Australian Infront

Posted 01.05.2015 @ 1.16PM

::Rubbish::

Just because someone (numerous people) have a different opinion than your's doesn't make their view(s) "rubbish", or any less valid. Perhaps you've been lucky? Won't be the first person, won't be the last. But it doesn't make your view any more the "whole picture" than any other individual that's commented in this thread.

And whether you like it or not, the data available does show that design graduates are one of the lowest employed within their professional of all graduates. That data isn't just made up by someone with some sort of agenda.

And I can't speak for you or anyone else, but in terms of the things I "love" to do, they certainly can't be compartmentalised into a single vocation, so in terms of looking for something that I would love going to work to every day, I for one have more than just the single vocation option, so a little research into the areas I would enjoy, and I can identify which would or would not make better or worse career choices. I'm fairly sure most people would have a similar number of potential areas they could go into and would love, with a little thought.

Posted 04.05.2015 @ 10.40AM

I'll retract the word 'rubbish' but I stand by the rest of my post

I object to the fear mongering that Karen should pick another career because it's not going to happen for her, without ever seeing any of her work or speaking in person. Maybe Karen is extremely talented, maybe not but that's impossible to know and it wasn't her initial question.

Fine the data may indicate it's a difficult industry and that's good for her to know she will have to work harder than if she were to pick another path. My wife studied the same design course as I did and was one of those people who ended up going in a different direction after Uni. She knew design wasn't the career for her but finished the course anyway as she enjoyed it, same as many people in my year. Data never tells the whole story.

Posted 04.05.2015 @ 11.33AM

Gotta agree with @trex's sentiment. Don't let them scare you @karenmelb.

I know it's a tough industry but I was told not to bother from the first serious thought I had about being a designer - hence the name 'The Underdog'!!

I think honestly the only real difference between myself and others I studied with at Uni is resilience. I was never the most talented but I worked my ass off.

Posted 04.05.2015 @ 12.30PM

Yeah me too.

When I look back at my Uni work I don't know whether to laugh or cry lol

I think it took me 5 years working full time to do anything halfway decent. Even then it's pretty average. I think the thing that saved me was I worked quickly and took direction well.

Getting a job at the top studios will always be extremely difficult but that doesn't mean you can't still do good work.

Posted 06.05.2015 @ 1.37AM

Hey guys，

Thanks for all your inputs.I am quite worried about not getting a job after I graduate but I think I should at least give it a shot.

Would love to know anyone has any recommended books on graphic design principles,layout or typography?

I've check out some of the design tutorials on lynda.com but don't really like some of the tutors' design style.

When I was trying to find a course, I looked at all the students work showcases and I like most of the design works from RMIT students and Shillington college student. Just really clean ,artistic and elegant at the same time.I wonder is because of their teaching or what?

Anyone has any suggestions as to how to develop style like that?

Thanks again.

Karen

Posted 06.05.2015 @ 12.23PM

Hi Karen - in my experience you can only study a style, your own personality will always come through (as it should - otherwise you'd be copying!). Collect examples of design work you love and study what it is you love about them - is it the colour scheme, their use of scale? Is there a grid system you can decifer, can you name the typefaces used? Use what you learn as inspiration when creating your own work, but always think about what you'd do to improve on the ideas that have gone before you.

I'm sorry I didn't get back to you earlier about books, I keep meaning to check my bookcase to see what's there! Clearly I don't refer to them very often any more ;)

This typography book was a required text for my course: http://typographica.org/typography-books/the-elements-of-typographic-style-4th-edition/

I've found this book a useful refresher when I'm feeling stuck: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42192.Graphic_Design_Cookbook

You might also find these professionalism books useful reading:
http://abookapart.com/products/design-is-a-job
http://designprofessionalism.com/
https://www.davidberman.com/social/dogood/

Posted 06.05.2015 @ 7.46PM

:: I am thinking about returning to study graphic design and become a UX/UI Designer or graphic designer.I am interested in diploma of graphic design or intereactive media in Victoria University /Swinburne /RMIT or the intensive course in Shellington.
Can someone share their experiences in these courses? Thanks::

I'd have a really good look into what those jobs actually entail before deciding on a path.

User experience has so many facets to it. In the truest sense, a specialised UX designer really just does wireframes, user testing, A/B testing and research. That said many companies in Australia can't really afford to hire people in specialised roles so you end up being the UI designer as well. Just something to consider.

My advice would be to learn a bit of web development as well to gain an edge over the competition. Learn about project management methodologies like Agile scrum, Kanban and also a bit of the business side of things in IT.

There is a saturation of designers out there but not too many that can design well, can work with development teams in an Agile environment and also understand the technology underpinning what they are designing for.

It helps massively if you work on large scale development projects and improves your employability.

Posted 09.05.2015 @ 1.06PM

If you have done your research into what a design job really entails, have spoken to designers about what the jobs/lifestyle/industry are like, and really think that it's something you would enjoy long term, then I would say definitely go after your dreams.

As a Shillington grad, I can wholeheartedly recommend the course. Yes they do focus more on software more than design theory, but they do cover enough design theory to get you started as a junior designer, IF you put in the effort to self-learn and improve as well, and are sufficiently talented (talent does play an important role, as well as hard work). If you have a fine art background, you're already off to a great start.

Universiy degrees will of course, give you a much more solid foundation in terms of theory, but I've noticed that they don't teach software skills well enough. Can't tell you how many fresh uni grads I've trialled/hired that just don't know how to work the programs well enough. So if you decide to do a uni degree, keep in mind that you will need to build up your software skills in your own time.

In terms of employment - my personal experience? I've never had trouble finding employment, and I only have a Shillington Cert IV with no design experience before I took the course. After graduating, I landed a full time permanent job at a studio, worked there for a year, then switched to another studio that does nicer work. The trick? Apart from a little bit of luck (face it - all things in life have something to do with luck to an extent), you need a good folio, a great attitude, ability to explain your work articulately, and just be a pleasant person that connects with people well. People want to hire people that they like and get along with well.

Many jobs in this industry are not advertised, so networking is paramount. As a matter of fact, my studio is currently looking for two designers, but the positions are not advertised in any way and we're just relying on word of mouth.

Posted 01.07.2018 @ 10.20PM

Hi @karenmelb,

I've just found your old post -ANYONE STUDYING OR GRADUATED FROM GRAPHIC DESIGN COURSE IN VICTORIA UNIVERSITY /SWINBURNE /RMIT / SHELLINGTON?

I'm in a similar situation with trying to decide on a shorter course or diploma, to upskill from currently being a predominantly self-trained designer (and fine art & animation graduate).

Could I ask you if you ended up doing one of these courses you queried? I would in particular love to hear any feedback regarding Shillington.

Thanks!