Graphic design career options for my son?
Discussion
My sixteen year old son decided to quit 6th form earlier this week, I was not very impressed.
He wants to pursue a career in graphic design but I'm struggling to think of areas of business I can steer him into?
He's adamant that he doesn't want to return to full time education (well he says he'll go back next September) so I was thinking he could work part time in his chosen career but also return to some form of education on a part time basis.
So if graphic design is the area he'd like to work in where should I be looking with regard to a work placement and what sort of qualifications would a potential employer be looking for? I mentioned web design to him but that's not the area he'd like to work in.
Any help or pointers would be appreciated.
He wants to pursue a career in graphic design but I'm struggling to think of areas of business I can steer him into?
He's adamant that he doesn't want to return to full time education (well he says he'll go back next September) so I was thinking he could work part time in his chosen career but also return to some form of education on a part time basis.
So if graphic design is the area he'd like to work in where should I be looking with regard to a work placement and what sort of qualifications would a potential employer be looking for? I mentioned web design to him but that's not the area he'd like to work in.
Any help or pointers would be appreciated.
Edited by Flipatron on Friday 13th November 11:47
If the website in your profile ties in any way to his and your location I'd have thought he'd be straight to a local media agency and when he's got some experience straight to a Manchester agency. His age will probably be a no-no for a full time job, and he might get knocked with an 'apprenticeship' (many companies use apprenticeships well, others just take on people and pay them f
k all when they should be paying them full rates)
k all when they should be paying them full rates) While he is actively looking for work he should get on here - https://uk.fiverr.com/categories/graphics-design
If he is any good he'll earn a bit of money and more importantly start building up a portfolio.
If he is any good he'll earn a bit of money and more importantly start building up a portfolio.
I would have thought that he would have limited oppurtunities without a qualification. We have a big arts Uni local and so i have a lot of friends that work in this area and related CAD/interior archtecture type roles. Limited jobs with a lot of competition and it's even harder if you have a 2:1 or below.
An Ex's Dad was a self employed Graphic designer and again, he got a degree. Did some work for Khan too (of the garish Land Rover fame)
An Ex's Dad was a self employed Graphic designer and again, he got a degree. Did some work for Khan too (of the garish Land Rover fame)
Not beating around the bush but 6th form and then going to university is st, its irrelevant for most careers, its irrelevant to employers.
Getting A levels then doing some broad degree (media studies) or some targeted specialist degree that only has 10-15 people in the country working in that role is a waste of money and time.
If he is interested in art, design etc he needs to find a relevant higher education course National Diploma or Higher National Diploma. But if its his passion he needs to start putting together a portfolio of the work he is most proud of, getting himself out there.
Graphic Design is a massive industry, but he isn't going to be doing the drawings he wants, with the internet and the way consumerism is brings massive scope for producing marketing material.
As an industry people are always needed but it he any good? If he wants to produce a product to sell direct to consumers (graphic novels, comics etc) then he needs a reality check.
He needs an in with a company and the best way to do that is having a strong CV, (hobbies, personal statement & covering letter are key) a strong portfolio, and the right attitude (understanding that profit is everything to a business). If he can start producing work and selling it (etsy, ebay etc) then that is also worthy of mention to prospective employers.
t, its irrelevant for most careers, its irrelevant to employers. Getting A levels then doing some broad degree (media studies) or some targeted specialist degree that only has 10-15 people in the country working in that role is a waste of money and time.
If he is interested in art, design etc he needs to find a relevant higher education course National Diploma or Higher National Diploma. But if its his passion he needs to start putting together a portfolio of the work he is most proud of, getting himself out there.
Graphic Design is a massive industry, but he isn't going to be doing the drawings he wants, with the internet and the way consumerism is brings massive scope for producing marketing material.
As an industry people are always needed but it he any good? If he wants to produce a product to sell direct to consumers (graphic novels, comics etc) then he needs a reality check.
He needs an in with a company and the best way to do that is having a strong CV, (hobbies, personal statement & covering letter are key) a strong portfolio, and the right attitude (understanding that profit is everything to a business). If he can start producing work and selling it (etsy, ebay etc) then that is also worthy of mention to prospective employers.
Probably no use but Salford Uni is spending £55m on a new Design Tech Building and Facility.
They've also launched a new course to do with the stuff happening at Media City.
He could do worse than have a look if he does think about Uni.
I took one of my kids to an open day there a couple of weeks ago.
They've also launched a new course to do with the stuff happening at Media City.
He could do worse than have a look if he does think about Uni.
