New to graphic design!

[mac29]

Hi all,
As titled I'm new to graphic design after and long battle with myself from 16- 22 trying to figure out just what I want as my career and now I'm convinced this is it! My apologies if I've posted in the wrong section. I have an endless amount of questions I could ask you all but I'll start off wih asking is 22 a bit old to be thinking of starting from the beginning? and where's the best place to start, I'm told that taking a course ( £4000 i found a decent one for ) is a bit drastic as in graphic design qualifications don't matter as much as your portfolio. I know a few people in graphic design with thier own company and feel I could create oppourtunities working voluntary to start building one. Any help and advice will be greatly appriciated.

Thanks!

 

[richimgd]

Hi there,
What kind of background do you have? I.e did you have an interest in art at school and have you had a dable in graphics before such as making posters or generally designing or making anything? Were you good at it / find it fun? You are never too old to learn and 22 isn't old so I wouldn't be worried about that. Graphic design is a notoriously tough industry to get into and you have to be good which takes time, but if you have contacts already then that's a great start. If you really are starting at the bottom then you have a lot of things to learn. I'm not saying a £4000 course is the way to go, but some kind of college course might be a good option for you.

 

[Paul Murray]

Hey there.

Until a few years ago I was in a similar position to you. I turn 26 next month and am about half way through my design degree. There's another girl on my course the same age and a few people on other pathways even older so it's never too old to get a degree.

Some courses (such as the one run by Shillington College) are a great way to build up a portfolio of great looking design in a short amount of time but I've find doing a degree has taught me so much about thinking differently and trying different approaches to things.

I personally don't like the idea of 'learning graphic design' in 3 months. Sure, you leave with a graphic design portfolio and a wealth of experience about working quickly on a Mac, but I can't imagine there being much time to experiment and develop ideas (which I think is much more important than being able to produce 'safe' design).