Career in Graphic Design.

What should I be doing now for a career in graphic design?

• I am going to be a sophomore in college and I want to major in graphic design. I haven't had the chance to take any courses in it though because my college is small and classes are hard to get into as a freshman. I am thinking about transferring next year because it is too late to transfer now, but for the time being (even if I do decide to stay, because my school does have a graphic design program it is just small) what should I be doing to prepare my self for a career in graphic design? Are there any good websites with tutorials for graphic design? thanks!!!!

• Answer:

  Check out http://www.abduzeedo.com Full of everything design wise! I'm just starting out as a designer and the first thing I'm thinking of doing is looking for either apprenticeship or any old job in a studio, assistant or anything! You MUST get noticed. I've got a portfolio going as well so I can jump in their faces with everything I have to offer lol, I'd suggest that too! I've got a BA behind me so it might be easier for me but seriously... real graphic designers will notice you if you're good not if you're 'qualified'. (Or so I've heard) So just stick your own foot in everyone's door! During the time before you start actually looking for jobs though (as I'm getting a bit carried away in time here), learn Adobe's Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. You'll 100% benefit from knowing those programs! There are tutorials all over the web. Btw if you just type in something like Graphic Design inspiration on google hundreds of websites are out there. Also... knowing popular culture in general is crucial, and there's a LOT to know! My teachers always suggest we watch tons of movies so we know EVERYTHING about where all the popular brands get a lot of their advertising references from, and knowing generally everything is considered a plus... you'll benefit so much from being a master of popular culture! Including famous people from all times... Another thing... look into printing..., techniques, methods, experimentation, history and maybe even the mechanics of it!... EVERYTHING! That will be useful (actually crucial) to you right from the beginning of your graphic design career! Check out all the graphic designers of today - and contemporary art and the meanings behind all of the art will help your understanding of how to communicate through visuals, (which basically defines the whole meaning of graphic design) Frida Kahlo is a favorite of mine... but remember... the LOOK of the final piece is far less important than the meaning in contemporary art. In Graphic Design the meaning and the look are equally important (I believe) so we have to work extra :D Good Luck fellow competition! :p