Digital stash designers -tell me about your qualifiations, please?

[BernieTuffs]

The more digi scrapping I do, the more interested I get in making my own stuff.

I now there are various tutes and courses available out there, but quite often I'm seeing that people are qualified in Graphic Design.

Just wondered if this is a route I should go down in order to do this sorta thing well? I love studying just for pleasure, so wouldn't be a big deal to do a course, apart from the fact it would all be totally new to me, lol. But I love a challenge!

So, would any of you designers out there be prepared to tell me if you qualified in GD where you did your course, and what sort of level would be nec. to achieve the end result I'm after? I've tried googling but there are so many levels out there...hnd, foundation degree, full degree, etc etc...

Any info you could give me would be most appreciated!

Bernie x

[Kate Hadfield (whatkatiedid)]

My background is in fine art, not graphic design but I did see this Open College of the Arts course the other day that I thought looked really good (if rather pricey!): http://www.oca-uk.com/distance-learning/digital-arts-1-a-creative-approach-2 I've used the OCA before and would highly recommend them :)

[BernieTuffs]

ooh thanks for this, will check it out!

Bernie x

[BernieTuffs]

blimey! see what you mean about pricey!! Sounds good though!
bernie x

[Kate Hadfield (whatkatiedid)]

I know, it's not cheap is it?! They used to do bursaries and other payment options but I'm not sure they do any more. It's a shame because this looks great but its out of my league price wise!

[bukowsw]

Ooh, I am so glad you posted this question Bernie, and your answer Kate. I desperately need to DO something but haven't been able to find the right 'thing'. I think this might be it, it looks really good (don't like the price though) but I am VERY tempted. Off to read more.

[BernieTuffs]

just had another read - does sound very interesting! I've found details of a payment plan but you still need to find £280 upfront, then £65 pm. Not sure I can really do this right now just because of the price really..although DH would say just go for it and whack it on the CC, but one of us has to be responsible!!

Mind you I've probably saved that amount this year already, lol, from not buying paper stash:D:D:D

Still thiking...

Bernie x

[bukowsw]

I had a quick chat with them as I am a little concerned about how much of it I'll already have covered. I don't know if 'I know more than I give myself credit for' or 'I don't know half as much as I think I do' :lol: You can return everything within 7 days for a full refund so I think I may chance it and when I get the detail assess how much will be new. I have the ok from OH, just going to send details to my son, get his take on it. I am so glad to have seen your question though Bernie :thanks:

[BernieTuffs]

heehee I emailed them for more details, and aske dif the pse5 I have already would be any use - they said that it would be fine, as pse (didn't say which version though) is supplied with the course, and that I could have a concession if I didn't need that part of the course materials - don't somehow think it will be enough to make this really feasible for me though...although it would be nice to take a look:D:D:D

shall have to speak to DH tonite!

Bernie x

[bukowsw]

:(:(:( My son is telling me that he thinks it's not going to cover much that I've not done already apart from the 3D scanning so I'm feeling rather disappointed right now. He could be wrong though, I find it difficult to assess how deep each subject will be from the literature available. Hmm, think I'll email too, see if they offer me a concession but I use PS CS.

[cat_woman]

There are several digi scrappin sites that offer courses geared towards designing digital scrapbooking elements and papers. Digitalscrapbookplace.com is one that has a lot of courses. There is also scrapbook-bytes.com that have a lot of free tutorials that show you how to make elements and papers.

[BernieTuffs]

thanks for that - I've signed up for a DSP class in designing elements for beginners!

Bernie x

[DianeR]

My background is also in fine art but it was many years ago when I left school. After my children got into their late teens I decided to go back to college and study art. In the end I did a multi-media course as I wanted to learn more specifically about using the computer as a "design and art" tool. This was before I did any digi scrapping. I got my HND in multi-media art and design from the University of Kent via Ashford School of Art and Design. It covered design, advertising, photography (editing mainly) as well as web design and application.

However, I would say that you can't beat being self-taught especially if you feel you have a "natural eye for design". I spent many years just researching, reading and generally just playing on my computer and doodling in my sketchbooks before I even considered going back to college. As a result, I found that I was way ahead of my peers at college. I got in based on my portfolio so it's very important as a "mature" student that you start putting together a portfolio of work. Mine was a mixture of my digital art using 3d figures, photos I've edited and various other design concepts for logos etc.. Nothing to do with digi scrapping LOL.

My advice would to really look around and also go to your local college. The art and design principles learned on these courses are very good and will help if you want a "career" designing or even just doing it for a bit of pin money. It's rewarding to do that kind of learning.

Hope that helps a bit :)

[Scrapdragon]

Bernie

I have been digi scrapping for about 2 year and the more I learn the more I want to create my own designs. I would never call myself a designer as Dawn and Katie are, I am in awe of these two great designers.
But I have seen some designs out there and I think I can do just as good a job in my own style.

Playing and creating with p;hotoshop is the best possible qualification if you want to design. If you want to improve and get your designs better known there is a monthly free collaboration kit on another forum which lets new designers contribute. I have been involved for the past few months and have then gone on to a few creative design teams.

Good luck and PM me if you want more details.

[BernieTuffs]

that sounds interesting!

Thanks for all the info/ideas>
I've started the course designing for beginners so will see where that takes me!

I did A Level Art but didn't think I was good enough or had the imagination to go any further with it...that said Art A level esp was quite different then to now, more 'traditional' if you like, so maybe I will look into that route too - thanks!

Really appreciate all the reponses!
Bernie x

[Kate Hadfield (whatkatiedid)]

I just came across this book which looks interesting too: http://www.ideabooks4u.com/ecom/product_info.php?products_id=167

[BernieTuffs]

oooh that does look interesting! Thanks for that!
Bernie x

[Scrapdragon]

I bought that book last year. It gave me a good basis for understanding 'how to' create it comes with a cd to work through examples as well.

I didnt pay that much though!

[BernieTuffs]

are you going to tell me where you paid less then?!!! Pretty please?!!!!

Bernie x

[Kate Hadfield (whatkatiedid)]

:lol: That's what I was thinking Bernie!!