Become an Artist >> Browse Articles >> Become a Designer
Nine Steps to Becoming a Designer
Valerie Atkisson / ArtBistro
Do you want to become a designer but don’t know where to begin? Here is a nine step guide to help you along the way. You will learn about the different paths to a career in the arts, how to choose a school, and how to get your dream job. This guide is meant for prospective, current, and second career designers.
Please click on the links below to access a comprehensive description for each step. You will be able to go to the next step from each page.
tbodap
16 days ago
4 comments
Seriously these are nine simple and easy steps but it is so good to just see all this put down in such a great way... thanks Artbistro staff :)
emfarleigh
about 1 month ago
12 comments
Everyone is gears to going to college and yes it can help you but I've seen some people make it in any industry just from knowing it and having one heck of a network.
aklobo99701
2 months ago
23228 comments
To make it as a designer , is like any other profestion. You can be good at it . Or It takes alot of work, training, time , dedication, and skill to a great designer. Now days every one wants to start at the top and wants the top pay. Start off slow and work from there. Think things through.. Learn all you can about the job. It takes time to be a great designer.
Dylanation
2 months ago
98 comments
I would tell you how to make it as a designer, but then I would be increasing the chances of someone like you taking my position.
JesacaLin
2 months ago
2 comments
So what are we to do? Develop an alternative backup profession?
Marcel_Patti
3 months ago
2 comments
the main interest is creativities and artistics, passionate on what you do and think as artist. it's in you head that keeps hounting you for new ideas, hunger of new ideas and keep sharpening your skill. but then you have to make it happen, not just think of it.
Account Removed
4 months ago
you have to love what you do....AND LIVE WITH YOUR PARENTS!
Account Removed
4 months ago
TheDesigner said it ALL...I have worked in this field for decades- and since the 90s with downsizing and outsourceing- AND federal tax laws that penalize companies for hiring a freelancer directly, has led to "creative temp agencies" becoming "middlemen"...an example: I just quit being a designer/production artist because I found out that Victoria's Secret (3 hours commute each day!) was paying my "creative agency" $60 and hour for my skiills, but I was only paid $35 an hour! The "creative temp agency" was making $25 every hour I WORKED! That was the last straw!!!
I am now semi-retired and working part-time in a totally different field.
ayerimla
4 months ago
2 comments
In order to be a good designer, you have to love what you do....
TheDesigner
5 months ago
154 comments
Sometimes i get a little put out with these "Art Schools" - Sucking in these young kids- how do they sleep at night? I could not recommend this profession to anyone who can Do anything else!!! Unless you don't need money- as in Trust fund. It was once a pretty lucrative business- but those days are pretty much long gone- ask someone in there 50s in the business- if you can find one. It can be fun- and very rewarding- I've won a sh_t load of awards- and that was nice. But someday you're going to be old- and wish you had two nickles to rub together- like so many other cool occupations- playing in a band etc. 1 in 1000 really make any money at it. Example: The going rate for design and production in the 70s was $15-25 per hour. That was great!! Because a 3 bedroom house cost $25,000 and new GTO car cost only $3.500! Today a house cost $120,000. and a car is $25-$50 thousand... Today's young free lancers are out there cutting each others throats { including their own someday- by driving the prices down } for free lance jobs at $25-30.ph. One free lancer told me if they liked the project- they would do it for $15 per hour. Hello!! How many hours will it take you to buy- your kids a pair of shoes, pay $100. ele. bill or $1,200 monthly mortgage, your Iphone bill, cable, gas, car payment, food, insurance, clothes, and maybe have support a baby, later a teenage, (not cheap) and how about your retirement. Just to name a few items. Well I hope I opened some of your eyes. Use your head- think ahead.
Fancy
5 months ago
24 comments
THIS IS THE MOST CHALLENGING FOR ME, I LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY, WHERE COMPETITION IS VERY CRAZY, AND NOT ALL SCHOOLS CAN GIVE U THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS... BUT ALL THIS DOES HELP IN A WAY.. THANKS
macy
5 months ago
2 comments
excellent information for aspiring designers
jefferson
6 months ago
4 comments
great idea..
love_story138
8 months ago
18 comments
thanks for the information its a great advice
aschoenherr
10 months ago
4 comments
Great advice, very helpful!