Where or how can I get a job in graphic design?

How do you get into a Graphic Design job?

• It's SO EXPENSIVE! I go to a Trade High School and I'm taking Graphic Design. I'm a 10th Grader. And I'm making my own Madden 13 covers and posters for teachers to hang up in the classroom. Though my weakness is making splatters with paintbrushes. But when I graduate and get my Diploma along with a Certificate in Graphics where I become a CERTIFIED Designer. How do I get into a Graphic Design job with a company? Do I have to buy the Software? I hope not, because that Software Adobe Illustrator CS5 & Adobe Photoshop CS5 is Expensive and is over $1,000 ALL TOGETHER. I project it will be $1,654. But a software separate is $500 and I can't afford that. I hope there's GD jobs that will supply me the softwares for FREE where I don't have to pay all that money. Graphic Design is like Golf in a way. Graphic Design is an [expensive] occupation and golf is an expensive sport due to the [golf] clubs. Though, the teacher can't let us take the software home so we all can download it. That would be infringement and Adobe would strip us of our rights with the software and strip us of our program

• Answer:

  There is no standard recognized certification for Graphic design. You do need a portfolio, and you need experience and real talent. Community college or certification courses will get your strated on portfolio and experience. > Do I have to buy the Software? You have to use software. Whatever type (print, screen, vector, texture) graphic design is dominated by Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), you need to become skilled working with those programs. They all have trial versions, and there are plenty of free alternative too for learning. I wouldn't buy any software. Free Programs to get started: GIMP - Photoshop Alternative http://www.gimp.org/ InkScape - Vector http://inkscape.org/ MyPaint - Tablet Artwork http://mypaint.intilinux.com/ OpenOffice Draw - Print/Desktop Publishing http://www.openoffice.org/product/draw.html But again, familiarity with Adobe products is also a must. Get the trials too. > It's SO EXPENSIVE! I disagree with this completely. It's one of the cheapest technology careers I can think of to get started. All you need is a decent computer, cheap wacom tablet, time to learn, and a little artistic talent. Most computer jobs require a lot more expensive training.