3 answers
Grace
Student
Sag Harbor, New York
1
Question
Asked
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How do you choose what career you want to do in the graphic design/archatecture field?
is there a step by step way? or does it just work itself out?
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3 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Grace!
Interesting question. Does anything just "work out?" Maybe. Sometimes. I don't know, but think about when you are shopping for an outfit to wear to a dance, or an important occasion....do you choose the store you want shop in, go through the racks and look at the possibilities, think about the color and style and what looks best on you, try several on combinations before you make your decision, think about the price before you make the purchase.....or do you just buy the first thing you see in the store and walk out with that one? Maybe it would be the perfect outfit, but then again....
Looking for a career is sort of like shopping. You need to think about what your like to do, what your interests , skills, and talents are. You need to think about what you would find satisfying in your career, you need to think about how much money you would like to make, where you would like to live, how much effort you want to put into your education. And so on. Sure, you might just fall into a career that is perfect for you, but most people don't.
Architecture and graphic design, though both in the "arts", are two very different fields. Architecture is a real time and money commitment in terms of education and training; after you get your degree in architecture, you need to work under an experienced architect for a number of years, and then you have to pass a rigorous exam. Graphic design is a little less rigorous, but it requires a similar level of commitment; usually you need a degree in graphic design, often it is a good idea to find an internship to work under an experienced graphic designer, and at the end of your education, come up with a solid portfolio to show potential employers.
So, I suggest you do some research about these two career paths. Talk to your art teachers. Visit your school and local library for some books and websites that will be informative about your career choices. If your school has a career center, go there for some ideas.
I hope this helps! Best wishes!
Interesting question. Does anything just "work out?" Maybe. Sometimes. I don't know, but think about when you are shopping for an outfit to wear to a dance, or an important occasion....do you choose the store you want shop in, go through the racks and look at the possibilities, think about the color and style and what looks best on you, try several on combinations before you make your decision, think about the price before you make the purchase.....or do you just buy the first thing you see in the store and walk out with that one? Maybe it would be the perfect outfit, but then again....
Looking for a career is sort of like shopping. You need to think about what your like to do, what your interests , skills, and talents are. You need to think about what you would find satisfying in your career, you need to think about how much money you would like to make, where you would like to live, how much effort you want to put into your education. And so on. Sure, you might just fall into a career that is perfect for you, but most people don't.
Architecture and graphic design, though both in the "arts", are two very different fields. Architecture is a real time and money commitment in terms of education and training; after you get your degree in architecture, you need to work under an experienced architect for a number of years, and then you have to pass a rigorous exam. Graphic design is a little less rigorous, but it requires a similar level of commitment; usually you need a degree in graphic design, often it is a good idea to find an internship to work under an experienced graphic designer, and at the end of your education, come up with a solid portfolio to show potential employers.
So, I suggest you do some research about these two career paths. Talk to your art teachers. Visit your school and local library for some books and websites that will be informative about your career choices. If your school has a career center, go there for some ideas.
I hope this helps! Best wishes!
Bobby Shepard
Freelancer
1
Answer
Greensboro, North Carolina
Updated
Bobby’s Answer
Hi thanks for asking this question.
For myself made a 25 year plan. I am 13 years in. Sometimes I feel like I’m doing everything wrong other times. I’m really excited about what I’ve gotten done. I started when I was 33. I am now 44. Get it done now start today.
Nothing is done in the vacuum. One must surround their self with people that you want to emulate.
Life shows up and plans change since I started school and my goal I got married and then had three children but since I have a 25 year plan, I’m still on track.
I have accomplished many wonderful works of art. But I’m still lacking in the surrounding myself with others department and I know that if I did work on that, then I will grow exponentially.
One must work on their character where dependable, helpful and diligent. Get involved in as many communities such as LinkedIn indeed Reddit, Facebook groups, WhatsApp, and discord use YouTube and many other tools that are at our disposal.
You can do anything you want to do.
For myself made a 25 year plan. I am 13 years in. Sometimes I feel like I’m doing everything wrong other times. I’m really excited about what I’ve gotten done. I started when I was 33. I am now 44. Get it done now start today.
Nothing is done in the vacuum. One must surround their self with people that you want to emulate.
Life shows up and plans change since I started school and my goal I got married and then had three children but since I have a 25 year plan, I’m still on track.
I have accomplished many wonderful works of art. But I’m still lacking in the surrounding myself with others department and I know that if I did work on that, then I will grow exponentially.
One must work on their character where dependable, helpful and diligent. Get involved in as many communities such as LinkedIn indeed Reddit, Facebook groups, WhatsApp, and discord use YouTube and many other tools that are at our disposal.
You can do anything you want to do.
Mara Beeson
Sales
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mara’s Answer
I think like many professions, a career in art does not have to be linear! I majored in art and knew I didn't want to be a traditional artist. Luckily I had learned some basic photoshop skills in school and started my career as a graphic designer. From there, I wanted to get more involved in technology and moved to UX/UI design. Now 10+ years later I am working on a solutions engineering team at a technology company. Many of the people on my team have traditional engineering degrees but I find that my UX background helps me to succeed equally in the role. What's amazing about having an art or architecture degree is that you learn so many skills that can be applied to a plethora of non-traditional roles. What's most important is that you're taking classes or finding jobs that you think you'll gain new skills in. From there, it's up to you if you want to apply those skills in a new way or continue on the path you're on!