my 11yr old wants to be a graphic designer?

Question

he is a very very good artist and wants to design for computer games. where can i put him in school for training at such a young age? he is better drawer than myself and i am good. i ont want his ambition to go away. all he does is draw all day

Answer 1

The scope of the graphic designer is far from narrow. Graphic Design Jobs cover all ends of the creative spectrum...

Creative / Art Director:
Art directors, or creative directors are in charge of a creative team that produces artwork to be displayed in magazines, on television, on billboards, on the web, or on products. A creative team....

Layout Artist:
A layout artist deals with the structure and layout out of images and text in a pleasing format for printed media. This can include...

Brand Identity Design: Brand identity design is concerned with the visual aspects of a company or organization’s brand or identity. A brand identity design is the visual element that represents....

Logo Designer:
A logo is a sketched or graphically designed symbol, set in a specific typeface or font, and arranged in a unique way, with distinct colors, shapes, and designs to represent a company, product, organization, agency, or service....

Flash Designer:
Flash is the newest and trendiest technology currently used in web design. Nearly everyone ranging from beginners to experienced web designers are learning how to create and....

Illustrator:
Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations that represent an idea or a story through two-dimensional or three-dimensional images. Illustrators may do drawings for....

Technical Illustrator:
Technical Illustrators conceptualize and create three-dimensional images, storyboard sketches, and moving illustrations for animated productions, television commercials, movies, computer games, or set and exhibit designs. Technical illustration primarily involves....

Photo Editing / Photoshop Artist:
Photo editing, and new photo editing software like Photoshop has helped professional photographers and designers more easily bring their visions to life through advertisements, magazine layouts, billboards, logos, and just about every other multi-media medium....

Multimedia Designer:
Jobs in multimedia design can be found in such career fields as television or film production, animation, audio production, and set design, as well as several other multimedia, and production design fields. Earning a....

Photographer:
Photography is more than just capturing an image. Professional photographers need to learn how to use the camera and other photography equipment such as lights, film, lenses, filters, digital technology, as well as their own creative vision, to produce images that communicate the desired....

Prepress Technician:
Prepress involves a variety of tasks including checking proofs for errors and print clarity and correcting any mistakes, transforming text and pictures into finished pages, and making printing plates of the pages....

Web Designer:
As a web designer, your work could be viewed by thousands of people everyday. Web designers create the pages, layout, and graphics for web pages, and play a key role in the development of a website. Web designers have the task of creating the....


All of these graphic design jobs require attention to detail, design sense, problem solving skills, and up to date knowledge of the latest software. The best way to land a graphic design job and enter into this exciting field is to get the right training at a graphic design school or college that offers a graphic design degree.


For related schools and colleges, please visit:
http://www.adigitaldreamer.com/game-design-schools.htm

Some more info...

Nature of the Work

Graphic designers—or graphic artists—plan, analyze, and create visual solutions to communications problems. They decide the most effective way of getting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. Graphic designers develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. They also produce promotional displays, packaging, and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive logos for products and businesses, and develop signs and signage systems—called environmental graphics—for business and government. An increasing number of graphic designers also are developing material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects. Graphic designers also may produce the credits that appear before and after television programs and movies.

The first step in developing a new graphic design is to determine the needs of the client, the message the design should portray, and its appeal to customers or users. Graphic designers consider cognitive, cultural, physical, and social factors in planning and executing designs for the target audience. Designers gather relevant information by meeting with clients, creative or art directors, and by performing their own research. Identifying the needs of consumers is becoming increasingly important for graphic designers as the scope of their work continues to focus on creating corporate communication strategies in addition to technical design and layout work.

Graphic designers prepare sketches or layouts—by hand or with the aid of a computer—to illustrate the vision for the design. They select colors, sound, artwork, photography, animation, style of type, and other visual elements for the design. Designers also select the size and arrangement of the different elements on the page or screen. They also may create graphs and charts from data for use in publications, and often consult with copywriters on any text that may accompany the visual part of the design. Designers then present the completed design to their clients or art or creative director for approval. In printing and publishing firms, graphic designers also may assist the printers by selecting the type of paper and ink for the publication and reviewing the mock-up design for errors before final publication.

Graphic designers use a variety of graphics and layout computer software to assist in their designs. Designers creating Web pages or other interactive media designs also will use computer animation and programming packages. Computer software programs allow ease and flexibility in exploring a greater number of design alternatives, thus reducing design costs and cutting the time it takes to deliver a product to market.

Graphic designers sometimes supervise assistants who carry out their creations. Designers who run their own businesses also may devote a considerable amount of time to developing new business contacts, examining equipment and space needs, and performing administrative tasks, such as reviewing catalogues and ordering samples. The need for up-to-date computer and communications equipment is an ongoing consideration for graphic designers.



