How to get into the graphic design world?

Atomic · 25 Apr 2006 at 15:12

I've never been the most educated person in life and at best I got a C in ICT at GCSE level, but I progressed on to a AVCE in ICT and got a C in that. However, I've had office jobs and to be honest they've been pretty boring and I want somwhat of a change. I want a more creative job.

I'm 22, and was wondering am I to old (factor in course length of 3/4 or 5 years to get qualified) to get into the graphic design scene? I've always loved working with graphics, and I have used Photoshop and 3DS Max. 3DS Max being my favourite application as it's so enjoyable creating 3D environments, but I have no idea as to how to get into the 3D video game design world. Are there specialised courses for 3D game design here in the UK?

Robdav · 25 Apr 2006 at 15:13

have a look at cgtalk.com. it's a graphics design forum and they might be able to point you in the right direction.

iCraig · 25 Apr 2006 at 23:16

Well first of all graphic design and 3D rendering are very different.

Do you want to be a graphic designer, or a video game developer?

Thats the first thing you need to establish.

Experience is the key. Get your face out there, get work placements, work experience, voluntary work, whatever, just get some experience under your belt. Be prepared for it to be unpaid however.

Having experience from several different design studios/offices will bode well when at future interviews.

Good luck.

D4VE · 26 Apr 2006 at 08:59

If you're out at work then you could do a part time Graphic Design HNC. That's what I do. It addition to the qualification it's a great experience.

And no, you aren't too old, you just might have to sacrifice some money and spare time in order to acheive your goal.

IF, that's what you want to do...

cb_linus · 26 Apr 2006 at 17:14

I started work for a digital imaging company when I was around 23/24 doing a lot of photoshop stuff which would then be passed onto other departments depending on the client. Not graphic design specifically, but might have been one way into it if I'd stayed on in that direction. One thing that may be a factor is how good your colour vision is, depending on where you expect your work to be published (we had to do a lot of colour correction to make the images looked as natural as possible as they were taken from photos, done by lots of different people, to varying qualities).

I'm not sure about 3D video game design though.

Messiah Khan · 26 Apr 2006 at 20:46

Not wanting to put you off, because if its something you really want to do then go for it, but 3D Animation/Modelling etc is really hard to get into. I did computer animation at university, and out of the 400 or so people that did the course(And other similar courses) Id estimate that only 20-30 of those actually are doing a related job. The first thing is that qualifications are worth very little in the industry. Its all about pure talent and experience. Unfortunately starting out, its a bit of catch 22, as even some of the junior jobs require at least 2 years experience. But if you have lots of tallent, then simply bombard games/animation companies with your work and get you foot in the door. Expect to work you way up from the bottom for little money.