Comments on: Ask Nubby #21: How Do I Get Started in Design?

By: Nubby

Nubby — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:32:00 +0000

uhhh: For professionals, I’m sure it was but my high school was stuck in the dark ages! I was a junior that year.

By: uhhh

uhhh — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:56:34 +0000

Ummm, in 1999 everything in graphic design was quite digitalised. Well I guess for everyone working in the industry, try working in the early 90s in graphic design an see how it feels!

By: aileen

aileen — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:32:06 +0000

I’m a thriving apparel graphics and accessories designer and I went to community college (first for fine arts, then for a fashion design certificate). I turned out ok! I think it’s all about curiosity, talent, and passion. Anybody motivated can learn design from observing the world around them and re-interpreting. And, it’s all about self-branding, constantly re-inventing yourself and your portfolio. Right now I am re-inventing myself as a fashion illustrator and fine artist! : ) There ain’t no school for curiosity and passion!

By: Erika

Erika — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:10:47 +0000

Nubby,

Thank you so much for your inspirational advice. It really motivates me to push forward, and not worry about what type of schooling route I go through. After spending the past few years in community college and taking some art classes at a private university, I definitely have been putting off completing my school for fear of what debt lie ahead. I am currently going back to community college and going full force with their design program this fall. Your blog reminded me that this is in fact a great decision and I shouldn’t worry about having a prestigious school on my resume. You are completely right: it is all about your work and how talented you can be in that aspect! Thank you again for giving assurance to those of us that need it. Besides, we are artists and artists don’t necessarily have to follow the standard rules of life;)

By: Janelle

Janelle — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:21:02 +0000

As someone who is currently trying to go to school for design, this has helped me feel a lot better.

By: Nubby

Nubby — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:51:14 +0000

Kaz: That’s cool that you found your path; it seems like it’s usually the other way around with print design students discovering the world of 3D! Ahh, and anyone who quotes a Journey song is immediately on my good side!

Maggie: I admire some those huge expensive schools and many of them have amazing programs, but realistically, not all of us have that option. I didn’t want to start out with the stress of massive debt looming over me!

By: Maggie

Maggie — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:35:19 +0000

I second the love on you promoting community colleges. People make the assumption that you can only succeed by dropping big dollars on huge expensive schools that will leave you in debt before you can even start a career that won’t come close to paying it off. I just started reading your blog and I love your design and lack of pretension. Very inspiring, keep up the great work!

By: Kaz

Kaz — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:01:48 +0000

Awww Nubby! You write such great articles. This one really strikes a chord with me as I had an unusual path to Graphic Design! I did 4 years of university in a course that was mainly 3d orientated. I had the intention of being in 3d animation and working in games, but 2d appealed to me much more! I really love your blog and feel very lucky to read it. You’ve really inspired me and you continue to do so with every article! I’m going to be very proud wearing my nubby bodoni t-shirt when it arrives!

Don’t stop believing!!! xxxx

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:47:38 +0000

Hi, I’m a newb to your site but found this particular post of great help and inspiration to me! I am in a very similar situation as you found yourself; already have a 4 year degree, not a lot of design exposure or experience, etc. It’s encouraging to hear that others have had the same thoughts and feelings as I have and pushed through the obstacles for the better! I think this will be a very good “push” for me to finally get serious about going back and do what I’ve been thinking about since I graduated with my bachelor’s degree! Thanks very much, I added you to my list of feeds so I’ll be checking back! Good luck in your continued work!

By: Nubby

Nubby — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:54:38 +0000

chris: Thanks for reading and for being such an awesome teacher! You’re always welcome to use my resources for your classes.

Marta-Rawvolta: Congrats on making a decision that you’re happy with. With all of the schooling that you already have, it sounds like you made the right choice!

Leah Creates: Every time I visit a big art school’s campus, it makes me wish that I could have afforded to attend but then I remember how much some of those schools cost and the great hands-on training that I got at community college and am thankful that I took this route instead. Good for you for following through on multiple degrees; it never hurts!