Question:
I want to be a solo graphic designer, any good chances of this happening?
2013-12-18 17:25:52 UTC
I really enjoying using Photoshop and Illustrator to design logos, cover art etc for myself and friends when I'm getting lost in my favourite music, and I've also been told I'm really good at it by many people. They say my work is clean and professional although I don't believe I have the software skills yet to design high quality professional designs. Most of my work is just nice and simple yet looks really good too, I'm into modern design.

To the question though...
This year I've been taking a beginners film, vfx and motion graphics course since vfx and motion graphics was something that looked very interesting to me. Although I've learned alot of things so far, the one thing thats been doing my head in constantly is working in groups. My tutor says group work happens everywhere in the film industry and thats something I need to get used to. Thing is, I hate it!

To me, alot of my team mates ideas, camera shots and editing techniques are stupid, make no sense or just simply don't work when we're making short films, yet I think my ideas are alot better and that they're idiots for not agreeing with some of my ideas. To the point though, I'd rather do things my way. I believe I have eyes that know what looks good and what doesn't (hence why I'm good at graphic design), and that alot of people in my class have no clue how to make things look good and come up with shitty ideas.

Since I know that the film industry are heavily based on group work, I asked my tutor if Graphic Design would be a better option as a career. He told me that Graphic Design is also heavily based on group work and that I need to get over it and deal with it. Thing is, I'm a really calm guy. I don't like shouting, arguing and fighting with people, I just wish we could all get along so easy and I'd rather not have to deal with arguing with work mates as to why my ideas are alot better.

I did a bit of research on Google and found out that they're are careers for people who want to design solo (Solo Graphic Design Artists and Freelance I think). I think I'd like to pursue a graphic design career since I find it really fun and I believe their are careers for graphic designers who don't want other people taking over their designs. I know you get client work with requirements that you have to meet and I'm happy with that. I just don't want to be arguing with team mates all the time over our work. I'd rather just put some headphones on and get lost in some good music (music is a big part of my life) while designing for my clients, such a breeze.. then maybe work for a company someday.

Correct me if I'm wrong but is there such a graphic design job for me to work solo and earn an average salary? Would working solo be as great as I expect it to be or am I being mislead?

So people, what to do? Do I continue my film career and get over the fact I will have to work in groups?
Do I go for a graphic design career and get over the fact I will have to work in groups in that industry too?
Or are there solo opportunities for me that will work out?
Maybe I should just wait until I take a Graphic Design Course and then decide what is best. Let me know your thoughts :)

I'm an 18 year old male by the way. So far my plans are to finish my course early next year, go back home to my family and friends, get a part time job and practice graphic design at home. Watch software tutorials, look for people on the internet that I can design for and hopefully have a portfolio to enroll for a graphic design course in 2015. What do you guys think?

Thanks so much for reading this long post and if you can help me decide what I wanna do with my life, I'll be truly grateful :)
Three answers:
Nomi
2013-12-18 19:30:13 UTC
Hi. You can definitely be a freelance graphic designer and mostly work alone. I know many people who do this. However, most started with a firm where they did have to work with other designers. It's pretty hard to get freelance work straight out of school. You generally just don't have the connections yet. So, most people who really are aiming at doing freelance for various reasons including yours, do at least a couple of years with a design firm.



One thing is, though, that once you are at the professional level, as opposed to first year university where people are still just trying to figure out what they want to do, the quality of the work -- ideas, thinking, execution, and even knowing how to discuss different ideas -- is way way higher. It's not like in school where many people don't know what they're doing. So....even though you're not a group person (I am not either), you might find it better at that level.



Doing freelance to make a living in any field is not easy. You have to have a lot of energy and ambition and expect to be constantly looking for work. Not trying to be discouraging -- lots of people are successful at it -- just making sure you know that you can't just sort of hope the work comes to you, especially not in the beginning, and "the beginning" can last a long time.



As far as "getting over" not liking to work in groups...eh. For me it's gotten a little easier, but I'm a lot older than you are and I still don't love it. Tho, like I said, there's definitely a difference between early student group work, and working with real professionals.



Best of luck to you, however you decide to go. Also...you can always change your mind. Sometimes it feels like it's too late? Not true; it's never too late.
?
2013-12-18 19:40:04 UTC
Finish your current course.Importantly, visit and speak to teachers at the college's, uni's where you would like to study Graphic Design.They will give you all the information regarding prerequisites, portfolio, and application forms necessary.I don't think I would spend another year practicing graphic design.If you have a portfolio already I would apply for 2014.Although I think you may have missed the process already.Why I am saying this is because the course will teach you everything necessary to utilise those skills in industry.Including,visual communication,design principles,design language,drawing,photography,GDhistory etc.It is a complete package so that you have a very clear understanding and appreciation of this art discipline.If you are able to,visit a prominent Graphic Design Studio for further insight.Speak to various people in the industry.You will pickup the general consensus on where you might fit in.It is very competitive and long hours of dedication.It is not a 9-5 job and there is pressure with deadlines.Earning a living solo is difficult.You need business acumen,people skills,entrepreneurial attitude. As mentioned the teachers will enlighten you.Find out as much as you can.Good luck.
?
2013-12-18 23:42:17 UTC
link your work if you want a proper answer


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