The world of creative design is competitive because almost anyone can do it. It's one of the least expensive professions out there, because to be an illustrator, you need a pen and paper, and to design a website, you need the same. But with technological developments, there are so many tools, and to be current takes a lot of grit.
Rant.
When I finished college, there was a part of me that suspected I might not have what it takes to be a developer, because when I was writing code, I had to deal with language (machine language, C#, C++, ajax, php, jquery, java...), syntax, objects, logic, and flow charts (flow charts which I love by the way). So I decided to go for something that I've been doing for the longest time (drumroll) design. What's surprising is that once I started applying for jobs, I had to go through "tests". Live practical tests without using the internet??? Was there no other way to test my skill (or apparent lack thereof)? In my head, I felt like I was in school all over again. When you're at your job, no one would care if you searched for "how to export file x from program y" because you learn things on the fly.
The creative and design world is often misunderstood because every person has his or her own design process. Each job I've gone to, there was always a "process" and work "culture" to adapt to. So my job is to convey how I work, what works for me that will work for the client or the company I work with and streamline that. I don't need people looking down on me just because I don't know x skill.
I kept applying back then in 2014, knowing that I'm at a disadvantage because I didn't have the fancy arts degree, but here I am. I still don't understand why a degree is necessary for a field that doesn't really need one. At school, your advantage is the diploma, the network, and the government that supports that school with alumni that accept fellow alumni just because.
Pfft. Below are some of my freelance works and college projects/events.
Rant.
When I finished college, there was a part of me that suspected I might not have what it takes to be a developer, because when I was writing code, I had to deal with language (machine language, C#, C++, ajax, php, jquery, java...), syntax, objects, logic, and flow charts (flow charts which I love by the way). So I decided to go for something that I've been doing for the longest time (drumroll) design. What's surprising is that once I started applying for jobs, I had to go through "tests". Live practical tests without using the internet??? Was there no other way to test my skill (or apparent lack thereof)? In my head, I felt like I was in school all over again. When you're at your job, no one would care if you searched for "how to export file x from program y" because you learn things on the fly.
The creative and design world is often misunderstood because every person has his or her own design process. Each job I've gone to, there was always a "process" and work "culture" to adapt to. So my job is to convey how I work, what works for me that will work for the client or the company I work with and streamline that. I don't need people looking down on me just because I don't know x skill.
I kept applying back then in 2014, knowing that I'm at a disadvantage because I didn't have the fancy arts degree, but here I am. I still don't understand why a degree is necessary for a field that doesn't really need one. At school, your advantage is the diploma, the network, and the government that supports that school with alumni that accept fellow alumni just because.
Pfft. Below are some of my freelance works and college projects/events.
BridJe!
I was part of the organization from 2010-2014 and I became the president, vice president, and secretary in reverse order. I helped manage more than 40 events, organize the paperwork, reporting, meetings, fashion shows, photographers, and coordinated with sponsors and other events like the Best of Anime. I also helped promote partnerships with other organizations and schools to participate in each other's events.
