WAHM Forums

Hey, Guys. I have been on the board a couple times. I taught myself html, css and attempted the server side scripts without any success. I then taught myself photoshop and illustrator. I am still learning flash.


I am wondering what type of graphic design jobs there are besides websites. I find it hard to get a web design job and I really like all types of graphic design.


On another note, I wanted to show you guys a picture of my mom when she was younger that I illustrated. This is the kind of stuff I want to do.


http://myspace-369.vo.llnwd.net/00725/96/36/725566369_m.gif

Hi Nunnmom-


Your illustration looks wonderful and I think that is awesome that you have taught yourself so much. I went back to school at a later age and I am learning the same things that you have taught yourself. I have taken it upon myself to learn XHTML/CSS right now during summer break from school and also because I feel that I am in more of a hurry to learn because I am older and would like to work in the field as soon as possible. Would you have any suggestions how I can further this? I love hearing about others who take it upon them to teach themselves. I would especially like to pay attention to the XHTML/CSS this summer in order to be able to build websites since so many of my classes next fall will pertain to this.


Regarding your question, I think that there are a lot of graphic design jobs out there from what I hear from my professors and other students. You just have to search for them and know the softwares. From what I understand, you are on the right track with learning those particular softwares. Maybe add InDesign to your list?? If you can work in Illustrator, InDesign will be easy to learn. I just see it listed in many ad's that I read.


I would also contact local printing business' in your area because a lot of them need help with logo's and such. Also just word of mouth is great. Tell all of your friends to keep their ears open in case somebody needs a new logo design or business card or just happen to bring up what you are doing to people you meet and it mightlead you in a great direction.The last thing that your illustration reminded me of was a teacher that I had a while back. She did illustrations for children's books and calendars for local cities in her area. She was more on the painting side but also incorperated the computer side of things into her work. She was a wonderful illustrator.Maybe contact your local chamber of commerce? She also did many brochures for hospitals and other business'. Just keep searching. There are a lot of forums that post help wanted ad's such as this one.


I hope this helps and that my advice in on the right track since I am still a student. I try to keep my eyes and ears open for this kind of advice. Please let me know if I am wrong about this. I would hate to give somebody wrong advise.


Cammy

Hey. Thanks for the encouragement. I guess my problem is more one of confidence. I don't apply for a lot of jobs because I do not think my qualifications, (considering I am self taught), are enough.


As far as learning the thingsthat I have, I can give you a few links. I know you're in school but it can'thurt to get ahead.


w3schools has great tutorials on everything from html and css to php and sql - http://www.w3schools.com/default.asp


Also, I have found some great tutorials for illustrator by just googling it.


Thanks,


MistyEdited by: nunnmom

Great graphic and congratulations on moving forward!!!! smileys/smiley32.gif

Well, thanks ladies. I think I am going to be a little braver and try for some jobs even though I don't necessarily have the schooling.


I did find a neat site that had other graphics like mine. I don't really know what the point of the site is, but it is called deviantart.com or something like that.


Misty

Hi Misty~I have been doing freelance graphic design for about 10 years now. I have a two year degree and a couple of certs from a tech school but formal education is definitely not necessary in this field.What matters is that you know how to use the software and that you know about good design technique and color theory.


As a previous poster stated, I would add InDesign to your list of software. Even with so many people having the capability to do their own print design, you will be surprised to find how many need the help of a professional when they need to send work to a printer for large runs. It would also be beneficial to know PowerPoint. People ask me to do all kinds of things and I like to be able to do all I can. I have also been asked to make video clips from home videos for people's websites. You just never know what you'll be asked to do.


I started out doing work for friends and family. Word of mouth will get you far in this business.


Four years ago I answered an ad in our (very small)local newspaper for someone to update their new website weekly. Now I update that website twice a week, I update another small newspaper weekly (by the same owner) and I do the production work and website for a monthly magazine (up to 44 pages)that he also owns. I am able to do 95% of the work from home and get a regular paycheck. YAY!


As far as confidence, that will come with experience. The more different design work you are exposed to the more confident you will feel when someone asks you if you can do something. Just be honest and straight forward with clients who ask for your services. If you are asked to do something you are not sure about, tell them you can but that you haven't done much of that particular thing so it may take a little longer and that they will not be paying for your "trial and error time". Most are asking you to do it because they don't know how themselves and will be understanding. And it is a great way for you to get experience in an area that you are not so familiar with.


Ok, I think I got a little long winded there. Feel free to pm me if you want.


Best of luck! And don't give up.


jace

Great work, you are very talented!smileys/smiley2.gif
Edited by: scadesigns

Well gals, thanks for all of the encouragement. You gave me a new project. I am going to be working on getting aquainted with InDesign. So far, it doesn't look that difficult I bet it is just getting to know all of the tools and options and such.


Thanks,


Misty