Education for employment in Graphic Art and Design

[Shay Spear]

Hey y’all!

So I’ve been working on a career change for a while, and I still have a bit to go, but I’m at a point where I’m starting to think about some things in greater detail. There are MANY things I would be happy doing in the field of graphic design, so as a beginner, I want to keep my job options open. More specifically, though, I would love to work on the visual side of video games and possibly animations. I will also be continuing to make my own art and games on the side. 

I guess the main question I have at this point is whether or not to get an education. 

From what I’ve gathered, it’s not a requirement, despite what many job postings say. I do value a formal education and I think it has many benefits in it’s own right. I’ll be starting at the bottom most likely, but I would like to actually GET a job in a realistic timeframe.  

Does this sort of thing typically hold people back from working in this field?

I really appreciate any useful feedback anyone has. 

[Omar Domenech]

I’m no expert, but from what I have gathered listening to podcast, hearing Andrew Price talk about it, the guys here at CG Cookie, YouTube videos and just overall being on the zeitgeist, everyone say that you don’t have to go to college to get a job, all that matters is your portfolio. However, that is not to say that college is a waste, it is a formal education, a life experience, you make friends, you make contacts, social connections, etc. There are a lot of videos on YouTube on the subject, search for a few, listen people that have lived the experience talk about it. 

[Shay Spear]

Right on thanks so much! 

Do you do this for work too? I’m sure CGC keeps you pretty busy =)

[Omar Domenech]

I do this for fun and sanity really, to do something I like doing, because I have a normal boring 8 to 5 job that drains your soul and makes you question if man really needed to get out of the caves and invent civilization.

[Shay Spear]

HAHA!

Yeah man I feel that. I’m a recovering Chef, currently owning a bakery with my wife. She is the baker though and the business is at a point where she doesn’t need my help as much so I can FINALLY get out of the food industry, and hopefully into something in this realm that is less physically taxing. I’m not even 40 yet and I’m pretty beat up lol. Kitchen life is such a toxic and soul draining atmosphere. Our bakery is mellow because we own it and we are mellow, but that’s not the industry standard. 

Well I appreciate your guidance. That’s also really cool that you do this for pure enjoyment. It’s important to have things that aren’t all consuming. 

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