Working Conditions
Working conditions and places of employment vary. Graphic designers employed by large advertising, publishing, or design firms generally work regular hours in well-lighted and comfortable settings. Designers in smaller design consulting firms, or those who freelance, generally work on a contract, or job, basis. They frequently adjust their workday to suit their clients’ schedules and deadlines. Consultants and self-employed designers tend to work longer hours and in smaller, more congested, environments.

Designers may transact business in their own offices or studios or in clients’ offices. Designers who are paid by the assignment are under pressure to please clients and to find new ones in order to maintain a steady income. All designers sometimes face frustration when their designs are rejected or when their work is not as creative as they wish. Graphic designers may work evenings or weekends to meet production schedules, especially in the printing and publishing industries where deadlines are shorter and more frequent.



Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions; although some entry-level technical positions may only require an associate degree. In addition to postsecondary training in graphic design, creativity, and communication and problem-solving skills are crucial. Graphic designers also need to be familiar with computer graphics and design software. A good portfolio—a collection of examples of a person’s best work—often is the deciding factor in getting a job.

Bachelor’s of fine arts degree programs in graphic design are offered at many colleges, universities, and private design schools. The curriculum includes studio art, principles of design, computerized design, commercial graphics production, printing techniques, and Web site design. In addition to design courses, a liberal arts education or a program that includes courses in art history, writing, psychology, sociology, foreign languages and cultural studies, marketing, and business are useful in helping designers work effectively with the content of their work. Graphic designers must effectively communicate complex subjects to a variety of audiences. Increasingly, clients rely on graphic designers to develop the content and the context of the message in addition to performing technical layout work.

Associate degrees and certificates in graphic design also are available from 2- and 3-year professional schools. These programs usually focus on the technical aspects of graphic design and include very few liberal arts courses. Graduates of 2-year programs normally qualify as assistants to graphic designers or for positions requiring technical skills only. Individuals who wish to pursue a career in graphic design—and who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field—can complete a 2-year or 3-year program in graphic design to learn the technical requirements.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 250 postsecondary institutions with programs in art and design. Most of these schools award a degree in graphic design. Many schools do not allow formal entry into a bachelor’s degree program until a student has successfully finished a year of basic art and design courses. Applicants may be required to submit sketches and other examples of their artistic ability.

Increasingly, employers expect new graphic designers to be familiar with computer graphics and design software. Graphic designers must continually keep up to date with the development of new and updated software, usually either on their own or through software training programs.

Graphic designers also must be creative and able to communicate their ideas in writing, visually, and verbally. Because consumer tastes can change quickly, designers need to be well read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends. Problem-solving skills, paying attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and under pressure also are important traits. People in this field need self-discipline to start projects on their own, to budget their time, and to meet deadlines and production schedules. Good business sense and sales ability also are important, especially for those who freelance or run their own business.

Beginning graphic designers usually receive on-the-job training and normally need 1 to 3 years of training before they can advance to higher level positions. Experienced graphic designers in large firms may advance to chief designer, art or creative director, or other supervisory positions. Some designers leave the occupation to become teachers in design schools or in colleges and universities. Many faculty members continue to consult privately or operate small design studios to complement their classroom activities. Some experienced designers open their own firms or choose to specialize in one area of graphic design.



Employment

Graphic designers held about 228,000 jobs in 2004. About 7 out of 10 were wage and salary designers. Most worked in specialized design services; advertising and related services; printing and related support activities; or newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers. Other graphic designers produced computer graphics for computer systems design firms or motion picture production firms. A small number of designers also worked in engineering services or for management, scientific, and technical consulting firms.

About 3 out of 10 designers were self-employed. Many did freelance work—full time or part time—in addition to holding a salaried job in design or in another occupation.



Job Outlook

Employment of graphic designers is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers, publishers, and computer design firms. Among the five different design occupations, graphic designers will have the most new jobs. However, graphic designers are expected to face keen competition for available positions. Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience, will have the best opportunities.

Demand for graphic designers should increase because of the rapidly expanding market for Web-based information and expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets. Graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand for design projects increase for interactive media—Web sites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other technology. Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services.

In recent years, some computer, printing, and publishing firms have outsourced basic layout and design work to design firms overseas. This trend is expected to continue and may have a negative impact on employment growth for lower level, technical graphic design workers. However, most higher-level graphic design jobs will remain in the U.S. and will focus on developing communication strategies, called strategic design, for clients and firms in order for them to gain competitive advantages in the market. Strategic design work requires close proximity to the consumer in order to identify and target their needs and interests. Graphic designers with a broad liberal arts education and experience in marketing and business management will be best suited for these positions.



