"I wasn't a good designer (yet)"

Ha! Whatever. You were good then and you're great now. :P

Learning how to use an X-acto blade is very important, they didn't teach us that in the Journalism college. : ) My finger paid the cost for that. And don't forget you got to work with me. hehe

Thanks for posting this--It's really nice to hear the opinion of someone who actually went to school for graphic design & their opinions. I get so frustrated with people who "just picked up" their graphic design skills on a whim and don't appreciate the 4 years I spent in school learning the basics & so much more.

Although I wouldn't trade my school background (Visual Communication Technology from Bowling Green State University) for anything, I'm glad that you stated you've learned SO much more from being in "the field." I graduated in May (of this year) and I know I need to "unlock" more of my potential. In my dying town, however, there's not many places (advertising firms, etc) that I can grow my potential, so I'm sticking to freelance for now, and I hope that I can create some opportunities that way, even though it's nowhere as easy as I thought it would be.

Thank you so much for your insight :-)

Daniel - xoxo!

Hallie - GAH! I was thinking about the creative department. I'm going to update the post now. You know how much I love you.

Alexandra Rae - YES. I also didn't mention that a job is what you make it. At my first job I was designing "Got Boobs" (their idea, not mine) for shady plastic surgeons. BUT I learned so much from my art director and colleagues there. So, even if it's not a dream job you can still learn a lot. Thank YOU for the comment!

I am not a 'designer' I'm more the back-end programmer type gal. And I had the same type of college experience. Went to school, learned the basics and fundamentals of programming. Then when I got out of school and landed an entry-level position I learned much more about the specific programming languages that I was using. I wish someone had told me how that worked because when I got out of college I still felt like an IDIOT.

Hi Kathleen!

My education background sounds really similar to yours. I got my degree at Cameron University in Lawton, OK.... a fine art degree with a concentration in graphic design. I really loved taking printmaking, sculpture, and painting classes along with the graphic design classes. Printmaking was one of my favorites. I originally started out as just a fine arts major with no real 'plan' on where that was going to get me, but after learning about what graphic design was, I decided to take that route.

I didn't immediately have a design job following college, which was frightening. Ha! I panicked a bit and wondered if getting an art degree was the right decision. But eventually, I got job at Office Depot in their print and copy department....not at all a design job, but I did learn a lot about printing, binding, etc. After that, I worked at a local print shop, and then went on to work as a designer at the university where I got my degree. I also do freelance work here and there.

It's been a fun journey so far. I love where I'm working now, but after being here for almost five years, I'm ready for the next step, whatever that may be.

Some tips that have helped me along the way:

Be open to criticism and don't take it personally.

Find inspiration everywhere, especially the most unlikely places.

Never show the client something that you don't absolutely love, because they will pick that option every time. :)

Oh, and I saw that one of your photos was taken by David McNeese. I've worked with him before, he does our stock photos for Cameron. Small world!

Melanie

Design is my dream. I did my first year of college as an Industrial Design major, and for reasons too long to go into, didn't stick it out & ended up with a BS in Management. I know now that it was the wrong kind of design for me; I should've been pursuing graphic design. My mother has a graphic design associates degree; she began the program when I was 12, and I lapped up so much of her learning back then and over the ensuing years. I just didn't recognize it as my direction.

Now, I realize what I want to do, but as a mom of young kids myself, the thought of leaping into a full-time degree program exhausts me. (If anyone knows of any part time programs on Seattle's Eastside, PLEASE let me know! My searches are coming up empty.)

Anywho, thank you, Kathleen, for letting me be a bird on your shoulder and peeking into your design world. I don't feel it's the right time for me - yet! - but, as I was reminded last night, Julia Child didn't start cooking until she was 37. I'm 36...definitely not too far behind. :)

Loren - It seems like our society places so much value on a college education when it's really the experience and stick-to-itiveness that makes us successful in our fields. College is a great foundation but it's not the be all and end all to starting your career.

Melanie - Love your tips! To add to your last one - that's why I only show clients one design. I'm typically only pouring my heart into ONE solution at a time. If the client doesn't like it we'll go back to the drawing board, but most of the time they love it - which is a whole other Matters topic. :)

P.S. I love David McNeese! So cool that you've worked with him.

