[sushikitty]

Hey,
I just sort of stumbled upon this site, and it seems really cool, because I'm really into Photoshop and 3DMax and everything. But, I do have a question. I'm off to college (UW-Milwaukee) in about 7 months, and the career that I want to get into is advertising/layouts/etc for magazines and movies and such. The major that I'm going after is Graphic Design. Does anyone have any suggestions for classes to take, other majors/minors that might work better to get into the whole advertising field? Any suggestion of any sorts on advertising as a career? All would be greatly appreciated, because, quite obviuosly I happen to be an overstressed highschool senior freaking out about the whole art deal in college. Thanks!

-Jodes

[HawkOne]

Hello there,

When you are taking your Graphic Design course, it should pretty much prepare you for what you have already mentioned. I am not familiar with the "offerings" at your particular college, but usually you have the possibility to add classes on typography and also marker rendering. The place I went to in UK also had extra courses available for life drawing, illustration (focusing on story behind the picture+composition), 3D sculpting (clay, wood, foam, metal). I also had a B/W photography course there. Brainstorming classes are also good stuff, teaching you what to do with that blank piece of paper when it just stares back at you when you're all out of ideas.

The things I wish I had taken more interest in are printmaking and the commercial printing process. Software and computer classes were a big waste of time, and I ended up teaching myself. I guess trying to get your feet wet in as many areas as your school (and time) will let you is the best advice. Sneaking into the 3rd year illustration lecture by Dave McKean was pretty darned inspiring. I also did the same in product design, and architecture when I had time to kill...

One thing about your post, about you being overstressed as a student caught my attention. The advertising field is quite possibly one of the most hectic fields to be working in; time-pressure, and clients/bosses from hell are pretty much everyday life. It is ferociously competitive to the degree that in order to compete you will be in danger of burning yourself out by the time you're thirtysomething.

Just in case your visualisation skills needs some attention, you've got 7 months to fix that, you will save a lot of time if you do, and possibly come out head and shoulders over those who (invariably) start learning when the course starts.

Useless info ??? ... hmmm ... at least you got a reply

[ February 05, 2002: Message edited by: HawkOne ]

[Ben Barker]

I'm not sure what that school is like exactly, but most design schools require you to go through a year of foundation studies before you start to specialize. This is regardless of your current skill level, or your final area of concentration. You still do foundations.
So chill out, you've probably got a whole year to figure it out. And you'll get to talk to some people who have been through it, and will have the best advice.

The great thing about college is that nothing is ever final. Changing majors, mixing and matching classes, going off on tangents, etc. is usually cool. None of the stigmas of high school, like having to repeat a grade. Hey, it's your money, it's your decision. If you don't like a class, drop it and take another one. Don't waste your time and money. Get involved. Get to know the counselors and they will help you. Things in college have a way of working themselves out. Or, you're like me and after a year your drop out in disgust and depression. It's cool either way! Cheers!

[ February 05, 2002: Message edited by: Ben Barker ]