Life is too short to waste time in a job that you hate so much you wished you could just end it all. One of my many goals in life is to never end up like this as almost everyone in my family lived this life. I'm still scared of this but I don't let that fear control me. My chosen career path is not built on solid ground, I have so many interests that most people would tell me that I should just pick one but I can't.
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Helpful sites for creative people
Behance is a network site in which people can display their work. From Architecture to Web Design, there is a place for you on this site. The site it free to use, they do offer to create a portfolio site for a fee but you can ignore that. I do have an account so if you would like to see it (https://www.behance.net/Djrobbins). You can search for jobs on this site and it might look good to employers if you are an active member of this site. One of the most important tools a creative person has is the word of mouth.
This site is useful for a lot of reasons but be careful there are some pretty weird things on this site. I have been a long time member of this site and has helped me with my work. This is a great site to show off your work, build a following, and get feedback.
If you are ever in the need for inspiration then ted.com is a great site for you. You can also visit their YouTube channel. I actively watch Ted Talk videos, they are always interesting and I always learn something from their videos. They have a series of videos for creative people and also a few of their programs are on Netflix streaming.
Twitter is such a valuable site for anyone trying to market themselves or just to be social. You need to gather up a following and show that you are dedicated to your craft. Creating your work is one thing but getting people to buy it is another thing, Social media is one of the key elements of keeping a business successful if its done right.Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Tips for Graphic Designers
I wasn't involved in Graphic Design for too long but I took about 9 classes on the subject. What I will share is what I learned during those classes and advice given to me by teachers and my peers.
1. Print Production is costly
I learned this the hard way after spending about 30 dollars just for one project. This might not seem like much but when you don't have a job it really is a lot. I would go on to spend maybe 150 dollars in total. The teachers say they want to help you out but most of the time I'm sure they don't really care. You might have to go around and check all the print shops. So whenever you take a job remember to add in the cost of print production.
2. Learn to Code
In the modern age, graphic designers will need to know a little web design. You don't have to be a master at it but you will need to understand CSS and HTML5. There are many free resources like Khan Academy and Code Academy.
3. Backup Data/SAVE!!
I can't tell you how many people lost all of their projects because something happened to their flash drive or they forgot to save. Always save your project multiple times and find some kind of program that you can share copies of your work in. It might be good to invest in a portable hard drive.
4. Don't sell yourself short
There are a lot of graphic designers out there who are selling their services cheaply. This changes other designers to look bad because of how much they charge and it also lowers the amount of work towards quality designers. Plus you are not making much money if you only charge 5 dollars for any graphic design task. So please don't be a graphic design whore.
1. Print Production is costly
I learned this the hard way after spending about 30 dollars just for one project. This might not seem like much but when you don't have a job it really is a lot. I would go on to spend maybe 150 dollars in total. The teachers say they want to help you out but most of the time I'm sure they don't really care. You might have to go around and check all the print shops. So whenever you take a job remember to add in the cost of print production.
2. Learn to Code
In the modern age, graphic designers will need to know a little web design. You don't have to be a master at it but you will need to understand CSS and HTML5. There are many free resources like Khan Academy and Code Academy.
3. Backup Data/SAVE!!
I can't tell you how many people lost all of their projects because something happened to their flash drive or they forgot to save. Always save your project multiple times and find some kind of program that you can share copies of your work in. It might be good to invest in a portable hard drive.
4. Don't sell yourself short
There are a lot of graphic designers out there who are selling their services cheaply. This changes other designers to look bad because of how much they charge and it also lowers the amount of work towards quality designers. Plus you are not making much money if you only charge 5 dollars for any graphic design task. So please don't be a graphic design whore.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
3 Tips for gaining an animation career
1. Draw everyday
I can't stress the importance of drawing every day, the more you draw the better you get.
2. Work on something
The best way to get noticed in any creative field is to make something. If you are a loner it's okay to do animation by yourself even though people tell you otherwise. You will at some point work with a team so its best to gain experience in teamwork. You can do animation shorts by yourself if you are willing to put the time in. Upload whatever you make to YouTube or other media platforms. Get feedback and develop some thick skin. Only pay attention to quality feedback not the negative comments that are common on YouTube and elsewhere.
3. Network
Start a team and work on a project together. Pick the right people and develop an idea together. Like I said before you will work in teams later on so you need as much experience in a team as possible. Just make sure you make a team built on quality animators, not lazy ones. There will be some people who have no idea what they are doing and will waste time by talking or doing something different from what they are supposed to do.
Bonus
Companies like Pixar will still hire you if you don't do 3D animation. They will take you on if you are really skilled at handrawn animation. If you are good enough they will teach you how to do 3D ainmation.
I can't stress the importance of drawing every day, the more you draw the better you get.
2. Work on something
The best way to get noticed in any creative field is to make something. If you are a loner it's okay to do animation by yourself even though people tell you otherwise. You will at some point work with a team so its best to gain experience in teamwork. You can do animation shorts by yourself if you are willing to put the time in. Upload whatever you make to YouTube or other media platforms. Get feedback and develop some thick skin. Only pay attention to quality feedback not the negative comments that are common on YouTube and elsewhere.
3. Network
Start a team and work on a project together. Pick the right people and develop an idea together. Like I said before you will work in teams later on so you need as much experience in a team as possible. Just make sure you make a team built on quality animators, not lazy ones. There will be some people who have no idea what they are doing and will waste time by talking or doing something different from what they are supposed to do.
Bonus
Companies like Pixar will still hire you if you don't do 3D animation. They will take you on if you are really skilled at handrawn animation. If you are good enough they will teach you how to do 3D ainmation.
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