For the past year or so I have become more interested in graphic design and have thought about the possibility of taking a program one day that would teach me the basics and then I could become an amazing graphic designer who makes lots of money and who is loved by the internet, like Secret Agent Josephine. I started mentioning this to Steve, saying, “I think I could be good at it; I just need to LEARN! I am a sponge! I need someone very soggy to let me soak up their skills and then I KNOW I could be great at it! I’ll be able to work from home and make a gazillion dollars! Maybe we should buy a sweet Mac computer and spend a couple thousand dollars on Adobe software and I can start learning from home TODAY. I promise it will be an investment in our future! All I need is the right tools and I know I’ll be motivated to learn the trade and become this self-taught wonder. I promise!”
Steve, realist that he is, said that we should perhaps wait for a while before blowing five thousand dollars on equipment. It turned out that his brother had Adobe CS3 and he wasn’t using it anymore so he gave it to me! I was so stoked (and I kind of hate that word). I installed the program and started playing around. I ordered some books off of Amazon to teach me all I needed to know about becoming a graphic design prodigy. I thought that if I spent just an hour a night, after Avelyn had gone to bed, that I would be a pro in no time.
It hasn’t happened. And I am not really all that surprised. I am the queen of getting an idea in my head, not being able to rest until I see it come to fruition, and then doing nothing about the opportunity presented before me. Kind of like the elliptical trainer machine I begged Steve for a few years ago (“I am going to get SO SKINNY! I’ll use it every day! I prooooomisssssse!). I used it loyally everyday. For about two weeks. And now it sits, like a dusty dinosaur (seriously, those things are huge) in our basement, reminding me daily of my lack of follow-through.
As far as my graphic design prowess goes, this is where we’re at:
Want me to design your wedding invitations? Make important business cards for your company? Design a logo for you?
Yeah, didn’t think so.
19 Comments
If I wasn’t already married – I’d totally take you up on that offer. That design just screams “We’d be honoured for you the share in the joys of the most special day of our lives” (although it may have to be followed by….”as long as looking at our invitation doesn’t cause you to seize involuntarily and miss the ceremony”)
Keep at it- it’ll come
I actually like it! Yeah – if you have a tendency towards seizures then it’s probably best to just look away. But, I like abstract and funky :)
I hope you are able to find the time to learn – I know about time though. I have three little ones under five. It’s so good for us mom’s to have a creative outlet, though! So here’s to time… If you end you with any extra, send it my way – k?!!
-Andrea
First of all, yes get a Mac as soon as you can afford it. They are sooooo much better for everything, but especially graphic programs.
Second, my husband who has been a GD for 15 or so years tells people wanting to get into the field that first, before touching the software you need to learn elements of design. Anyone can be a “software jockey” but it takes time and study to develop a solid sense of design. So maybe pick up some books on that instead of of the software or graphic design books. He says that he’d rather work with or hire someone with no software or graphic design knowledge (“you can train a monkey to do that” he says) but a degree in fine arts – then it’s just a matter of training them on the tools. You an’t “train” someone on-the-job when it comes to basic design elements.
You are a very creative person, and I know you can do whatever you put your mind to.
That being said, I can relate. I have a craft room bursting with pretty paper and supplies that is gathering dust ;)
I’ve been wanting to learn graphic design for years, but have yet to even think about figuring out what will make that happen. So you are lightyears ahead of many people (uh, me). Go, go, go! I have faith.
Want to carpool up to UBC Kelowna with me once our youngest kids are in school all day? In like…5 years. Until then I think furthering my education will just be one of those things that I fit in a little bit at a time whenever I can. It’s a good thing that Athabasca gives you 6 months to finish a course!
I have the exact same personality trait/quirk/flaw/whatever it is. I am ALL about the start of a project, all about the NEXT thing, and what I could be doing instead of what I am doing. I have many times tried to convince my husband to buy both a treadmill(to become a runner) and a Mac to become a graphic designer too! Also tried to convince him to move to Europe. He’s not buying (har) my ability to follow through “this time”. Good thing probably.
I struggle with that “bee in a bonnet” thing too! Graphic Design is something that has always kind of caught my eye…Good luck!!! (And I love your first project!)
I’ve only just begun to dabble in graphic design, and that’s only because my husband is a web design genius and gets to make logos and sites all day long, and if I sit patiently and watch long enough I can pick some of it up. “Some of it” mostly meaning “Hey! I designed my own banner, but um, how do I even save it?” Miles to go before I sleep, to be sure. Hang in there! I’m sure you can do it!
Hi,
I’m Deanna McKenzie’s SIL, she recommended your blog and now I see why. Your writing is very good, and your humor has improved my day many times. Your honesty is clear but not cutting and I thank you for sharing your thoughts.
If the GD thing doesn’t work out try publishing a book, maybe you could even illustrate it.
Sincerely,
EM
That is so weird, I was thinking TODAY that you should do something like that. I was remembering your pictures you draw for Steve. You got some talent, now learn those darn programs! SAJ’s stuff is so cool hey? Mayeb she’ll do classes for you over the net….doesn’t hurt to ask, or beg! Hehe!
I like it! And since my blog-title is still the one blogger gave me and my computer-creative-savvy consists of using paint I’m astounded. You are the best. I know I only met you once, but sometimes I read your stuff and I really miss you, ya know? :) I wish we lived closer.
Personally I love it.
Delurking to say I too get gung-ho about things and then get lazy and learn nothing. Latest example is photoshop, which was much more complicated than I anticipated.
I have a question about the maternity clothes you bought on ebay. How did they turn out? Did buying a big lot of them work out for you, or were there styles that you will probably never wear? I just found out I’m pregnant (!!!) and am happily day dreaming about the future.
Thanks! Love the blog.
I almost fell out of my chair when I read that you’d make a gazillion dollars as a designer! BWHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
I wish!
I actually can’t laugh too hard because the job I scored two years ago gave me a significant pay increase from my last job and I’m quite happy, thankyouverymuch.
But, for some reason, I’ve decided that freelancing is the way to go and am pursuing that fiercely. Because the opportunity to make 2 weeks salary on a branding project is delicious, delicious money in a quarter of the time.
It’s still not a gazillion dollars though. :(
Good luck!
As long as your fantabulous graphic design career doesn’t distract you from blogging, because you are hilarious and I would miss you.
Hey be careful what you offer. I’m going to be needed some invitations soon (wink wink, nudge, nudge) and I happen to love the Japanese look to your graphics. We’ll be talking! Kaile
Ha! I’m the same way…I become obsessed with the idea of acquiring a new skill, and start out all gung ho, only to lost interest about a day or two in. (Knitting needles, I’M SORRY. I can’t apologize enough for abandoning you like, 4 times now.)
I think you have the potential of being a phenomenal designer. I make lots of money as a graphic designer…no wait..what I meant is, I OWE lots of money for graphic design school. And I agree with ikate’s husband, there’s more to graphic design than learning the tools.
By the way, if you’re up for a drive, we’ll be in Vancouver tomorrow through Sunday.
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