Getting Started in Design: Part 1: Three Steps
· Sep 30, 12:47 PM
Some of my friends and associates occasionally ask, “How did you get started in the Graphic/Web Design industry? Did you go to school for that?”
Actually, I did not. When I went to College, I wanted to work with computers, and I found I enjoyed Web Design. However, in 1997, the community college I went to did not offer a program in anything related to web design. The closest thing was a Network Administration program that included one class on Web Design.
So, how did I do it? I read and read and read. And, I practiced and practiced and practiced.
The stuff I learned in that 1997 class is obsolete today.
So, if you want to get started in a fun and creative industry, there are 3 things you need to do.
(1) Learn
That’s right, learn. Read anything and everything you can get your hands on.Want to learn Web Design? Go to the library and check out books on HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Get a HTML for Dummies type of book to learn the basics of HTML. Then get this book called “The Zen of CSS Design” by Dave Shea and Molly E. Holzschlag. For JavaScript, nothing beats Jeremy Keith’s books DOM Scripting or Bulletproof Ajax.
Want to learn Graphic Design? Once again, check out books from your local library. Also, look to others for inspiration.
You’ll want a book on Photoshop or the GIMP. Photoshop is the industry standard, but not everyone can afford it. GIMP is 100% free and has most of the features of it’s costly Adobe cousin. Gimp books aren’t as easy to find in a library. Here is a nice list to refer to.
Once you learn the programs, you’ll need to learn the theory. The Non-Designers Design Book is a good place to start, if you don’t have any background. If you’re artistic by nature, you may not need a book, and just look to the world around you for inspiration. (You’ll still need to learn the theory behind Typography, but it should be relatively easy for those with minds that are already creative.)
(2) Build Your Portfolio (A.K.A. Practice, Practice, Practice)
Use what you’ve learned to build a professional looking portfolio.- Create corporate identities for imaginary companies.
- Design imaginary advertisements for a favorite product.
- Offer your services pro-bono to friends, family or non-profit organizations.
- Make sure you have an online presence.
(3) Be Willing to Start at the Bottom
OK. You have the knowledge. You have the portfolio. Now, how do you start making money?If you come into the industry with no professional experience and expect to be making the big bucks right away, you’re just fooling yourself. Go to print shops or design firms and be willing to accept anything at first. Once you get 6 months of actual real-world experience under your belt, ask for a raise or look elsewhere.
Also, develop a “can do” attitude. If someone asks you to do something, and you don’t know how to do it, don’t say, “I can’t do it…” Instead, tell them that it can be done, but you’ll need to do some research and get back to them. “I can’t” should not be in your vocabulary.
In conclusion…
If your just getting started, it pays in the long run to be humble and willing to learn. Don’t get full of yourself and let your ego get in the way of gaining valuable experience.
Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Part 2 will discuss 10 of my favorite websites to gain design knowledge and get inspired.