Earnings

Median annual earnings for graphic designers were $38,030 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,360 and $50,840. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,220, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,940. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of graphic designers were:

Architectural, engineering, and related services $42,740
Specialized design services 41,620
Advertising and related services 40,010
Printing and related support activities 32,830
Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers 32,390

The American Institute of Graphic Arts reported 2005 median annual total cash compensation for graphic designers according to level of responsibility. Entry-level designers earned a median salary of $32,000 in 2005, while staff-level graphic designers earned $42,500. Senior designers, who may supervise junior staff or have some decision-making authority that reflects their knowledge of graphic design, earned $56,000. Solo designers, who freelanced or worked under contract to another company, reported median earnings of $60,000. Design directors, the creative heads of design firms or in-house corporate design departments, earned $90,000. Graphic designers with ownership or partnership interests in a firm or who were principals of the firm in some other capacity earned $100,000.

Answer 2

Each product has different aspects of the genre to learn.
Adobe Illustrator and or Macromedia Freehand will teach vector and graphic art. Graphic design is alot more than the actual design process so if games is what he wants steering towards actual 'graphic design' wont help.
From there Macromedia flash will get him started on basic animation skill and game design skills. Web games and animations etc.
Adobe photoshop enhances all of the above programs but for vector art is not the best program on it's own.
Last but not least is the 3d side of the biz. Lightwave is the easiest to grasp the concepts of 3d modelling. My 9 year old can handle the basics. If you want to get serious after that its Maya.

My husband and I own and operate a multimedia design business. I am a graphic artist, he is as well but is better at the web and flash side. We also handle 3d modelling and some animation.
I hope this helps. My son is also art crazy and hopes to go into gaming design.

Answer 3

Let him spend as much time as he wants on his computer...(buy him a computer if he doesnt have one).

You can get a trained graphic designer to give him tuitions at home....that would be better than sending him to school for training at such a young age....look around, you should find someone to help him out....i live in india...if your son lived close by I would have surely taught him:) ...you are a good mother...

its good you are encouraging him...and this is the right time ....if he starts learning now...he'll surely learn a lot by the time he grows up...there are two kinds of graphics...2D and 3D.

get him familiar with as many softwares as possible...like photoshop, flash, dreamweaver, macromedia director, 3ds max, maya , combustion etc...it will take him a lot of time to master these softwares....so its good that he's showing interest at such a young age....

all the best...i wish your son a bright future...

Answer 4

Seriously? Gosh, I'm that way, too. I'm the best artist in my family, school class and grade. Not trying to brag. Adobe Photoshop and those things work good. There is certain websites that sell this item and will give you some tips on how to work Adobe, and how to do better with your computer graphics. It's hard to draw pictures on computers, my avatar is an example of one of my computer drawings. It's a very old one, but I found it funny when I was younger.

Answer 5

I don't know if he's sure about what he wants to be yet. there are a lot of fields you can get into when you know how to draw or are great in illustration. You can be a comic artist/illustrator for one thing, or work in an animation studio, 2d or 3d. however it may be, it's best to just seek advise from experts in your country to help you about your school concern.

If you ask me, he can go anywhere in the world to learn and still not learn enough because there is so much to learn if you know how to draw. he could do anything if he has enough education, but it is best to know what he really wants in his heart when he's at the right age already so you could help steer him in that direction.

For now, of course, he wants to design for computer games because that's how kids his age are thinking now. That's what someone his age likes, for now.

Just encourage his passion for drawing (for now, again)... you could take him to art seminars/workshops for painting, photography or drawing or even sculpture. expose him to different types of art related to being an artist. give him a wide range of spectrum so he could choose what he'd want to be at the right time. you could also take him to art museums! or maybe disney/pixar animation studios (if they allow it)?

Giving him access to graphic softwares this early on can give him advantage over other people who aren't able to have access to it (or those who don't want to have access to it even if they could). it gives him better grasp of the software and develop skills for creating better works of art. but because he has access to such things at this age, he should understand that he won't be an expert in it unless he knows that he cannot be always right when doing certain things. when he gets older he should also realize that other people do things differently than he does, so he should have an open mind to that. being an artist is not just being talented, it's much more than that.

Just let him enjoy being a kid now who loves art (or to draw) and wants to design for computer games someday.

Answer 6

What she said...

I INSIST! Purchase Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. There are MANY other computer programs out there, but the aforementioned are the starters, I guess. (By starter I don't mean that they're meant for amature usage only. I just mean they are the popular and trust programs.)

By the way, passion is a great thing, ain't it???

Answer 7

Adobe Photoshop.

Answer 8

From photography and DSLR camera basics right through to advanced techniques used by the professionals, this course will quickly and easily get your photography skills focused! Go here https://tr.im/73g3L
By the end of this course you will have developed an instinctive skill-for-life that will enable you to capture truly stunning photos that not only amaze your friends and family... but could also open the doors to a brand new career.

Answer 9

hi

get him to know the computer like the back of his hand because it will be what he will use most of the time, softwares like adobe photoshop, corel draw & freehand drawing, fine arts would play a major role in developing his hand with diferrent types drawings (eg. manga, anime, grafitti arts & others). let him draw as much as he can

Answer 10

1

Answer 11

Actually you can buy software that you can buy that allows you to create video games, I am the young kind of person that will teach my self how to do anything, but the software can be very expencive...