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So my brother wants to be a computer graphics artist

B

BigJ

Lifer
I don't know the correct term for the degree or profession (shoot me, im a CS/Math guy), but he (14 y.o) wants to go after a degree and eventually a job in what I described.

He likes to use Photoshop in the HS's computer lab, and is currently taking traditional art courses. He will be taking Digital Imagery and othe graphics courses that the school offers.

Do any of you guys that have walked his would-be path have any tips or suggestions for him? Maybe some introductory books he should pick-up? Things he should do to make himself a better artist? I think you guys know where I'm going with this.

Any information would be helpful. I just want to try to help him get a head-start. Thanks.
 
A good artisit in photoshop has the exact same skills as a good artist on paper or canvas. The medium he works in isn't really all that significant, as far as content goes.
 
They are called graphic artists. A lot of schools have graphic arts programs. If you want a good one, tell him to try to get into Cooper Union.
 
Graphic Design

I was in it for 2 years, and it sucks (I thought anywho). People go into thinking oh hey I like drawing and computers, this must be for me. While yes that is all good, graphic design is all about DESIGN. Not really sure how to explain it, but make sure he realizes that it is not all about drawing cool pics. My suggestion, tell him to get to learn fonts really well. 😛
 
Originally posted by: notfred
A good artisit in photoshop has the exact same skills as a good artist on paper or canvas. The medium he works in isn't really all that significant, as far as content goes.
Click to expand...

Ah alright. Should I encourage him to attend local art workshops then, and see if I can't get him into any other summer programs?

I'm just trying to make sure he can really develop his skills.
 
Originally posted by: UglyCasanova
Graphic Design

I was in it for 2 years, and it sucks (I thought anywho). People go into thinking oh hey I like drawing and computers, this must be for me. While yes that is all good, graphic design is all about DESIGN. Not really sure how to explain it, but make sure he realizes that it is not all about drawing cool pics. My suggestion, tell him to get to learn fonts really well. 😛
Click to expand...

Do you have any links to what the curriculum actually consists of?
 
Originally posted by: BigJ
Originally posted by: notfred
A good artisit in photoshop has the exact same skills as a good artist on paper or canvas. The medium he works in isn't really all that significant, as far as content goes.
Click to expand...

Ah alright. Should I encourage him to attend local art workshops then, and see if I can't get him into any other summer programs?

I'm just trying to make sure he can really develop his skills.
Click to expand...

To develop you skills you don't need to go to a class (although it can be helpful in learning a new media), but just make sure that his drawing isn't limited to mechanical pencils on computer paper. I'd suggest buying him a pad of LARGE paper and some charcoal, maybe a brush and a bottle of ink perhaps. Draw big, draw still lifes, and draw a lot.
 
Steer him towards animation.. Graphic design is a PITA.

In any event, he will need strong art skills, such as drawing, painting, and mabye modeling/sculpture.
 
Originally posted by: BigJ
Originally posted by: UglyCasanova
Graphic Design

I was in it for 2 years, and it sucks (I thought anywho). People go into thinking oh hey I like drawing and computers, this must be for me. While yes that is all good, graphic design is all about DESIGN. Not really sure how to explain it, but make sure he realizes that it is not all about drawing cool pics. My suggestion, tell him to get to learn fonts really well. 😛
Click to expand...

Do you have any links to what the curriculum actually consists of?
Click to expand...

My school
 
Originally posted by: digitalsm
Steer him towards animation.. Graphic design is a PITA.
Click to expand...

See I really don't know the difference. I'll have to try researching it some more when I have some free time.
 
I was a professional graphic designer for 8 years. It's a very high-stress job. Most people get into it because they feel they are creative to some degree, but realize that your creativity will be supressed. You will not be able to design what you think looks good, you will have to design what the art director/sales consultants/etc. think looks good. It usually doesn't look anything NEAR good, but you will have to design what they want, not what you want. Also realize that you will have to put up with ridiculous deadlines and long hours at deadline time. Oh, and learn how to psate-up and layout a catalog or brochure. As someone else said, it's not all about the pretty pictures.
I left the industry mostly (though I still freelance in the evenings), and I'm now doing real-estate management. Couldn't be happier.
 
What area is he interested in? There is web design, 3d modeling, advertising, publishing and many more. I'm a graphic designer and I work in web design and have done some publishing.

It's ok but I'm getting out and starting my own business that is not in the IT field.

Look at this school.

Also do a google search on the subject to get a better understanding of the graphic design field.
 
Originally posted by: Panthro
What area is he interested in? There is web design, 3d modeling, advertising, publishing and many more. I'm a graphic designer and I work in web design and have done some publishing.

It's ok but I'm getting out and starting my own business that is not in the IT field.

Look at this school.

Also do a google search on the subject to get a better understanding of the graphic design field.
Click to expand...

Well he's really likes drawing and creating images, for whatevers that worth. I want to expose him to all areas of computer graphics, so this way he can choose what he really likes.
 
Originally posted by: UglyCasanova
Graphic Design

I was in it for 2 years, and it sucks (I thought anywho). People go into thinking oh hey I like drawing and computers, this must be for me. While yes that is all good, graphic design is all about DESIGN. Not really sure how to explain it, but make sure he realizes that it is not all about drawing cool pics. My suggestion, tell him to get to learn fonts really well. 😛
Click to expand...

It sounds like you confused Desktop Publishing with Multimedia Design. Or maybe your school/teachers did. 😀
 
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