Is it substantial enough tho

When you go to a firm with a portfolio just from looking at your typography you can tell what sets you apart from being a shit designer and a good designer.

This post was edited by Sena on Nov 13 2014 12:47am

Saw that, theres about 4 or 5 typography classes throughout the program

Try to Sell Templates

When you go to college, you get out of it what you put into it. I went to school with multiple people who never once got a graphic design job. I had a little luck, but it was also coupled with hard work, which landed me my first graphic design job. I created a student website, which I put a lot of work into, which was then found by my then employer 5 months prior to even graduating college. I worked there for over 3 years, the company downsized, but I again worked hard, updated my portfolio and website, then sought out jobs. I had a new, higher-paying job within a couple weeks. I've now been here for almost 3 years.

I think another aspect about graphic design, and creative-thinking in general is.. it's not really something you go to school for. School is mostly for programs and basic concepts. I've been creating art all my life..it's a passion. Not everyone can learn all that you need to know during the period of college. One thing that always depresses me is the quality of work based on the age of the artist. When I see an 18-20 year old making artwork that I, or friends, were doing when we were 12, this implies the person is 6-8 years behind. This is in regards to illustrating specifically, which isn't the same as design and layout, but it's still relevant in terms of being able to apply design theory, aesthetics, symmetry, etc. Through an employer's POV, the more advanced candidate is going to get picked for the job. I don't know any truly talented graphic designers who don't have jobs. I do know illustrators who don't have illustrator jobs, but that's another issue all together.

Edit: I forgot to mention that some people don't have the people skills necessary for the job. If you're remotely introverted or awkward, then you're going to have trouble networking. More often than not, people higher internally. They ask current employees if they know of any candidates. If you have no friends or acquaintances, then you're going to have a bad time.

Edit 2: Oh, oh, oh.. one last, sad fact.. If you work for an established agency, then don't expect to do anything super creative anyways. Established brands have their fonts, colors, and styles already picked out. Your job is just to continue making products using style guides, etc. Also, the larger agencies deal a lot with creative concepts, as well as a lot of photography to express a message, and not a huge emphasis on design and layout. If you're looking to start brands from the ground up, then your only avenue is most likely going to be freelancing and/or creating your own agency. The pay will differ greatly depending on where you end up. Sure, established agencies will pay more, but the work might be less rewarding. Smaller agencies might be fun, but you'll make less. If you're able to start your own company, then there's potential for a lot more money.

This post was edited by ericswanson_19 on Nov 13 2014 03:32pm

Mind hooking me up with a link to your portfolio?

One thing I can say, and this also goes for pretty much every creative job as well, you should always be improving. Almost every project I do, when I look back on it 4-5 months later all I see is mistakes and things that should be different. Granted some of this is due to customer's wants and customers generally having bad taste, but a lot of it is execution. I can't think of one project I have done that I can look back on now and say 'Wow, I really nailed that one 100%, still looks great.' Maybe this is just me, but I feel it means I am learning and adapting. This happens more frequently being in mobile design because the design meta changes so frequently, but I feel it applies to all aspects.

I also agree that someone who is good at typography is probably a great designer, because you need an incredible knowledge of white space, canvas size, proper use of negative space, relative spacing to enhance other objects, and curvature. I personally need to improve my typography skills I just simply never have the time or project to go out and get more resources to apply for a real project.

Do you have a portfolio? I also want to than everyone for their feedback, its truly appreciated

I'm kind of an odd case in that I have never had one lol, I have only ever had 2 design jobs, both of which I decided to redesign existing apps they had and sent that in as my resume. Now that I have solid employment I am too lazy to make a portfolio -.- But yeah, you should probably have one.

You could always send me some pictures via pm if it works