Comments on: Make your design career a reality through the power of passion http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion The perfect blend of business and design Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:03:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Klangwelt http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1091 Klangwelt Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:29:13 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1091 Passion is the secret ingredient to... anything! I believe that nobody can be excellent in a field without having passion for it. If someone has a job "just because it has to" and doesn't really love it, maybe it will be good. But i don't think it will be brilliant, even if it will work very hard. Passion is the secret ingredient to… anything! I believe that nobody can be excellent in a field without having passion for it. If someone has a job “just because it has to” and doesn’t really love it, maybe it will be good. But i don’t think it will be brilliant, even if it will work very hard.

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1090 Ally E. Hardgrave Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:29:22 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1090 @Anil Amrit Well it is always refreshing to hear that passionate work distinguishes itself amongst others. Loving what you do is a great thing, isn't it? :) I'm write there with you about always continuing to learn and going the extra mile. By doing both, you're virtually guaranteed to never become stagnant. Thanks for the great comments! @Anil Amrit

Well it is always refreshing to hear that passionate work distinguishes itself amongst others. Loving what you do is a great thing, isn’t it? :)

I’m write there with you about always continuing to learn and going the extra mile. By doing both, you’re virtually guaranteed to never become stagnant.

Thanks for the great comments!

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1089 Ally E. Hardgrave Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:14:36 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1089 @Aleare I can definitely get where you're coming from! The degree makes it a lot easier to get your foot through the career door for sure. However, I've seen several cases where over time, genuine talent and know-how can secure some great opportunities. :) Thanks for sharing! @Aleare

I can definitely get where you’re coming from! The degree makes it a lot easier to get your foot through the career door for sure. However, I’ve seen several cases where over time, genuine talent and know-how can secure some great opportunities. :)

Thanks for sharing!

]]> By: Anil Amrit http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1088 Anil Amrit Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:33:44 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1088 Excellent article and I couldn't agree more. It also important to enjoy what you do. With regards to formal training, in my 14 years as a designer only once have I been ever asked if I have a degree despite the fact that a CV was sent. It has however always been said by every one that the passion shows in my work which is good feedback whether getting the job or not. Whilst on my degree I do remember that only half the students on the course were very good at what they produced etc BUT lacked that edge. As an experienced professional now, I never stop learning and can always tell whether a design brief has been answered for sake of answering it or has had that extra few hours of research & thought put into it which instantly indicates the persons passion and understanding. Excellent article and I couldn’t agree more. It also important to enjoy what you do. With regards to formal training, in my 14 years as a designer only once have I been ever asked if I have a degree despite the fact that a CV was sent. It has however always been said by every one that the passion shows in my work which is good feedback whether getting the job or not.

Whilst on my degree I do remember that only half the students on the course were very good at what they produced etc BUT lacked that edge.
As an experienced professional now, I never stop learning and can always tell whether a design brief has been answered for sake of answering it or has had that extra few hours of research & thought put into it which instantly indicates the persons passion and understanding.

]]> By: Aleare http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1087 Aleare Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:30:02 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1087 As a self-teached web designer and developer, I saw that degree designers had more and better job opportunities than me. In spite of this, passion helped me to be as good (or better) than them. But when I started at college, and learned the first design techniques and rules, I understood that sometimes passion for itself is not always enough to make the 'creative neuron' work fine. Cheers! Alejandra ---> *aleare As a self-teached web designer and developer, I saw that degree designers had more and better job opportunities than me. In spite of this, passion helped me to be as good (or better) than them. But when I started at college, and learned the first design techniques and rules, I understood that sometimes passion for itself is not always enough to make the ‘creative neuron’ work fine.
Cheers!
Alejandra —> *aleare

]]> By: Joe Gillespie http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1086 Joe Gillespie Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:13:59 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1086 @Ally E. Hardgrave, I have had the privilege of studying under a few very good instructors/mentors, that being said I still believe school is what you make of it. If you want to absorb all it has to offer, you will probably find it rewarding but if you aren’t motivated by it you may lose focus. Good luck and I hope you choose the path that makes sense to you because everyone’s is different. @Ally E. Hardgrave,
I have had the privilege of studying under a few very good instructors/mentors, that being said I still believe school is what you make of it. If you want to absorb all it has to offer, you will probably find it rewarding but if you aren’t motivated by it you may lose focus.

