how do i get trained on these graphic design programmes????

[Ian Bonner]

Had he bothered to get some training or perhaps even research what he's doing, he'd probably be a very good designer.

Yes I agree with that. He can teach himself or research how to channel what he is doing, but I don't believe he needs to be taught that.

You get out what you put in. If you want to be able to design to a standard I think you need the creativity, but the rest can be self taught. You can't teach creativity though.

Thats my problem with this post. You can learn the mac and it's applications and that will get you by technically, but if you don't think creatively then it's an uphill task.

[mowgli]

Quark Xpress, FreeHand, Director??
Whoever is asking for those skills is completely disconnected from the industry and not worth working for.

All software skills can now be learnt for free to the highest standards from the myriad sources available online, if you can't learn this way you'll have a hard time adapting to software developments in the future or you'll have to dish out thousands of pounds to keep up to date doing "certified" courses.

I have no degree in graphic design, I studied illustration yet I work for all the top London agencies on a freelance basis. What got me the foot in the door was teaching myself Flash when there was a very high demand for Flash designers but few available. Since then I've worked in all media from print to motion graphics. Foresight and drive will get you anywhere.

[joshcampbell]

As much as i would like to just go straight into a job without no degree, most jobs i'm looking at require one or high experience on certain programmes, which are far too expensive for me to buy and teach myself.
I've recently signed up for a Graphic Design course at Hertfordshire university and emailed the head lecturer who confirmed the course teaches Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator along with many others so i'm very much looking forward to it and the job opportunities it will give me after i finish it.

[mowgli]

Re expensive software, that's what demos are for!

[Toppers]

If your starting University then why not invest some of your loan in CS4-5 Student Edition. It only cost £200 odd. It was then greatest investment I believe i've ever made. I bought CS2 when I started Uni.

[Katy Blackham]

Agreed Toppers - I really really wish I had brought a Student edition when I was at Uni...£333 is sooo much better than £1700 odd....it makes me weep thinking about it! :icon_crying: