I would like to make a career change to graphic arts, what kind of jobs would be available to me?

Question

What is the ballpark salary for positions like this? People who are doing it do you enjoy it?

I am in an Executive Administrative Assistant position currently. The Graphic Artist they hired didn't work out. Next thing I know I have Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat dumped in my lap, I'm told to "figure it out" and get all of their weekly newsletters done and all of their product flyers created. I've now found this is the only part of my job that I acutally enjoy. I am considering returning to college to complete my BS and persue this path. I have 4 years of art classes behind me but unfortunately no "computer art" experience except for what I've taught myself.

Answer 1

You would basically be designing and creating computer graphics, including schemes for programs, web pages, advertizements, etc. You could also likely do computer modeling and texturing with a little bit of practice and training, allowing you to create and "paint" 3D models for things like video games. There's also 3D animation (kind of a mix between the two previous things), which is becoming more popular in the movie industry and has been popular in the video gaming industry for a while.

The salary will really depend on what the cost of living is for your area. Someone in New York City could be making $100,000, and the same job $40,000 in Texas. But they could very well get the same amount of money in pocket after all expenses! You would likely get the standard salary for a trained computer career though. One thing you can do is find a job opening advertizement site and look up jobs in your area or the area you want to move to. Try things like "Computer Graphics Artist", "Graphical User Interface Programmer/Designer", "3D Computer Modeler", etc. That will give you the best idea.

Answer 2

First of all,

To be in the computer and graphic arts business, you need to open a box of cereal and pull out your toy diploma in computers. Everyone thinks that computers are 'easy' because they have one at their home, and they have a lot of fun "playing".

I have seen MANY people think that they are going to make big bucks in computers after 1 week in business only to have them realize that they truly do not have the skills or desire to do what it takes to be good at it.

First, you must be consumed by it! You must spend most of your waking moments wondering how to do something and trying to figure it out. You must be willing to put in the time, sometimes years, before you can even get something above a liveable wage.

I spent 5 years doing nothing but learning and cleaning up crap in the computer industry. I paid my dues and learned ALL along the way. I have seen these so-called "hotshots" have their 20 seconds of fame, only to fine them later flipping burgers or sweeping carpets.

My friend, you have a LONG journey. Are you sure you want to take it?

In the computer industry, much of the time it is not what you know but WHO you know. I have seen the most brilliant minds go wasted and some of the DUMBEST people get promoted to their highest level of incompetence (i.e., President Bush?) :)

I SINCERELY enjoy it and would do it even if I didn't get paid for it. I wouldn't have what I have now, however, I am totally consumed by it.

There are so many traditional arts people moving to the computer and animated arts that there is a HUGE glut of people. It can be a real cut throat industry.

Good luck man. I wouldn't go there.

MCSE 2003, CNE 5 and 6, LPI 1, CCNP/CCDP/CCDA/CCNA, CCA, Dell Certified Engineer and overall nice guy. If you need more help you can email me (But I expect an "thumbs up!" :) )

Answer 3

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