Good luck and I hope you choose the path that makes sense to you because everyone’s is different.

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1085 Ally E. Hardgrave Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:48:28 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1085 @Scott It is a shame that this technique is not exercised more often! :) Well, maybe not too much as they probably would have booted me from business school a long time ago! Ha! Kudos for rockin' the passion and not getting the boot, Scott! :) @Scott
It is a shame that this technique is not exercised more often! :) Well, maybe not too much as they probably would have booted me from business school a long time ago! Ha!

Kudos for rockin’ the passion and not getting the boot, Scott! :)

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1084 Ally E. Hardgrave Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:44:54 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1084 @Joe Gillespie Thanks for the kind words! Your tactic for working through tough projects is exactly the same that I practice... I become uninspired/burnt out on one, so I switch gears to personal project that I cannot get enough of. So far, it has worked every time! :) As for school, I cannot say enough how I would have loved to go to a design school as there are some areas that my confidence is a bit shaky, at least in the sense that my knowledge was not traditionally obtained. Fortunately for myself, I've had the privilege of working with a handful of individuals who have helped me gain understanding (thanks to their design education). I am actually glad you brought the subject of a mentor up though as I believe mentors can be one of the most valuable resources in any form of education. @Joe Gillespie
Thanks for the kind words! Your tactic for working through tough projects is exactly the same that I practice… I become uninspired/burnt out on one, so I switch gears to personal project that I cannot get enough of. So far, it has worked every time! :)

As for school, I cannot say enough how I would have loved to go to a design school as there are some areas that my confidence is a bit shaky, at least in the sense that my knowledge was not traditionally obtained. Fortunately for myself, I’ve had the privilege of working with a handful of individuals who have helped me gain understanding (thanks to their design education). I am actually glad you brought the subject of a mentor up though as I believe mentors can be one of the most valuable resources in any form of education.

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1083 Ally E. Hardgrave Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:36:42 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1083 @Denny Dzul I most definitely think you have an advantage! Good design will be necessary in all areas, but the demand for web design is so great that you really put yourself at a disadvantage if you DON'T provide that service. You're in a great situation: having a passion for something that supplements your previously obtained trade knowledge :). @Denny Dzul
I most definitely think you have an advantage! Good design will be necessary in all areas, but the demand for web design is so great that you really put yourself at a disadvantage if you DON’T provide that service. You’re in a great situation: having a passion for something that supplements your previously obtained trade knowledge :) .

]]> By: Scott http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1082 Scott Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:30:54 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1082 I went to a design school where a junior year portfolio review eliminated about 10% of the students. The ones that were eliminated were the ones without the passion. Safe to say passion was required for the degree! I went to a design school where a junior year portfolio review eliminated about 10% of the students. The ones that were eliminated were the ones without the passion. Safe to say passion was required for the degree!

]]> By: Joe Gillespie http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1081 Joe Gillespie Sun, 28 Mar 2010 13:52:13 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1081 Some great points in your article and I agree completely about passion being the driving force for my work. The love of my career has gotten me through a few lulls, especially when you are working with a client that you just can’t seem to crack. This is when I usually take a step back, jump to something that I am really passionate about and follow up later with the stalled project. 9 times out of 10 I break through. I do think school is beneficial though, if not for the simple fact of working with your peers or finding a really great mentor. Some great points in your article and I agree completely about passion being the driving force for my work. The love of my career has gotten me through a few lulls, especially when you are working with a client that you just can’t seem to crack. This is when I usually take a step back, jump to something that I am really passionate about and follow up later with the stalled project. 9 times out of 10 I break through.

I do think school is beneficial though, if not for the simple fact of working with your peers or finding a really great mentor.

]]> By: Denny Dzul http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1080 Denny Dzul Sun, 28 Mar 2010 05:07:30 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1080 Me, like Thomas, switched from sys admin works to design. I agree that if you have a passion on something - design, especially - nothing can stop you. I must admit it has been a struggle and to this day, I am still learning ... but it's worth it. At least I could somehow integrate the sys admin knowledge when building websites for clients especially those who request cron jobs to be running on the server side. Me, like Thomas, switched from sys admin works to design. I agree that if you have a passion on something – design, especially – nothing can stop you. I must admit it has been a struggle and to this day, I am still learning … but it’s worth it. At least I could somehow integrate the sys admin knowledge when building websites for clients especially those who request cron jobs to be running on the server side.

