ (retail design)
- northern0
Although your decision is purly down to your situation there are some points i'd consider.
You say you studied computer science, you'll find that more and more 'design' jobs are asking for graphic design/ IA /HCI experience/qualifications so that tells you you need a design qualificvation. Computer science grads do get pigeon holed into dev jobs. However, the further into your career you go the less relavent your education is. If you're doing grapically elegant work that's a DDA masterpeice for the public sector then your on your way to a design job in the rigth kind of agency already.
Then there's your subject of choice. Graphic design. I'm not sure what LCC offer but you might be going too far down the graphic design route. Ravenbourne do a good interaction design degree I think as do some other London unis. Have you considered that? As i'm sure you know the skills involved in web design career are very different from those of a traditional graphic design education. Hope this helps.
- MXS0
thanks 2 all above = helpful
anyone else?
- t_rock0
It's been my experience that even a little bit of experience and a lot of talent will get you further. Most Creative Directors could care less if you have an MA unless you're planning to teach. It's what's in the portfolio not the letters that follow your name that counts. But in GB? Who knows what counts most.