I took one of my kids to an open day there a couple of weeks ago.
Foliage said:
Not beating around the bush but 6th form and then going to university is st, its irrelevant for most careers, its irrelevant to employers.
Getting A levels then doing some broad degree (media studies) or some targeted specialist degree that only has 10-15 people in the country working in that role is a waste of money and time.
If he is interested in art, design etc he needs to find a relevant higher education course National Diploma or Higher National Diploma. But if its his passion he needs to start putting together a portfolio of the work he is most proud of, getting himself out there.
Graphic Design is a massive industry, but he isn't going to be doing the drawings he wants, with the internet and the way consumerism is brings massive scope for producing marketing material.
As an industry people are always needed but it he any good? If he wants to produce a product to sell direct to consumers (graphic novels, comics etc) then he needs a reality check.
He needs an in with a company and the best way to do that is having a strong CV, (hobbies, personal statement & covering letter are key) a strong portfolio, and the right attitude (understanding that profit is everything to a business). If he can start producing work and selling it (etsy, ebay etc) then that is also worthy of mention to prospective employers.
I'm sorry but that's not ven close to the truth. We're talking about a BA in Design or a similar subject area, not some random degree. A quick google for Jobs in this field and half of them have it listed as a requirment. is time at uni will give him tons of experiance in bulding a portfolio and using the kind of software that potential employers want t, its irrelevant for most careers, its irrelevant to employers. Getting A levels then doing some broad degree (media studies) or some targeted specialist degree that only has 10-15 people in the country working in that role is a waste of money and time.
If he is interested in art, design etc he needs to find a relevant higher education course National Diploma or Higher National Diploma. But if its his passion he needs to start putting together a portfolio of the work he is most proud of, getting himself out there.
Graphic Design is a massive industry, but he isn't going to be doing the drawings he wants, with the internet and the way consumerism is brings massive scope for producing marketing material.
As an industry people are always needed but it he any good? If he wants to produce a product to sell direct to consumers (graphic novels, comics etc) then he needs a reality check.
He needs an in with a company and the best way to do that is having a strong CV, (hobbies, personal statement & covering letter are key) a strong portfolio, and the right attitude (understanding that profit is everything to a business). If he can start producing work and selling it (etsy, ebay etc) then that is also worthy of mention to prospective employers.
I'm a Graphic Designer, though as I'm 36 now it may be very different to how it was when I got my first Design job out of uni (some 14 years ago)? I went to art college and studied 'visual communications' at uni - this gave me a portfolio to help get my fist job (though it was my 'life size' CV that got me first interview), so I certainly wouldn't say uni is a waste of time. It was a bunch cheaper back in my day though!
What does he enjoy doing the most? Is it creative design (as is ideas etc), artworking, illustration? All different design jobs. You mention he isn't interested in Web Design....as a designer, web is very important as I've found the majority of jobs now involve some kind of web knowledge. I work 75% print, 25% web though I don't have the technical know how to create web sites (I do the design) and I feel it has held me back.
We have an apprentice who works 4 days a week with us, 1 days at college and I think that's a good route. Otherwise he needs to be cheeky and ask agencies if he can come see them work and offer to do stuff for free.
Has he done Graphic Design at school, has he got any kind of portfolio? How is he with Adobe InDesign, Illustator and Photoshop?? All important programmes for designers.
What does he enjoy doing the most? Is it creative design (as is ideas etc), artworking, illustration? All different design jobs. You mention he isn't interested in Web Design....as a designer, web is very important as I've found the majority of jobs now involve some kind of web knowledge. I work 75% print, 25% web though I don't have the technical know how to create web sites (I do the design) and I feel it has held me back.
We have an apprentice who works 4 days a week with us, 1 days at college and I think that's a good route. Otherwise he needs to be cheeky and ask agencies if he can come see them work and offer to do stuff for free.
Has he done Graphic Design at school, has he got any kind of portfolio? How is he with Adobe InDesign, Illustator and Photoshop?? All important programmes for designers.
I'm a graphic designer, managing a small studio.
When we advertise junior positions we always request a degree in design or related subject. We get so many applications from degree-bearing job seekers, why would we need to look at unqualified people?
Thats not to say that a degree is the be-all and end-all, but it does act as a kind of filtering system - we ay least know that you are dedicated to the subject.
Without a qualification, he is going to have a hard time I think. He really needs to do web-based work too, as the opportunities for working in print are gradually diminishing.