Aimee - That's funny because my sister started her design courses when I was 13 and it very much influenced me as well. For you I would definitely recommend a part-time course - though, it might focus on the software & technical skills of that nature and less on design. So in the meantime, read as many design & typography blogs and soak up as much beauty as you can. And the nice thing about starting later in life is that you are going to have a much stronger point of view than an 18 year old freshman. Good luck! :)

This is a great post and I wish that there were design/inspirational blogs out there when I started art school 8 years ago. I totally agree with you when you say that college isn't the be-all end-all. I've learned so much more from working at my job (in advertising) and from trying to push myself in doing other design work outside of my job. I think the key is to always stay interested and try to find something on a daily basis that inspires you.

I really enjoy your blog and it definitely keeps me focused on what I want to do - thank you for that!

I don't do design, but agree with it's more about the after college/job experience. I work at Griffin Memorial in Norman and do Utilization Review. I have a degree in general psych from OU. I ended up doing insurance work because of the work study job I had while IN college. I worked for the billing department here. That experience combined with my degree got me the job I have now. It's not the funnest job ever, but the clients (mental patients) sure keep it lively!

What a great read this was! :)

Thank you for this post. I have really enjoyed reading your perspective and those of all the commenters. And I appreciate that you took the time to honestly discuss your experience to help a newbie, which a lot of people don't seem to do for fear of competition.

I agree that you learn so much more after you finish school. However, that being said, that's where I'm still struggling. I was originally a science nerd too but switched careers after going back to school for a second degree. Since then, I have yet to find a job in which mentoring and daily learning and teaching is a part. Especially now with the economy in the toilet and companies cutting back on staff, whatever mentoring and teaching there was (which, trust me, was next to none) has gone out the window.

I try not to get too wrapped up in my own pity parties and reading blogs like yours and viewing great work like yours definitely helps, so thanks!

Your degree gets you the interview, your portfolio and personality gets you the job.

Design school was a helpful base, but I learned far more in six months on the bottom rung of the ladder than in my whole span at university. If I could give one piece of advice to anyone thinking about pursuing a career in a creative field, it would be to do your research and find a good art school. Don't go to your local state college just because they have a Digital Tech degree. Find somewhere where the teachers are passionate about art and design.

Also, don't be afraid to take out a loan or to. Sometimes you have to go in debt a little to actually be able to put your whole self into what you're learning. Working a graveyard shift and stumbling into class only half awake will quickly cheat you out of a true learning experience.

Erin - AGREED. There was a serious lack of online community and design blogs when I was going to school. I relied on HOW and Print magazines for my inspiration. But in a way... I think not having exposure to every single trend out there helped me stay authentic and figure things out for myself... it also kept me from feeling too terrible about being a newbie.

Amanda - I used to live down the street from Griffin! I'm glad this topic could apply beyond design school. It's all about real world experience.

Margie - I'm glad you enjoyed!

mhgdblog - There's enough work for all of us - no need to be afraid of competition. I'm so sorry that your current work situation doesn't foster mentoring and growth - I know a lot of in-house designers (the only creative on staff) experience the same struggle. This is a topic I will definitely try and tackle soon!

ALANMAN - I'm nodding my head yes while reading your comment. I couldn't agree more - you learn A LOT on the bottom rung. I'm lucky to have found passionate (albeit sometimes out of touch) teachers in Oklahoma (where I didn't have to take out student loans).

Lol, correct xacto knife usage is a MUST! I started college for architectural drafting and ended up working for various newspapers in advertising and creative and then onto an architectural firm. Im not a designer but i love graphic arts marketing and advertising. If i had it to do over again i would have an advertising marketing degree for sure!

