[chalker]

People

[ sorry for my bad english ]

Recently I graduated High school [ Information Technology ]. Although I always had doubts about the choice I made about my school choice , I followed High school all the way, because all my friends did, and school wasn't too difficult. Now I have my certificate and the world is open to me, Lots of Jobs, everyone wants me, Just because I studied 'something with computers'. The first year on High school I already have doubt wether I shoudn't do Waht I really wanted , a graphic design course or something similar , and had searched for graphic schools and courses. But nothing suited me, and there was much more money to earn in IT and a switch would cost me a whole year.
So here I am , finished with school, working 40 hours , programming web sites, with no creativity at all.

I know I can't quit my Job and switch to Graphic designer. I got no education and no good portfolio thingie. I haven't got the time to follow big courses, but I know I don't want my lifetime spending programming. I have to put much effort in learning to code, and I am not motivated.

At our work we got one graphic designer, and when I see his work, and hear about his course and projects, I regret deeply that I didn't follow that road.

I know it's not too late, but how should I take this on, without any education.

I can't find any good courses, and I got no friends who are in the art-thingie. The only good motivation/inspiration is this board.

I feel guilty all the time at work, because it's very though, and when I don't get it I am surfing over the internet searching for graphic related sites.

This is not constructive, and so I am feeling guilty, regret my choices, are frustrated with the difficulty of my work, and can't see what to do, to really do the work I wanted to do.

I hope I get some positive reactions on my
post. And maybe from some people who had the same problem.

Thanx all

PS I am dutch, so if people in Holland know about any good courses , short studies , things to follow or anything else, reply ..

grz..



[This message has been edited by chalker (edited May 23, 2000).]

[ElectroTechno]

I studied computer engineering but I really didn't find it interesting untill few CAD courses. But I still hated other crappy courses so I changed college. I found good school where I could study 3d modeling (all high end programs) so I have very good knowledge from 3d stuff. I also took few digital 2d classes, mostly photoshop/corel stuff. But that school didn't give me any traditional art knowledge or skills. I know about particles, polygons, layers ect ect but I totally lack real art stuff except sculptural (I'm a kickass clay statue crafter). I'm currently unemployed and I prolly gonna take some post-gratuade courses. This time I'd like to learn traditional art and I find this board very helpful and even inspiring.
I would suggest that you pursuit your dream, if you don't, you'll regret that later. Take night classes, read this board, save money to buy programs/computer/wacom or do traditional art with pen/paint and paper.
Whatever you do, don't let boring job dull your creativity and if you really want, you can study and work same time. Soon you'll have portfolio/demo reel and you may even start looking better job

E/T

[zteph]

Hoi Chalker:

ik weet dat ze bij het LOI een design/teken cursus hadden, weet niet of ze die nog steeds hebben. Heb er ook geen ervaring mee; als arme scholier heb ik geen geld om een cursus te volgen.
het lijkt me dat je met een it-opleiding ook terecht kan in de webdesign-business. Kan je tegelijkertijd designen en programmeren (in DHTML ofzo).

Suc6 ermee

[Moose]

I had a similar problem, accept that throughout high school i was a muscian. Actually my whole life i have been. I have played the viloin for 16 years, and any other instrument you can think of. I had jobs waiting for me, whether it was in orchestras or teaching, i had them waiting. I had a nice scholarship to the college i am going to, but as soon as i got to college i droped the scholarship and music simply because i needed a change. Plus, art is more fun than music.

All i can say man, is relax and clear your head. Realize what you really want to do. In my case, i did that and i couldnt be happier where i am now. Sure i miss the music, but just because you switch to graphic design does not mean that you cannot do your web design on the side or freelance. Hell, thats what i do now.

You can do it, just realx and find what makes you happy and do it.

------------------
Moose
http://www.geocities.com/mountainiii
mm3

[This message has been edited by Moose (edited May 23, 2000).]

[assa]

zteph/chalker :

Don't spend your money on those TV sell like
courses. Loi stuff is really really crap,
too bad holland is not really known for it's
superb private art courses. Hard work and
beeing autodidact is the main formula.

Don't waste time, pratise and meet other
people. Make sure YOU are the right person
for a design related job and not some loser
with no talent at all.

assa
-----
pro artist/designer
dutch art student

hmmm.. not really helpfull my comment

[SaltyDog]

Is "nog" a word? It sounds like something from Stark Trek..hehee.

Anyway..like everyone has said, do what you love, and love what you do...just dork around and teach yourself stuff. Sit and look over the graphic designer's shoulder if you have to, in order to get a handle on the programs

[chalker]

Thanks for your replies..

I know I have to follow what I like, I should have done that long before, But with no friends, colleagues or people I know in this business it is hard to roll in with no education.
I saw that in our centrum is a course - photoshop/illustrator. So I am trying to do that.

Anyway thnx..

[Thorn]

Chalker,

There are two books that you might find helpful. Both are great for anyone who is feeling creatively blocked (or really pressured)in some way. They were recommended in a workshop I did on creative expression, and I found that everyone there, whatever their background, found something useful in what Cameron and Bryan had to say.

The first is called 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron, Mark Bryan (Contributor), 1995.
The second take the topic further-'The Artist's Way at Work: Riding the Dragon' by Mark Bryan et al, 1998.

Both of these books are still in print. You can find them at Amazon.Com if they're not on sale in Holland.

One last comment. My one and only suggestion is--be careful about 'advice' from other people. People sometimes feel very threatened by someone who wants to do something new or different. Their comments can be more about sabotaging you, than about support. I'm not talking about honest critiques of your work, that has its place. I'm talking about the sort of comments that make you feel 'not okay' somehow (if that makes sense)or that what you want to do is impossible or only for the truly divinely gifted. Its not.

Trust in yourself, Chalker.

[chalker]

Thnx for the comment. I am looking up those books right now.

I now precisly what you mean, I know I want it very badly, but it's not a real problem with me that people don't want me to do it. Moreover I think that my friends stimulate me to do something with my skills.
My parents find it ok what i'll do as long as I am financially sure. So the main question is : 'How do I get there', I'll have a job where I will have to code, and its so damn difficult without help/documentation. So I don't want this, and I am stressed out to follow any courses. And besides all of that. I am getting signs of RSI.. really scary.

I am going tot try to follow what I want, but I don't know where to begin, and where I am willing to end.

I.e. Thnx for your comments.