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1079 Ally E. Hardgrave Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:49:57 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1079 @Aaron Moody Agreed, agreed, agreed! Fortunately freelance designers wow potential clients with their work, as opposed to their degree. I don't think I would even apply for a studio/show job (unless it was a special circumstance) without a degree to flaunt. Too much of a hassle! Good luck with college btw. Just know you aren't the only one who is bored. :) @Aaron Moody
Agreed, agreed, agreed! Fortunately freelance designers wow potential clients with their work, as opposed to their degree. I don’t think I would even apply for a studio/show job (unless it was a special circumstance) without a degree to flaunt. Too much of a hassle!

Good luck with college btw. Just know you aren’t the only one who is bored. :)

]]> By: Passion For -vs- A Degree In Design « Chris Pastore http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1078 Passion For -vs- A Degree In Design « Chris Pastore Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:11:29 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1078 [...] Don't believe the same? Check out this article! [...] [...] Don't believe the same? Check out this article! [...]

]]> By: Aaron Moody http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1077 Aaron Moody Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:14:59 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1077 Great article, very well thought out and informative. I'm currently at college, but have been freelancing for a few years now. I find college, to be honest - boring and...not useless, but far from a necessary. As you said if you have the passion and determination to put effort into learning something then its achievable without college. This said, I feel that if you are aiming to work for a studio, a degree may help to give you that competitive edge over other qualified candidates, whom may not have the degree. -Aaron Great article, very well thought out and informative.

I’m currently at college, but have been freelancing for a few years now. I find college, to be honest – boring and…not useless, but far from a necessary. As you said if you have the passion and determination to put effort into learning something then its achievable without college.

This said, I feel that if you are aiming to work for a studio, a degree may help to give you that competitive edge over other qualified candidates, whom may not have the degree.

-Aaron

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1076 Ally E. Hardgrave Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:55:13 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1076 @Thomas Fusaro I would love to have some comp admin skills, Thomas! My knowledge is pretty basic and I'd love to have a ton more! :) You make a good point about the portfolio though. It's so nice to know that your work that you crank out is what matters, as opposed to the overpriced, framed paper on the wall. Thanks for commenting, Thomas! @Thomas Fusaro
I would love to have some comp admin skills, Thomas! My knowledge is pretty basic and I’d love to have a ton more! :)

You make a good point about the portfolio though. It’s so nice to know that your work that you crank out is what matters, as opposed to the overpriced, framed paper on the wall.

Thanks for commenting, Thomas!

]]> By: Thomas Fusaro http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1075 Thomas Fusaro Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:37:08 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1075 Having worked as a system administrator (computer guy) for 10 years, and recently decided to refocus on a career in design. I had worked in print shops and taken design classes while growing up, but it was always secondary to my information technology studies. It seems that my passion for design always landed me the responsibilities of a webmaster. I now use my computer knowledge and my passion for design to create unique and inspired web sites. My clients are more concerned with my portfolio than my education. Having worked as a system administrator (computer guy) for 10 years, and recently decided to refocus on a career in design. I had worked in print shops and taken design classes while growing up, but it was always secondary to my information technology studies. It seems that my passion for design always landed me the responsibilities of a webmaster. I now use my computer knowledge and my passion for design to create unique and inspired web sites. My clients are more concerned with my portfolio than my education.

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1074 Ally E. Hardgrave Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:06:43 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1074 Man I am so jealous! I'm going to begin my job search there first and foremost when that time comes. Love the vibe, the people, the environment, everything! Now I'm sort of a nerd when it comes to recycling and nothing made me smile more than seeing homeless people recycle! Haha. Portland is fab. Again, you're doing some great work! Keep it up! Man I am so jealous! I’m going to begin my job search there first and foremost when that time comes. Love the vibe, the people, the environment, everything! Now I’m sort of a nerd when it comes to recycling and nothing made me smile more than seeing homeless people recycle! Haha. Portland is fab.

Again, you’re doing some great work! Keep it up!

