Switching from web to graphics
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- hitsuji
Right this might sound stupid, i've got quite fed up with designing for web lately and want to make the switch to print but no one will take me seriously because i dont have much work in my portfolio that proves i can do it. I looked into doing an HND in graphic design but I can't do it because I have a degree so I can't get a student loan. Just wondering if anyone has any advice in regards to crossing over from one focus to another? I'd love to freelance in my spare time but work is stressful enough and not sure if my eyes can take more computer time.
- Salarrue0
You can start printing your own stuff, concept materials to experiment, but also look for freelances, I don't think you'll have an issue, most of the people doesn't know the difference between a web designer and a "print" designer (I dont know if that term exists)
I mean, if you are a programmer and wants to be a graphic designer, well start reading some books (in QBN there is tons of ressources and links) and actually start designing stuff.
cheers
- hitsuji0
no never been a programmer, it's exactly all that coding and stuff thats made me dislike it. i never intended to go into web, i did what i thought was an allrounded course but i came out of it with just interactive stuff in my portfolio. i went for a job interview to be a junior graphic designer for £17k-£20k and they were like "oh you can do web stuff for us!" and they offered me £13k. just feel like no one will take me seriously because i dont have graphic designer stamped anywhere. but you're i'll just have to freelance a bit, which ontop of my job will be a bit stressful but it's the only way to go i think. i know i can do it, i just need proof to show employees i guess.
thanks salarrue
- remember that movie "Big"? put a bit of BS into the portfolio maybe? seems like they are stupid enough to never notice.graficus
- bort0
Without a formal education your best bet is too simply immerse yourself in design publications and online resources. These sites are a good start:
http://www.underconsideration.co…
http://www.designobserver.com/
http://ilovetypography.com/
http://blog.eyemagazine.com/If no one will hire you, the best way to build your portfolio is to take on some small freelance jobs or pro bono work.
You're very much swimming against the current on this one. Print is far from dead, but demand for interactive work is generally much greater. Publishers of printed media are taking huge hits (especially now). With a glut of established print designers out there finding work will be challenging.
Best of luck.
- _salisae_0
looking through magazines will help a little but more importantly you need someone to mentor you and guide your development. try interning or getting a junior design position at a good design firm and pay lots of attention.
- hitsuji0
Ok cool. i don't mind doing interactive work from a creative point of view but a lot of what i've been doing lately hasn't been very creative, such as maintaining databases, coding for php (or at least trying haha). i just want to be more creative like i used to be and i love nothing better than seeing my work printed. i recently rebranded and did all the print work for a hair salon. i was basically told how to make it look, which was a pain but its something that comes with dealing with clients as i've experienced. i did try and sway the client a bit, but she had her heart set on something she had seen at another salon. but it was a lot of work, and it's something for my portfolio.
my friend might be buying a bar soon and i've offered to do all the branding for that.
my degree is in multimedia design and as soon as people see that, web design jumps into their heads.
anyway thanks for the links and advice etc bort, big help.
- Salarrue0
Bort is right, the future is moving to interactive, what I understand is you want to have print experience and have a better salary / position
I think you have to look for projects freelance or probono where they need a multidisciplinary designer and have an opportunity to build the image / print & webmedia from zero; for example NGO's, theatre, circus, cultural or community organizations.
It is hard with a full time job, but is worth it.
- hitsuji0
yeah, just need to motivate myself and get my arse in gear. im sure once i get a few projects under my belt it'll be worth it. thanks for the advice. feeling a little more positive about stuff now.
- hitsuji0
Just wondering actually. never tried this myself, but have you ever mocked up an idea for a company and presented them that idea even though they've not actively looked to be rebranded or whatever? and does it work. its hard to explain what im trying to say.
for example: ever seen a companies logo and thought "that's shit", gone home mocked up a better logo. emailed the company or whatever with your idea and offered your services that way?
- Stugoo0
I'm sure a solid understanding of grids learned from web will help.
As with most things I found that immersing yourself (as mentioned above) is the best way to learn, pulling examples and experimenting whilst consulting with your peers to maintain a strong direction.
- _salisae_0
and you'll never get anywhere if you can't handle critique – but that applies to everything really.
- <--this post sucks!Point5
- j/k... wanted to see if you could handle the critiquePoint5
- lawlVectorMasked
- Ewak0
WHAT THE FAWK DUDE? Print is dying. Don't you see all the newspapers going out of business? Magazines are next, the only print that will be left open will be marketing materials for business to business, packaging and most likely large format. You should def have a print skill set but if you don't have or get web experience then you will be out of this industry is less then a decade.
- most print designers don't design magazine or newspapers anywayRand
- janne760
just do it and learn it on the go ffs...