Starting out...

How did you get your start doing graphics designer work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

are you serious?? "Do you need a particular educational background?"
of course. you need a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design.

I have my BA in graphic design and advertising art.
most places won't even look at your resume without a degree... even if you have alot of industry experience... which is highly unlikely though since It's virtually impossible to have industry experience without a degree.

I was lucky enough to get experience while I was still an undergrad (maybe not "industry" experience, but experience). I don't think many peers were getting their designs on-press, and I think that experience was crucial not only to raise my confidence but to learn some real-world lessons before I ever landed a 9-5 job.

I suggest you use the wonderful WWW. There are several places on the web where you can compete to get paid for your graphic design, degree or not.

Over at www.Worth1000.com they have logo competitions for real companies and pay real cash. This is a great way to build a spec ad portfolio of some basic work even if you don't win any money.

There are also websites like www.Worth1000.com where people bid on jobs.

Search the graphic design ads here at Indeed, and make a point to familiarize yourself with the software employers want.

But your best bet is going to be start your own local business.

Host said: How did you get your start doing graphics designer work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?
Do you need a particular educational background?

I know many people that are very successful in this business and never went to college. The key to getting a job is knowing the programs and being a good designer which you can easily teach yourself by reading books, studying others work, and developing a good portfolio. Most jobs will give you a test and that is the way you will get a job. Some people with college degrees can't even design an ad. You would be shocked. I am 51 and have worked at many agencies and it's less then what is on your resume and more about what you can do, what you know and what your portfolio looks like. Learn the programs meaning Quarkxpress, Adobe CS, Dreamweaver and Flash and develop a killer portfolio and you can get a job. Knowing both Mac and PC are helpful but if one is your preference you are going to be limited to jobs that use that platform. Macs are the most widely used computers for graphic design so I suggest if you are using PCs you now know the PC. It's time to go to the apple store!

A little secret but I am not telling you to lie..lol..nobody calls the college to see if you went there and companies that are out of business can't be contacted. Do what ever you have to do to get in the door. Once you get in the door and you know what you are talking about and can perform you are in. That is the bottom line.

This is very good question because I have a degree in Art and I focused my classes in Graphic Design. I took all the classes but last class, which is why I don't have a BFA degree. BUT How can I start my career/dream of being a graphic artist if nobody is hiring entry level designers or allowing us to get this 3-5 years expierence that companies are looking for?

When I was going to school it was still ok to have an Associates Degree. Not now! I can't get a look because #1 I don't have the BS degree, and #2 I don't have the quote unqote work experience. But how do you get work experience with out someone giving you a chance? If someone knows tell me!

I graduated with a BFA in 2005 and am still looking for work in this field (largely due to the area I live). Make sure your portfolio is tight but competition is tough and practice your interviewing skills. Now I consider my work pretty good maybe not expert level yet but I know I have the potential to be great. What I did to gain experience before I landed a contract position with a company is to freelance. Start doing some work for family friends and acquaintances. Make up some business cards, make sure you have an a website that shows your work and ask other small businesses if they need a website made.
Its always best to know/learn the latest graphic programs like Adobe's: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc. and web design apps like Dreamweaver, Flash, and maybe some Fireworks. Adobe Acrobat.

Richard in Charlotte, North Carolina said: I know many people that are very successful in this business and never went to college. The key to getting a job is knowing the programs and being a good designer which you can easily teach yourself by reading books, studying others work, and developing a good portfolio. Most jobs will give you a test and that is the way you will get a job. Some people with college degrees can't even design an ad. You would be shocked. I am 51 and have worked at many agencies and it's less then what is on your resume and more about what you can do, what you know and what your portfolio looks like. Learn the programs meaning Quarkxpress, Adobe CS, Dreamweaver and Flash and develop a killer portfolio and you can get a job. Knowing both Mac and PC are helpful but if one is your preference you are going to be limited to jobs that use that platform. Macs are the most widely used computers for graphic design so I suggest if you are using PCs you now know the PC. It's time to go to the apple store!

A little secret but I am not telling you to lie..lol..nobody calls the college to see if you went there and companies that are out of business can't be contacted. Do what ever you have to do to get in the door. Once you get in the door and you know what you are talking about and can perform you are in. That is the bottom line.

Thank You you advice is so appericiated. This is so helpful for me. Thank you so much

Best way to start is to be a Graphic Artist FIRST. Don't expect to be a Graphic DESIGNER right away because it is a different level altogether. LEarn the ropes of the real world first. Start at the end of the line not in the middle. Start with a sign company or a small print shop who needs people who can use the BASIC softwares like Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator. Believe me, if you start learning the "production" part of the "industry" first, there's a better chance of getting your foot wet in the graphic design world. This small shops are teeming with business opportunities and contacts. Nobody will hire a Graphic designer who doesn't even know the basics of printing and production.