Since re-launching my blog and finding new forums and reading some awesome blogs, I have had an itch to learn Photoshop, Illustrator by enrolling in graphic design courses. My main motivation is to learn how to design a wonderful new Theme for my blog and take better photos. The library has a heap of online teach your-self text books but I want to do more. I have always said, “My only VHA (very high achievement) at school was Art and then I enrolled in science.” At the time I could not see a career as an artist and it’s only now do I have a real creative itch to do something. It’s not that I am busy enough but I have been researching what course options I have in Brisbane. There is TAFE, a private college, short courses at Griffith Uni College of Art or the Bachelor Degree of Graphic Art at almost all Universities.
All week I was looking forward to the Griffith University Open day last Sunday to have a look at their courses advertised and I confess we were really disappointed. The agenda advertised, “international food, creative markets by students, galleries, talks and demonstrations.” We got the girls ready in super cute jerseys, packed two single prams, paid for parking and off we went. The “International food” was the canteen, the creative market was one stall with nude art photos and the questions I asked at the design stall was quite depressing. Obviously it was a while since I left high school and when I queried about part-time, they looked at my pram and said I would have to work around childcare. All these parents accompanying their high school children and here I was with two prams. Never felt so out of place. Is uni really only for 18 year olds? I might just look into TAFE or short courses instead.
Wow, you’re ambitious! I only have tried to learn a little html to help with blogging (beyond working on improving the writing itself). I think it’s excited to have a hobby that always has room for growth!
i’m sure you’ll find a school that’s right for you. i majored in graphic design and started at the school i eventually graduated from at 19 and i was one of the youngest people there by far. keep looking.
Graphic Design is a rewarding and tough field. I have been doing it 10 years. The best advice I can give you is do not worry about getting a BA. It is a total waste of money. Instead find a great 2 year school or get an associates from a good Art School. Our field changes way too often and in all honesty most places look at your talent and not at that paper. Check out http://www.advancedphotoshop.co.uk/ website and their monthly magazines. They cover a wide range of graphic design topics and have amazing tutorials.