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1073 Ally E. Hardgrave Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:19:08 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1073 @Max Maxwell I feel you completely, Max! For me, when I left passion take the backseat, I focus on whatever work I'm doing for all the wrong reasons. It's hard to believe that two years ago I was an Accounting major simply because all I wanted to do was make money... At that point I felt that if I couldn't pursue exactly what I wanted then I should at least be miserable doing something that banks. Terrible idea. At least I'm finally on track now! @Max Maxwell
I feel you completely, Max! For me, when I left passion take the backseat, I focus on whatever work I’m doing for all the wrong reasons. It’s hard to believe that two years ago I was an Accounting major simply because all I wanted to do was make money… At that point I felt that if I couldn’t pursue exactly what I wanted then I should at least be miserable doing something that banks. Terrible idea. At least I’m finally on track now!

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1072 Ally E. Hardgrave Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:15:16 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1072 @Brandon Cox Well said, Brandon! That statement has proven itself true for me time and time again. :) @Brandon Cox
Well said, Brandon! That statement has proven itself true for me time and time again. :)

]]> By: Dan Sweet http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1071 Dan Sweet Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:55:56 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1071 @Ally E. Hardgrave, Thanks! MOst of my work including the site are a result of just what you mentioned--reading it up in whatever spare time I can find. I'm definitely with you on the school thing--while there was a lot of great info, I found myself bogged down by the subjects I was less interested in, and that made it hard to focus on the good stuff. As for Oregon/Portland, I'm not gonna lie to you--it's fantastic out here. @Ally E. Hardgrave,
Thanks! MOst of my work including the site are a result of just what you mentioned–reading it up in whatever spare time I can find. I’m definitely with you on the school thing–while there was a lot of great info, I found myself bogged down by the subjects I was less interested in, and that made it hard to focus on the good stuff.

As for Oregon/Portland, I’m not gonna lie to you–it’s fantastic out here.

]]> By: Max Maxwell http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1070 Max Maxwell Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:26:40 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1070 Great article Ally thanks, there are few of us that run on pure passion and I have to say that it does occasionally drive me to make bad decisions but in my experience, when I have tried to curb it - my creativity and lust for the 'good' things suffered. So now I stick with passion as a driver and just keep doing what I love to do and whenever I get a second, I am learning from tutorials etc ..... the work just keeps coming,so I'm sticking with it! I do frequently wish I could get a real good grounding of education in design but I know I wouldn't last 5 minutes back at school - that's why I ran off and joined the Army in the first place! But who knows - one day ...... you're never too old - til then I'll just keep reading, reading, reading ..... Great article Ally thanks, there are few of us that run on pure passion and I have to say that it does occasionally drive me to make bad decisions but in my experience, when I have tried to curb it – my creativity and lust for the ‘good’ things suffered. So now I stick with passion as a driver and just keep doing what I love to do and whenever I get a second, I am learning from tutorials etc ….. the work just keeps coming,so I’m sticking with it! I do frequently wish I could get a real good grounding of education in design but I know I wouldn’t last 5 minutes back at school – that’s why I ran off and joined the Army in the first place! But who knows – one day …… you’re never too old – til then I’ll just keep reading, reading, reading …..

]]> By: Most Tweeted Articles by Typography Experts http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1069 Most Tweeted Articles by Typography Experts Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:56:25 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1069 [...] designstudio which is specialized in designing and producing typefaces,... 2 Tweets Make your design career a reality through the power of passion | Graphic Design Blender Graphic Design Blender offers the best tips on improving your success rate as a web designer or [...] [...] designstudio which is specialized in designing and producing typefaces,… 2 Tweets Make your design career a reality through the power of passion | Graphic Design Blender Graphic Design Blender offers the best tips on improving your success rate as a web designer or [...]

]]> By: Brandon Cox http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1068 Brandon Cox Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:04:40 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1068 I've always thought that plans fail during execution, but passion gets us started, keeps us going, and gets us across the finish line! I’ve always thought that plans fail during execution, but passion gets us started, keeps us going, and gets us across the finish line!

]]> By: Shenee http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1067 Shenee Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:50:52 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1067 @Ally E. Hardgrave, Hey girl! I am loving the encouraging words and I think it is awesome you were able to approach design with such passion. Are you graduating this year? And if you are, is it all speed ahead to your job as a kick ass designer / awesome contributor to the design community? @Ally E. Hardgrave, Hey girl! I am loving the encouraging words and I think it is awesome you were able to approach design with such passion. Are you graduating this year? And if you are, is it all speed ahead to your job as a kick ass designer / awesome contributor to the design community?

