Talk:Graphic Design/Authors


 * My name is Hal Newnan. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Macomb (MIchigan's) Community College's South Campuses's Graphic Communication Arts (since renamed) program with 2 Associates Degrees: 1) in Electronic Publishing, and 2) in Illustration.

The point made in the statistic noted in the Wiki Graphic Design book is well taken! Probably less than 10% of the graduates of any given program will find their way into any kind of work related to their studies. Less than 2-5% are likely to achieve positions of high rank or pay. One of our program's directors, Brian Sauriol, speaks at length of the dedication he has admired in other graphic artists who have soared to the pinnacles of success through (often) grim determination and disciplined hard work. Perhaps the wealthy do fall flat on their faces.

As a mid-life career switcher, I was advised (by a friend who had followed her graphic design career from college in NYC to advertising agencies there, and still works it in Ann Arbor, MI) to find work at a print house. This I have done through our Co-op Industrial program.

I can highly recommend this course of action, it is grounding me in completing practical tasks for my employer (like building and modifying their website) and doing their brochure and logo work. I also get frequent chances to work with Illustrator to design labels for our customers as well as for our owners.

I see that Brian's finding teaching work helps him to stay on top of developments in the profession.