Kathleen- I frequent your blog and love to follow your progress and work. I'm a graphic designer and graduated with a BA in graphic design in 2006. My degree lacked in technical training in programs, but rather prepared me with a sound foundation of typography and design principles. I grew up in southern California where the industry was very saturated when it came to finding a job. I tried my hand at wedding planning and took a certificate course to be come certified. In the process I met an invitation designer with no art background. This frustrated me and I was convinced that it was I wanted to pursue. While I still do it as free-lance work, after moving to Oklahoma City landed a job as an in-house designer for the Oklahoma City Thunder. While not glamorous by any means, it has given me endless experience that I can be confident in. Working In-house can become redundant and frustrating, but I have been able to learn the extent of logistics and print process that allows my work to be seen on a grand scale.

I'm a firm advocate of getting an education in this industry. It's the only thing that sets you apart from what i like to call "local jokers" or "shade tree mechanics" that skate by on free fonts and google image searches....very tacky.

Keep up the good work!

Darktowerjunkie - That's funny because I used to want to work as a designer at an architect firm (not any one in particular - I just always thought it seemed glamorous).

RockPaperScissors - Thank you for sharing your experience! I think a lot of the frustrations in-house designers experience are similar to that of freelancers (feeling isolated, not getting feedback from other creatives, etc.). So, I feel your pain. OH! And I worked as the lead designer for the NBA Hornets when they were here (on the agency side) - they were one of my favorite clients ever. Do you have family in Oklahoma? What made you decide to make the move from SoCal?

I loved this post. Thank you for the insight into what you had gone through before you got to freelancing.

Hi Kathleen! I've been a longtime stalker of your blog, and this post was so interesting to me that here I am, finally commenting (slash asking a question).

I went to school not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, and ended up picking Communications because I had no idea what else I wanted. At my school, Comm was basically Psychology, but with some theories of communication thrown in. I graduated, started interning in account management at an interactive agency, found out they had a creative department, asked to be transferred, and after a few months of learning from the designers there, they offered me a full time position.

And everything I know about design now, I learned on the job.

Which brings me to this question: would you advise that someone in my situation go back to school to study design? (I've always wanted to - oh, the regret at not picking an art school the first time around!) I have a knack for design, and am getting along comfortably with the knowledge I've acquired through experience, but I wonder if the lack of art/design foundation is impeding me in ways I don't even know. Is it worth the time and money to go back?

Thanks in advance for your insight! I love the blog. Everything about it. Thanks for sharing with us!

Hi Kathleen! I've been a longtime stalker of your blog, and this post was so interesting to me that here I am, finally commenting (slash asking a question).

I went to school not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, and ended up picking Communications because I had no idea what else I wanted. At my school, Comm was basically Psychology, but with some theories of communication thrown in. I graduated, started interning in account management at an interactive agency, found out they had a creative department, asked to be transferred, and after a few months of learning from the designers there, they offered me a full time position.

And everything I know about design now, I learned on the job.

Which brings me to this question: would you advise that someone in my situation go back to school to study design? (I've always wanted to - oh, the regret at not picking an art school the first time around!) I have a knack for design, and am getting along comfortably with the knowledge I've acquired through experience, but I wonder if the lack of art/design foundation is impeding me in ways I don't even know. Is it worth the time and money to go back?

Thanks in advance for your insight! I love the blog. Everything about it. Thanks for sharing with us!

Hi Kacia!

I'm glad you're a stalker-turned-commenter. Feel free to say hi anytime! ;)

Hmm... should you go back to school... My gut inclination is to say no. I think for you it would be a step back. School is a great foundation but I think there is a lot of learning to be had on the job. If you want to know more about design and art theory get a few books. Then be mindful about the things you learn in the books and put them into practice on the job.

I would specifically advise you to read as many books as possible on typogaphy.

I hope that helps!

Hey Kathleen

I just recently found your blog and I'm diggin' it!! Each post leads to a new post and I can't stop reading... My questions is: Do you have any specific design fundamentals and typography books that you'd recommend to those of us looking to learn a little on our own?

Thanks!

Kate

Hey Kate! I'm glad you found me and I'm glad you're enjoying it! I was trying to think of some book recommendations for Kacia (above) too but couldn't think of any off the top of my head. I would trust Erik Spiekermann's list here:

http://www.designersandbooks.com/designer/booklist/erik-spiekermann