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View Full Version : Designing w/ computer - where to start?
sheri1568
03-09-2006, 08:05 AM
I'm Sheri, a SAHM mom for the past 9 years who has dabbled in various direct sales businesses and who is also preparing to go back to work in the fall in the field of education. (Now that I've scared everyone with that run-on sentence coming from a teacher!...)
I have always loved making things on the computer. I absolutely get lost in creating new things. (Christmas cards, scrapbook pages, invitations,labels) I have been working on my sister's baby shower invitation the last few days and last night, it hit me: WHY don't I actually get some training and learn how to do this the "right" way so that MAYBE I can get paid for doing it!
My training so far has been trial and error in the graphic programs I have (Publisher and PSP 8). I'd really love to get some training in this, but I have no idea where to start or what kind of training to get. I have a Master's degree already and I'm not interested in getting another "degree" per se.I just want the training.From searching online, I see there are Graphic Design programs, desktop publishing programs, web design programs, certificates, diplomas and degrees in each, etc.
So, quite simply my question is stated in the title. Where do I start?
Many thanks.
Sheri
I have always loved making things on the computer. I absolutely get lost in creating new things. (Christmas cards, scrapbook pages, invitations,labels) I have been working on my sister's baby shower invitation the last few days and last night, it hit me: WHY don't I actually get some training and learn how to do this the "right" way so that MAYBE I can get paid for doing it!
My training so far has been trial and error in the graphic programs I have (Publisher and PSP 8). I'd really love to get some training in this, but I have no idea where to start or what kind of training to get. I have a Master's degree already and I'm not interested in getting another "degree" per se.I just want the training.From searching online, I see there are Graphic Design programs, desktop publishing programs, web design programs, certificates, diplomas and degrees in each, etc.
So, quite simply my question is stated in the title. Where do I start?
Many thanks.
Sheri
ktmkgraphics
03-09-2006, 08:31 AM
Hi Sheri,
Congrats onconsidering a new job venture. The biggest advice I can give to you right now is to develop a physical and online portfolio of your current work, and let it grow. You don't necessarily need to acquire clients right away to do this, so don't get discouraged. This field is a very slow climb, whether yougo to school for it, or you just simply let your passion of the arts take hold of you and run.
You may also want to consider opening an online store down the road selling customized and personalized stationery since you said you like creating things of that nature.
Don'tstarttoo broad. I started out only doing logo and branding designsand grew from there. Unfortunately, it was a bit discouraging because my first clients came from eBay and that is the ultimate flea market where everyone wants everything, but they don't want to pay your worth...some greedy people there.http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif
We all have to start somewhere. I didn't go to a design school nor acquire a college degree. Ididn't have anyone to guide me, but mypassion and love for art.
I will be more than happy to give you pointers throughout your new journey so you don't have to rack your brains out like I did with trial and error...yeah, it makes you stronger, but what a pain in the arse!!!
Best wishes to you, and you know how to find me ~ Linda
Congrats onconsidering a new job venture. The biggest advice I can give to you right now is to develop a physical and online portfolio of your current work, and let it grow. You don't necessarily need to acquire clients right away to do this, so don't get discouraged. This field is a very slow climb, whether yougo to school for it, or you just simply let your passion of the arts take hold of you and run.
You may also want to consider opening an online store down the road selling customized and personalized stationery since you said you like creating things of that nature.
Don'tstarttoo broad. I started out only doing logo and branding designsand grew from there. Unfortunately, it was a bit discouraging because my first clients came from eBay and that is the ultimate flea market where everyone wants everything, but they don't want to pay your worth...some greedy people there.http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif
We all have to start somewhere. I didn't go to a design school nor acquire a college degree. Ididn't have anyone to guide me, but mypassion and love for art.
I will be more than happy to give you pointers throughout your new journey so you don't have to rack your brains out like I did with trial and error...yeah, it makes you stronger, but what a pain in the arse!!!
Best wishes to you, and you know how to find me ~ Linda
TeresaK
03-09-2006, 10:00 AM
There are some really great books for learning graphic design. Also, have you researched online tuturials? They can be very affordable.
Teresa smileys/smiley1.gif
Teresa smileys/smiley1.gif
sheri1568
03-09-2006, 10:01 AM
Thanks, Linda!
I think what I'm going to do once I become well-versed in a graphics program (rather than trial and error which takes forever when trying to figure out how to do something!) I'm going to start offering to design stuff for friends and family to build a portfolio.
Should I focus on putting one type of product in the portfolio? I have projects that I've already made and they range from scrapbook pages to invites to Christmas cards. Would it be prudent to include all those genres?
Thanks!
Sheri
I think what I'm going to do once I become well-versed in a graphics program (rather than trial and error which takes forever when trying to figure out how to do something!) I'm going to start offering to design stuff for friends and family to build a portfolio.
Should I focus on putting one type of product in the portfolio? I have projects that I've already made and they range from scrapbook pages to invites to Christmas cards. Would it be prudent to include all those genres?
Thanks!
Sheri
ktmkgraphics
03-09-2006, 10:09 AM
It would be a very good idea to include all of your works. Just categorize to make it more navigational for your potentials to scan through your designs.
I am in the process of integrating all of my work to one site (which is hard to do in between clients), but Ioffer print design, web design, illustrative design, photography, and writing and simply set up links to subcategorize.
Great idea to offer your skills to friends and family, and there are a few members on this board that need help getting their business off the ground, so offer pro bono from time to time, or as you see fit.
Take care,
Linda
I am in the process of integrating all of my work to one site (which is hard to do in between clients), but Ioffer print design, web design, illustrative design, photography, and writing and simply set up links to subcategorize.
Great idea to offer your skills to friends and family, and there are a few members on this board that need help getting their business off the ground, so offer pro bono from time to time, or as you see fit.
Take care,
Linda
ProjectSeven
03-18-2006, 12:43 PM
One of my most favorite and FREE educational sites is..
Free-Ed.net (http://www.free-ed.net/free-ed/FreeEdMain01.asp)
Why pay for any tutorial when they're all over the web for free? I also offer free tutorials on my business site. Project Seven Networks (http://www.p7n.net) under the 'computer help' link on the main menu.
Good Luck!
Misti
Edited by: ProjectSeven
Free-Ed.net (http://www.free-ed.net/free-ed/FreeEdMain01.asp)
Why pay for any tutorial when they're all over the web for free? I also offer free tutorials on my business site. Project Seven Networks (http://www.p7n.net) under the 'computer help' link on the main menu.
Good Luck!
Misti
Edited by: ProjectSeven
