3/17/2006

 

The Pride of Knowing

I am a Graphic Designer.

Yes, I know I've said that before; I just wanted to say it again. Besides, I couldn't think of a better line to begin this post with.

I like the sound of it. When I tell people what I am/do for a living, I'm filled with pride. It's a skill I've spent over a decade using and honing, and (May I be permitted a bit of hubris here) I'm damn good at it*. It's what I like to do. I've spent hours at jobs where all I do is create advertisements, signs, flyers, posters, postcards, catalogs, and all the other little visual things people take for granted on a daily basis. And I've enjoyed every second of it. When someone asks me what I do for a living (or what I'd like to do for a living), I tell them, and try not to pop every button off my shirt when I do.

That's why I didn't want to do what I did yesterday. I signed up for state-funded job training.

"But Mike, that's what'll get you into a job that'll get you a place to live, pay your bills and let you go back to eating buffalo wings and watching Battlestar Galactica on Friday nights."

I know, I know; I ran the same arguments (with variations therein) past myself all day yesterday. But that still doesn't remove the sting of possibly having to leave a career I adore for one that I will in all likelihood end up despising. Again.

It's kind of like giving up a Jaguar for a Buick**. Yes, the Jag is expensive and hard to maintain, but it's sexy and makes you feel good while driving it, and who knows who's willing to hop in and ride with you. But I digress...

I attended Orientation yesterday, and frankly, the whole presentation was so disjointed that all I got was a headache. It would seriously have used a PowerPoint element to it. But I found out what the sequence of events would be and what jobs the state will fund the training for. Maybe I'll try to get something where I won't have to deal with the public at least. I have to attend two workshops (both covering skills I already have and use every day: Resume Writing and Job Readiness) and take some sort of test that covers seventh-grade math, english and language arts before I can begin training.

What the hell am I doing here?


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*I'm currently exploring ways to post my portfolio on the web that doesn't require paying an arm and a leg or taking up lots of time -- while seems to be in shorter and shorter supply these days.

**Apologies to you Buick owners out there.

Comments:
Just an idea...Google now has a simple storage area/webpage design tool for gmail users (pages.google.com). It allows you to store 100mb of files and you'll be able to link to it. Perhaps you could use a gmail account and upload medium to low res versions of your work. It will be free and you could also use the email account as your 'job hunting' account (that's what I use my gmail account for), if you need a gmail invite, just leave a comment on my blog.
 
I lurk around your blog now, thanks for being honest and writing about it.

http://www.deviantart.com/

It's pretty much an online portfolio set up for free. Also is a blog and a few other things. I've never used it but I know people that do and it seems to work for them
 
My sister is a photographer and uses community.webshots.com
 
But Mike, that's what'll get you into a job that'll get you a place to live, pay your bills and let you go back to eating buffalo wings and watching Battlestar Galactica on Friday nights."

Maybe it will, maybe it wont.

I like the pride you have in saying what you do, though. I m gong to try that. I am avolokitisvara, and I m a pornographer. Yes, its what I do and what I love.

Those job training(or re-training programs) arent to benefit you. they are to make people believe that welfare recipients are working for their benefits.
 
Honestly, the only thing those welfare job trainings do is keep you poor longer. They teach you to be what they call, "A Sandwhich Artist", so that you can work at "Subway" for minumum wage. This is totally unrealistic for a family, but that's the government for you!

For me if that's what they call a helping hand, NO THANKS! I'd rather find a helping hand at the end of my own arm.
 
Hey man, do what you have to do to take care of your family. You can still be and say that you are a grahic designer, sheesh. I'm opening a used bookstore in May so for now all my business income is being turned right back into my store. So I'm working a temp job at a factory(pays $11.55/hr) until next month to pay my share of our household expenses. Do I still tell people I am a writer and small biz owner? you betcha, because I am. Doing work that keeps a roof over your family's head is not anything shameful...nor does it take away from what you do; what your talents are.

flickr is great; you can post lots of free pics there, also look at fotki.com.
 
"Orientation yesterday, and frankly, the whole presentation was so disjointed that all I got was a headache. It would seriously have used a PowerPoint element to it"

When I read this I had an idea. Why don't you offer your services to redesign the presentation. People could see your work and you might make some contacts. Have you thought about doing freelance?

I enjoy reading your posts. You could make some good money on the side with your writing and design skills.
 
Lucky has a really interesting idea, and it's not a bad one. Even if funds don't come from it, you've proven a point, not only to the presenters but to yourself.

And by the way, I love Subway. ;)
 
You could also try www.flickr.com it's free or you can get a membership. It a web site strictly for posting photos and art. I know sometimes if you contact the admin they give free memberships sometimes and I also think I read that someone can also 'sponser' someone to get a membership. Just a thought ;)
 
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