Somewhat conversely, I learned a lot about color theory, how light / saturation etc works in life, and a ton of photography tricks I would have never otherwise encountered by volunteering as a texture artist for a small independent game for two years. I'm still not a great designer, but I'm light years better than I was prior to that experience.
Trying seemingly unrelated or loosely related projects nearly always provides a much bigger payoff than I think it will. I suffer from the same weird self-doubt that I suspect almost all of us in the self-taught camp do, but I think it's important to note that independent learning makes for a resume no fixed curriculum can give....which is why it's already been noted that once you've finished your four (or six, or eight) years, staying on top of things and expanding your knowledge base remains critical if you're in the business world. On Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 10:33 AM, Chris Stromberger < [email protected]> wrote: > Agree with some of Hope's points. Depends on what part of "web design" you > are interested in. If you want to focus on the under the covers stuff--the > programming side of things--then you can probably learn everything you need > to learn on your own. The part Hope talks about here--real design--is what > I wish I had some formal training in. Color theory, layout, typography, > etc. You can get some of that from online resources and books, but I think > the environment Hope talks about--feedback, peers, etc--would serve one > better if you are interested in that side of things (at least in my > experience--I've got the programming part down, but find I'm lacking in the > pure design side of things and have yet to find any really good resources > that make it all click for me). > > Anyway, there's two more cents for you. > > -Chris > http://auslunch.com > > > On Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 7:09 AM, hope turner <[email protected]>wrote: > >> >> Guess I'll step up to the plate and say, I did go to school for >> graphic design >> and don't regret one penny spent. I studied Communication Arts & >> Design >> at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts (public, much >> cheaper >> than Art Institute). I went to school in the early 90s before there >> was >> "web design" but I did graduate with a strong foundation in layout, >> color >> theory, typography and other skills that make you a good designer. >> Granted >> you do learn a lot from books but I found that the critique from peers >> and >> faculty were invaluable. When you are creating work, it's nice to hear >> a >> balance of objective/subjective comments -- as well as direction about >> how >> to improve. Also when I graduated, I had an instant network. >> >> The down side is when I graduated, I had no practical "work" >> experience >> and had a hard time getting hired in a bad economy. So I would second >> the person that suggested being an intern. If I could go back in time, >> I >> would have done that myself. >> >> I'd also have to agree with what most people have said about studying >> "web" design. If you want to go to school I'd recommend graphic design >> instead so you learn more about visual design. I haven't been >> impressed >> with many fresh graduates armed with an education in "web" design. >> Some problems are that they lack attention to detail in such things as >> leading and kerning -- some basic design issues. >> >> Whichever route you take, if you're dedicated and good, you'll find >> work. >> I don't think it's an issue of "paying for something and going >> nowhere". >> I would advise against laying out a wad of cash for the Art >> Institute. >> Anyone I've ever met that went there said they would have preferred >> to have gone somewhere else. It's just so expensive and isn't highly >> regarded in my experience. >> >> Also, I've been speaking to the design aspect of web design. If you're >> a technical type, I've met MANY people that are self-taught and very >> successful. I'm not sure of the shortfalls of bypassing a traditional >> tech education since I've seen people do well without it. >> >> Good luck! >> >> Hope >> >> >> >> >> >> On Mar 12, 1:35 pm, Mike <[email protected]> wrote: >> > Hello, >> > >> > I'm new to the web design world and I figure this a good way to get >> > started. My name is mike and I"m new to web design world. >> > >> > I'm starting school to get a 2nd bachelor's in web design from the art >> > institute (1st bba is in marketing) and I was wondering since ya'll >> > are in the industry, am I going in the right direction? >> > >> > I see that everyone has a different background, and i'm curious what >> > did everyone study or how did they get to where they are today. >> > >> > I hate to pay for something and then go nowhere afterwards. >> > >> > Mike >> >> >> > > > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Our Web site: http://www.RefreshAustin.org/ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Refresh Austin" group. [ Posting ] To post to this group, send email to [email protected] Job-related postings should follow http://tr.im/refreshaustinjobspolicy We do not accept job posts from recruiters. [ Unsubscribe ] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] [ More Info ] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Refresh-Austin -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