When we advertise junior positions we always request a degree in design or related subject. We get so many applications from degree-bearing job seekers, why would we need to look at unqualified people?
Thats not to say that a degree is the be-all and end-all, but it does act as a kind of filtering system - we ay least know that you are dedicated to the subject.
Without a qualification, he is going to have a hard time I think. He really needs to do web-based work too, as the opportunities for working in print are gradually diminishing.
I never went to Uni, when others at college were looking at unis I was applying for work experience and junior roles.
That was 13 years ago.
I worked for a mixture of agencies, large charities and these days I work freelance from home so I can look after my son in the day. 4 hours an evening, 5 days a week.
If your son has flair and talent, he doesn't need a degree, he needs direction and a chance.
Good luck.
That was 13 years ago.
I worked for a mixture of agencies, large charities and these days I work freelance from home so I can look after my son in the day. 4 hours an evening, 5 days a week.
If your son has flair and talent, he doesn't need a degree, he needs direction and a chance.
Good luck.
Edited by Flying Toilet on Friday 13th November 13:29
AngryPartsBloke said:
I'm sorry but that's not ven close to the truth. We're talking about a BA in Design or a similar subject area, not some random degree. A quick google for Jobs in this field and half of them have it listed as a requirment. is time at uni will give him tons of experiance in bulding a portfolio and using the kind of software that potential employers want
You argue against my points but then prove my point by saying 50% of the jobs don't have the requirement for a degree.. Uni is a waste of money, how much is it nowadays 10k-15k a year? Im saying the traditional A-level to uni route is outdated and pointless at this stage. Its best imho to get into the industry that you want to work in at a low level, and work your way up, a degree puts you in debt then you need to start at the bottom anyway. Doing a degree while working is remarkably straight forward these days.
I'd suggest he looks more closely at CGI along with Virtual & Augmented reality & VFX
Tell him to make a nuisance of himself at places like these as a runner.
https://www.flixfacilities.com/contact/
Wish him good luck.
Tell him to make a nuisance of himself at places like these as a runner.
https://www.flixfacilities.com/contact/
Wish him good luck.
Foliage said:
AngryPartsBloke said:
I'm sorry but that's not ven close to the truth. We're talking about a BA in Design or a similar subject area, not some random degree. A quick google for Jobs in this field and half of them have it listed as a requirment. is time at uni will give him tons of experiance in bulding a portfolio and using the kind of software that potential employers want
You argue against my points but then prove my point by saying 50% of the jobs don't have the requirement for a degree.. Uni is a waste of money, how much is it nowadays 10k-15k a year? Im saying the traditional A-level to uni route is outdated and pointless at this stage. Its best imho to get into the industry that you want to work in at a low level, and work your way up, a degree puts you in debt then you need to start at the bottom anyway. Doing a degree while working is remarkably straight forward these days.
Education was the last thing I looked for when recently hiring a graphic designer. They need a flair for design and not just a bit of paper telling me they're qualified as a graphic designer.
Tell him to build up a portfolio - this is the most important part. You don't even need to do real work - do spec work for local or national businesses, re-branding etc. This will show the thought process and flair without any client limitations.
Build up a decent portfolio, send it round all the agencies and hey presto. No university needed.
Tell him to build up a portfolio - this is the most important part. You don't even need to do real work - do spec work for local or national businesses, re-branding etc. This will show the thought process and flair without any client limitations.
Build up a decent portfolio, send it round all the agencies and hey presto. No university needed.
Akiraprise said:
Education was the last thing I looked for when recently hiring a graphic designer. They need a flair for design and not just a bit of paper telling me they're qualified as a graphic designer.
Tell him to build up a portfolio - this is the most important part. You don't even need to do real work - do spec work for local or national businesses, re-branding etc. This will show the thought process and flair without any client limitations.
Build up a decent portfolio, send it round all the agencies and hey presto. No university needed.
This+ I have hired many GDs over the years and currently have 20 freelancers on my books, the better paid ones have additional skills like UX and web design skills, and I couldn't give a fig if they have a design degree or not all I want to see is their portfolio and if they can be creative and deliver to a deadline.Tell him to build up a portfolio - this is the most important part. You don't even need to do real work - do spec work for local or national businesses, re-branding etc. This will show the thought process and flair without any client limitations.
Build up a decent portfolio, send it round all the agencies and hey presto. No university needed.
Thinking back some of the worst GDs I have had to manage have been the ones with "good" degrees.
Having said that is just my experience, and for many GD ads having a degree is a door opener a bit like Prince 2 for PMs.
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