Comments on: Ask Nubby #29: I Am 19 and I Want to Be A Designer. What Should I Do?

By: This Week | Sparkle and Glitter

This Week | Sparkle and Glitter — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:47:21 +0000

[...] Ask Nubby: I am 19 and want to be a designer. What should I do? [...]

By: Nubby

Nubby — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:47:08 +0000

Kaz: It’s never too late! Though I know of some really great self-taught designers…even some that started out as copywriters, etc. at agencies and taught themselves design. Anything is possible.

Hannes: That’s one of my favorite books. Love it.

Anna @ D16: Good point, I am glad that you mentioned rights, clearance and art direction since I left it out! As a designer, whether you represent yourself, an agency or another company, it’s important to make sure you’re in the clear with your sources, imagery, etc. And all of this, once again, makes for less time to do actual design work….

Lola: Someday! I’ve always wanted to do a book but I don’t want to make the mistake of putting it together too early because I’ve only been out of school for 2 years. I feel like there’s so much more to learn and so many more places to work before that happens.

Di: Thank you very much, I really appreciate that.

Lauren: I’m not going to lie, being a freelance designer can be incredibly tough. I’ve had almost entire months off from agency work and then this month, I’ve worked nearly every day at multiple places. It’s a very up and down existence but once you start to adjust, it can be so rewarding.

Alice: Some research is fun, I totally agree! Getting paid to do ‘trend forecasting’ is a blast. But for the most part, there’s some technical stuff that can really be a drag when you’re just itching to design!

Melinda: I think that design can be a passion but it doesn’t have to become your main income source. If you become a teacher, you can still do design…a lot of people get degrees or learn a new skill just for personal fulfillment. My aunt has a 4 year art degree and works retail — but that skillset she picked up helps her with store displays, picking out clothing that flatters customers, etc. It can all b connected.

Matthew Manos: One of my best friends is a professor (teaches branding and marketing to designers) and works at an agency as well. He’s definitely my mentor and I would love to co-teach a class with him someday. On my own though….I’m not sure yet. Thanks for the encouragement!

Nikki Dee: In my case it felt never-ending because I couldn’t seem to pass pre-calculus! Fourth time was the charm, luckily.

By: Nikki Dee

Nikki Dee — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:59:04 +0000

I know what you mean when you say school seems never-ending. I’m about to be a sophomore in college and that is how I feel right now! You give great advice though.

By: Matthew Manos

Matthew Manos — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:53:38 +0000

@Nubby: Have you ever thought of becoming a professor some day? I think you would be a great fit.

By: Melinda

Melinda — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:51:01 +0000

Oh Nubby! You make me want to go back to school and get my graphic designing degree! I too was that person who felt that in order for me to feel complete, I had to create art. About two years ago, I got into photomanipulation through my interest in taking my own photographs and turning them into something else. I had no clue what I was doing, but I had fun learning it. It wasn’t until I started making my own business cards that I felt like I could be a graphic designer, but had no clue what one does. I researched, went to the nearest college, and figured what one does, not only that, but your blog happened upon me (through a visit from Doe Deere’s site). Once I read your articles, looked at your portfolio, I started second guessing my idea of becoming a teacher! Its quite interesting, and while I don’t know if I can do it, you sure keep me inspired in becoming a graphic designer! <3

Melinda

By: Alice

Alice — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:22:28 +0000

But Nubby, research is fun! Haha, how nerdy do I sound… What I mean is, it might not be part of the creative and active half of designing, but (at least for me) it certainly isn’t part of the boring half! The things I learn and discover when reading up on topics for new assignments are so amazing sometimes… It’s my inspiration, and what keeps me interested in designing.

By: Lauren

Lauren — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:54:27 +0000

I love your Ask Nubby posts! I really appreciate that you are so honest and frank about what you do. It’s always been a mystery to me, how designers – and especially *freelance* designer – work. I often come away from your blog with an “I can do it!” attitude – motivated and inspired to make my own career dreams a reality. Thank you!

By: Di

Di — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:08:08 +0000

I think it’s important to note that Nubby’s success is not just because she’s a good designer. Her business acumen is phenomenal. Nubby’s skill set includes marketing, writing, and a good understanding of human nature (the fact that she started her answer with a compliment to you attests to this).

So what I’m saying is, take Nubby’s excellent advise and find design classes. But also, be sure to take those gen-ed classes. Study business, marketing, communications…all of those things that make you a well-rounded, fully educated businessperson and designer.

By: Lola

Lola — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:35:11 +0000

Amazing, wonderful article! I wish there was a book or hard copy of all these pieces of information that I could reference outside of my computer…something to consider! I’d buy it!!!

By: Anna @ D16

Anna @ D16 — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:20:23 +0000

GREAT post, Nubby! 90% of this applies to the work that we designers who aren’t freelancers (i.e., in-house or agency designers) do, too.

The only thing I would add is that would-be designers should be prepared to become well-versed in the practice of rights clearance and usage, as well as with art directing photographers and illustrators. A huge part of my day is often spent keeping track of invoices and revisions and rights management, and these things have to be done legally and on time for the sake of the client.