Graphic design interest me as I'm very good in photoshop, do I need a degree in order to work in this field?

I am a photographer but making little money. I'm thinking of switching careers in order to make more money. Graphic design is something appealing to me as I'm very good with photoshop. I took a graphic design class in collage and enjoyed it. Any suggestions? Can I work, be gamefully employed without a degree in graphic design?

Graphic design interest me as I'm very good in photoshop, do I need a degree in order to work in this field?
You might not need a degree but some company do prefer it. When I started 7 years ago, my AA degree seem to be good enough for most company, but for the last couple of years, more and more job openings require a BA. Of course if you have the equal amount of years in the field, they would consider that instead of the degree. If you're new to the field, you will need to take more courses or hand-on training. Photoshop is the NOT the only program we use, you will need to know Illustrator, InDesign, QuarkXpress, etc. And if you want to get into web design, there's Dreamweaver, Flash, html, etc... But most important of all, you will need to understand the basic principal of design plus have the talent of understanding good and bad design work. A print shop job might help you understand the printing and pre-press processes but they don't usually pay good. Or you can try interning for an ad agency to build up your portfolio. Entry level normally don't make a lot and the work might not be fun and creative. Well, 7+ years and I'm still not make a lot of money :) ... but good luck anyway.
Reply:I majored in Graphic Design but didn't finish because I had got a scholarship that paid for up to 2yrs right after I graduated from high school. After my 2yrs was up, I just work alot of jobs to try save up money to go back and finish up and get the degree. Along the way I got sidetracked and now 10 yrs later I'm married with two little babies....so no I never did get finished and get the degree but when ever there is a conversation and I'm asked about how far did I go in school, it's amazing how many times I've run into someone looking to hire me because I told them about Graphic Design, I do tell them, 'but I didn't finish and get the degree', and it doesn't matter to them, they still would like to hire me. My life has changed so much now, my priorities are different, my two baby girls are my whole world so I've turned down all the offers because I want to stay home and take care of them.





So the answer is, no, you don't need the degree, just a little taste of experience and then when the opportunity arises(like meeting someone who is hiring, or job interviews for graphic design material, etc) it's all up to you in what you choose(go for it or not).
Reply:Often industry experience is as good as, or better than, a classroom qualification.





Why don't you approach some design firms and offer your services either freelance or ask for an unpaid work experience placement?





Where are you based? I know my partner is always looking for freelance designers when they have big projects on.





(BTW he has been a designer for many years and he dropped out of his fine arts degree in the second year because he felt it wasn't giving him enough practical learning)





While you're looking for contacts, start building up a portfolio of your best work. Its always handy to have something you can send off to show off your talents.





That said, there's nothing wrong with more education, just make sure that it is preparing you for the working world, and that you wouldn't save more time and money by just jumping in.
Reply:You need talent, kowledge and a good portfolio (take jobs on for free if you need to build up your portfolio). Of course, connections don't hurt either!
Reply:I don't think that degree is Important role for dream job or for making money. You should ve creativity, knowledge %26amp; utilizing/ self understanding skills. that ll make you perfect man..

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