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1066 Ally E. Hardgrave Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:17:04 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1066 @Dan Sweet BTW Dan.. Love your site! Your work is fantastic! You're from Oregon, eh? I have to tell you, if I could find a job once I'm done with school, I would move to Portland in a heartbeat. Fab city. @Dan Sweet
BTW Dan.. Love your site! Your work is fantastic!

You’re from Oregon, eh? I have to tell you, if I could find a job once I’m done with school, I would move to Portland in a heartbeat. Fab city.

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1065 Ally E. Hardgrave Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:12:39 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1065 @Shenee And thanks for taking the time to share your POV, Shenee! @Shenee
And thanks for taking the time to share your POV, Shenee!

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1064 Ally E. Hardgrave Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:11:41 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1064 @Dan Sweet Absolutely right, my man! I couldn't agree more. I cannot stand school in any sense, but that's only because I'm learning things that are not priority to me. That isn't to say that they are invaluable, they just aren't my cup of tea. However, you give me a free afternoon and you'll find me with my face in a color theory book, highlighting through a stack of design articles I've printed or experimenting with something in Photoshop. All of this is the equivalent to what I do in my formal education, its just revolves around a more interesting subject. As you said, passion drives you to educate yourself, and I am nothing but a prime example of that notion. Thanks for commenting, Dan! @Dan Sweet

Absolutely right, my man! I couldn’t agree more.

I cannot stand school in any sense, but that’s only because I’m learning things that are not priority to me. That isn’t to say that they are invaluable, they just aren’t my cup of tea. However, you give me a free afternoon and you’ll find me with my face in a color theory book, highlighting through a stack of design articles I’ve printed or experimenting with something in Photoshop. All of this is the equivalent to what I do in my formal education, its just revolves around a more interesting subject.

As you said, passion drives you to educate yourself, and I am nothing but a prime example of that notion.

Thanks for commenting, Dan!

]]> By: Ally E. Hardgrave http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1063 Ally E. Hardgrave Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:03:54 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1063 @Shenee Girl, don't let fear hold you back! Honestly, any education is good education in my opinion. I cannot tell you how many people I know who have degrees in one field, but have careers in a completely different one. It seems that employers just want to see that you invested the extra time & effort into pursuing extra education. If you really feel that design is something you genuinely want to pursue, then just self educate! The Internet offers a vast amount of information in all aspects of design, but if you are at all like me, I absolutely LOVE to read when I've got a book that holds a subject that I can't get enough of. So between online info and design books of all kind, you can learn so much. Nothing can hold you back except yourself, so get out of YOUR way! :) @Shenee
Girl, don’t let fear hold you back! Honestly, any education is good education in my opinion. I cannot tell you how many people I know who have degrees in one field, but have careers in a completely different one. It seems that employers just want to see that you invested the extra time & effort into pursuing extra education.

If you really feel that design is something you genuinely want to pursue, then just self educate! The Internet offers a vast amount of information in all aspects of design, but if you are at all like me, I absolutely LOVE to read when I’ve got a book that holds a subject that I can’t get enough of. So between online info and design books of all kind, you can learn so much.

Nothing can hold you back except yourself, so get out of YOUR way! :)

]]> By: Dan Sweet http://www.graphicdesignblender.com/make-your-design-career-a-reality-through-the-power-of-passion#comment-1062 Dan Sweet Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:39:41 +0000 http://graphicdesignblender.com/?p=2177#comment-1062 I find that passion fuels a desire to be educated. I have a fine arts background, so a lot of "designy" techniques are new to me. But I'm constantly being inspired by good design work, and it's driving me to find out how to do it myself. Maybe it's not the same in a formal design education setting, but in the informal sense, you can educate yourself in what you're passionate about, and that makes you passionate about educating yourself. I find that passion fuels a desire to be educated. I have a fine arts background, so a lot of “designy” techniques are new to me. But I’m constantly being inspired by good design work, and it’s driving me to find out how to do it myself.
Maybe it’s not the same in a formal design education setting, but in the informal sense, you can educate yourself in what you’re passionate about, and that makes you passionate about educating yourself.

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