How best can I learn the basics of graphic design without having to do a three year course that covers lots of areas I feel I don't need to know?
I would like to be able to design my own flyers, labels etc and also in the future product packaging and designs. Or, at the very least be able to mock up ideas before passing them on to professional designers.
I was thinking of offering to work some days for free (doing whatever is required) at a local graphic design house in return for being able to watch and learn? Is this a really daft idea?
Could I read what I need to know? Where would I start? What would I need?
Any ideas?
------------------------
Rachel
www.useyourimagination.co.uk
RE: Graphic design
Paul J5Design | 27/07/2007 09:23 AM
Hi Rachel,
I'm not sure I would look for a local business. It might be useful, but you would be investing a lot and may well find yourself working in areas that you're not interested in. You may even end up making the tea!
If you're just looking to be able to design your own material (or know enough to realise when it's best to pay a professional) I would teach myself or look for an introductory course in the evening.
I would imagine that your local F.E. College would run beginners courses in Design Elements or relevant software packages.
The Internet has a huge amount of tutorials and design networks where you can post your work. It's an excellent resource and of course there is always the library.
Look for designers or design work that you like and start making a reference folder. This is a really good way to start ananlyzing design. Realistically you will probably need to develop some knowledge of computer software. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are probably good starting points for what you need. You might be able to get some old versions from ebay and you could check for books there too.
Hope that helps.
Paul
------------------------
www.blockshop.co.uk Suncare and Skin Protection for the Elements
www.newoxygen.co.uk Activewear For Women
RE: Graphic design
The Mystery Man | 27/07/2007 02:03 PM
Hi Rachel
The way that I went round this was to create and design all of my promotional fliers in Microsoft Publisher which is really user friendly.
I then had a play around with a couple of graphics packages but found that I was spending more time and energy than I could justify.
In the end, I went to a freelance graphic designer who I know, along with a few ideas of what I wanted to achieve. We worked through it together and he showed me how the software works as he created the projects. This means that I can now handle the basics myself, and I can get him to do the fancy stuff.
It worked for me, and I am sure that if you can find a feindly freeelance designer it could work for you. The other option is to go down to your local design college and "hire" a designer for a couple of hours so that you can learn the basics. I found that teaching the basics to myself was a bit of a nightmare.
Hope that this helps.
MM
RE: Graphic design
TFGTV | 27/07/2007 10:11 PM
Originally posted by: use your imagination
How best can I learn the basics of graphic design without having to do a three year course that covers lots of areas I feel I don't need to know?
If I were to write "How best can I learn the basics of nuclear reactor design without having to do a course that covers lots of areas I feel I don't need to know?" What sort of response might I reasonably expect? Yet we so often see question of this nature about different aspects of the creative industries......
(Incidentally there IS a story out there on the 'net as to what became of a schoolboy nuclear physicist who tried just this very thing in his garden shed!)
The three-year course (actually an HND would only take two years and an HNC one) is designed BY trained, qualified experts in that field to give a grounding to prospective entrants to the profession. Even degree courses aren't REALLY designed to produced 'ready to wear' professionals... Really it takes years of practice AND study. Which is why graphic designers charge what they do....
Given that you, by your own admission, lack the basic skills, what makes you presume to judge which aspects of the profession are important and which are not?
You'll find most FE colleges offer courses from foundation (NQ) level through to HND and beyond... An NQ class will give you the grounding. A local graphics artist may well be prepared to give you a certain amount of 'work experience'. But even WITH a degree you'll spend your first few months making tea!
Bottom line is if you want to enter the profession then go ahead and pay your dues.. do a course. If you need graphics work done, rough out your ideas and pay/barter with a professional to get it done... Really; that's the most cost-effective way!
------------------------
Matt Quinn.
www.tfgtv.com
Corporate Communication for SMALL Businesses!
RE: RE: Graphic design
Use Your Imagination | 27/07/2007 10:53 PM
er Matt Quinn
I do not want to enter the profession, I want to be able to do my own simple stuff - still leaving the more difficult stuff to the experts. You have taken my post all wrong!
To the others, thanks for the heads up, I've got a place to start now
------------------------
Rachel
www.useyourimagination.co.uk
RE: RE: Graphic design
TFGTV | 27/07/2007 11:37 PM
IF you have the basic good ideas then those ideas are as good as anybody's. And any professional worthy of the name will be able to take them from a simple drawing through to the final product.... No matter HOW rough the drawing...
As well as running a video production company I also teach a day or two per week in an FE college. Our graphics people routinely teach Illustrator and PhotoShop as the industry 'standards'. though, in fact, there are many other packages in professional use. Remember though that a software package is just a tool, and a tool is only as good as the hand that guides it. Anyone can be taught how to use a penknife and say they are proficient in that. Few could then immediately use that tool to create an intricate carving. THAT takes years of practice and study!
