Originally Posted by
presequel
Originally Posted by
DUB 253
Originally Posted by
Calypso Chanta
Originally Posted by presequel
55k
bachelors
graphic designer
2006
cali
im a junior at the communication arts dept vcu, thinking about staying to get a bachelors in graphic design. How long did it take you to pic that job up?
Can a Designer please answer this?
Is it worth getting the Bachelors if you're trying to become a graphic designer?
If I was to just get the Associates about how much would I make starting out?
i'd recommend getting the bachelors to you both and get that portfolio looking real good. thats what its all about. i dont know the programs you guys are in, but i hope they are ptuting good work into your portfolio.
dont take what im making as a standard, in reality, alot of designers out of college only make 32-40k. it depends if you are a print or interactive or motion designer. print gets paid the least.
if you plan on moving up, the degree helps. if you want to skip the degree, you better damn well be very good technically and have a good eye for design without the need for school. i know some designers who went to the best design colleges and are just average, and i know some who never went to college and are amazing. but at the same time, i know more good designers who went to design school than i do designers who didn't goto college at all and are good designers. its just numbers.
in terms of how long it took me to get that job, it was right after college. but i also did a internship while in school (very important) that was at an interactive agency that gave me great experience. and i also had relevant (keyword) freelance experience. so when they saw me, i wasnt just a kid out of college with no experience. and i also negotiated a higher starting point. i actually wanted more, but we all do.
now im an associate creative director and i handle the hiring of all creatives at my company. when hiring i look at the cover letter and resume and make absolutely sure there is a website link. if the website looks like a poorly designed website, i close it and disregard the email. the resume must be designed well, even if there is no experience. no spelling errors, everything must be clean. after all this, i look at the actual portfolio of work on the site. if it looks good at a quick glance, i'll ask the person to come in so i can talk to them and learn more about them and their portfolio. always have a online and a printed portfolio.
any designers can get at me for help. but please be specific. if you say you're a graphic designer, at least tell me what you specialize in and what you're looking for. and dont say everything.