Frankly, as far as the software packages are concerned you can teach a monkey to use these in a couple of weeks. Most serious students who pass through our hands already know the basics of operating these programmes from online tutorials. The real skill is in coming up with the ideas, knowing how to use text, colour and proportion in harmony. AND avoiding all the little technical pitfalls that can render a design unusable
One way or another this takes time and effort to learn!
Amazon and others have literally hundreds of books on the software as well as the 'basic principals' of design. But as with all complex professional disciplines the devil is in the detail. And even the 'simplest' job can fall flat on it's face for want of not knowing some small detail or another.
For sure the basics of doing a simple layout are not 'brain surgery' and probably well within the capabilities of most. But my point here is if you REALLY are prepared to make time to learn and do someone else's job what of your own?
One way or another you ARE seeking to do a professional's job! Now, you either learn to do that to a professional standard or you turn out half-assed amateurish material in the name of YOUR business!
IF you are prepared to invest the time in learning then you should invest that time wisely! As I suggested an NQ course would take you less than a year. You can probably do one at night school. And whether YOU think all the subjects are relevant or not, it WILL give you a structured solid base on which to establish your skills....
Now, that MAY not be the response you'd prefer to hear; And no doubt there are hoardes of 'barrack room experts' who would tell you what you want (rather than need) to hear. But it IS a realistic one. Your friendly neighbourhood graphics artist probably spent years at college or at least years in self-directed study. And you propose to emulate their skills by peering over their shoulder for a few what? months? weeks? days?
------------------------
Matt Quinn.
www.tfgtv.com
Corporate Communication for SMALL Businesses!
RE: Graphic design
Paul J5Design | 28/07/2007 08:20 PM
Rachel,
If you need any more information feel free to get in touch. I think it's often down to the individual. Different people learn in different styles. MM seems to have found a good solution, so that may well be a good route for you to follow.
I teach graphics at both F.E. and H.E. level and in my opinion to gain a broad grounding in the subject a structured course would be beneficial . It just depends how much you need to know to be able to communicate your ideas to a freelancer.
------------------------
www.blockshop.co.uk Suncare and Skin Protection for the Elements
www.newoxygen.co.uk Activewear For Women
RE: Graphic design
tamaralyster | 29/07/2007 12:47 AM
Hi Rachel.
You have been already been offered some great ideas and advice so I won't add much more. Don't want to overwhelm you!.
What I did want to say is I think it's entirely possible for you to learn the basics without having to do a lengthy course. Visit your local computer store and look into graphic design programs that may be able to meet your requirements.
Alternatively look into paying for a few one on one lessons with a qualified designer that can teach you the valuable skills needed for basic graphic design concepts.
I'm sure you are well aware as to what your limitations are without the formal training but if you have a creative flair and a willingness to learn I'm sure you will be more than capable.
Good luck to you and I hope you find a suitable solution.
Regards,
Tamara Lyster
------------------------
TamaraLyster Online
www.tamaralyster.net">href="http://www.tamaralyster.net">www.tamaralyster.net
A marketing concept for businesses focussed on health, wellness, personal development and human growth.
- Strategic Brand Development
- High Impact Business Writing
- OnDemand "Cost-Per-Query" Marketing
RE: Graphic design
The Brand Consultant. | 17/08/2007 11:06 PM
The best way from what I can see, is to look at current designers and put together a scrapbook of their work and work that you like.
Anaysis why you like it and how it communicates, pay attention to the small details they are very important. Also have a look is some graphic design journals there is plenty out there and they are great for inspiration.
Failing that 'Matt Quinn' has the right idea, it can be complex but it is possible to do without going to uni.
JJ
RE: Graphic design
itrends | 19/08/2007 12:30 AM
Look at some graphic design portfolios online
Get a free trial copy of DT software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, etc.
Open sample projects, create new ones, work with graphics etc. Just play.
Then read tutorials online, photoshop tutorials and layout tutorials for press etc. It will give you an idea of most the basics.
Learn the sizing types and guides. Learn about DPI, CMYK, RGB, Screen to printing issues etc.
Simple Google searches will give you most the information.
Like most things in life, you have to do some actual reading and learning to do this. I doubt any design house worth it's salt will just have someone hanging around with no prior experience as it detracts from their normally time sensitive work where they can be explaining things. Plus, by watching, you will see the overall picture but you wont actually know the details, the terminology, how it translates to other devices and printers etc etc 
So, go grab some software trials and play around.
Then grab yourself a mac
Create some work for "fictional" companies.
Send it in with your CV to some graphic design vacancies. They will want to see examples of work you have done and want to know how you did them.
Bang, you have your job. (as long as you are good 
)
Hope that helps.
David
