In my Web Site Design class, we are to write a "Reflecion of Learning" paper. It is supposed to "Reflect upon your past learning and implementation of projects. Include your aquired expertise, experience, and qualifications."
Back in 2004, I was attending Elgin Community College to earn a Computerized Graphic Design Associate degree. I was in Illustrator II and QuarkXPress II classes (I didn’t take Photoshop I and ll until spring and fall of 2005). Also, I was seeking a graphic design job. Of course, if you have never done the kind of work (in the real world) that you’re seeking, they will not give you a chance. But, I got lucky! I got hired in the marketing department of a company as a Marketing Assistant. I was happy and scared at the same time.
That company used older versions of Photoshop and Illustrator and for page layout they used QuarkXPress 5. At school, we were using QuarkXPress 6 and Adobe CS. Then, the after the next two or so semesters, the ECC graphic design department upgraded to Adobe CS2 (but still used QuarkXPress).
A majority of my job was as the Graphic Designer. I would work on projects such as brochures, ads that went into trade publications, post cards, fliers, handouts, PowerPoint presentations, etc. Many times, for some projects, I would try to utilize the knowledge I was learning in my design classes at ECC.
After that job, in 2006, I got hired at a different company (more money). It was also in the marketing department as a Marketing Assistant (which a majority of my job was as the Graphic Designer). The job was almost basically some of the same tasks as the previous job, but one thing I got to do at the new job were e-mail blasts using Microsoft FrontPage. I had never really used Microsoft FrontPage before. Great thing was they already had templates for the e-mail blasts, for notices, and so on. That was exciting for me because I got to utilize my basic HTML knowledge (through FrontPage) as well as my ImageReady knowledge (for GIF animation) and by then; I had already had the Photoshop classes.
Times have changed in the graphic and web design field these days. Not only do they want you to be a graphic designer (print) but they also want you to have web design skills too. It could be having knowledge in either front-end web design and/or back-end web design. So, I sent myself back to school the fall semester of 2010 to earn that Web Design Associate degree (which I will receive May 2011).
Just a few years ago, every now and then, people would ask me if I did web design and I’d say “No, I don’t know how to do web design.” Now, I can say “YES! I’m just starting out, but I know how to do some web design.”
It’s nice to have gotten some experience with Dreamweaver through my Web Site Design class and Flash through my Computer Animation class. Dreamweaver and Flash are something I have wanted to learn for the last few years. The thing I need to do now is to start looking into and start learning HTML5 and CSS3. Just a few more years and HTML5 and CSS3 will then be the norm.
While I have learned a lot at school, I know that in order to stay on top of things, I will have to keep learning on my own. Whether in between classes and/or once I no longer attend classes, I will need to take classes here and there for refresher and updates.
I don’t think print will ever die out. Web is, of course, a tad bigger than print these days. The other thing that is almost a tad bigger than web is Apps. I’d like to learn how to design and create apps for cell phones, pads and so on. But, there’s just not enough time to do and learn what I would like to do/learn. Maybe in my next lifetime!
On top of all the graphic design and web design bookmarks I save to look through and e-mail newsletters I scan through here and there, one way I learn about what’s new with graphic design, web design, packaging design, software, etc., is that I subscribe to publications (which come through snail mail) such as PC World, Website Magazine, GD USA, Deliver, Brand Packaging, Food and Beverage Packaging, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), etc. Nice thing is, most of the publications I mentioned are free. So, I take advantage and sign up to receive them. I prefer actual hard copy publications then having to be stuck to my PC almost 24/7.
I also, at times, get information through snail mail such as samples, posters, idea books, etc., from Sappi (a paper company), USPS and other companies (also free). It’s great stuff to look at and get ideas from.
Going to school part-time while working full-time has been tough and there have been sacrifices made. In the long run, I’ve learned a lot and I hope to keep on learning.
Showing posts with label Projects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Projects. Show all posts
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, September 18, 2009
Interview's Next Week.....
I'm so tired of being unemployed looking for a job. In a way, it's nice to be home, but since I don't have any extra cash to spend, I can't go out and do anything. I mean, it's not like I'd go out and spend like crazy. I'm talking about going out every once in a while for lunch somewhere reasonably priced or anything else to get out of the house.
What I basically do everyday is I'm on my PC job hunting on CareerBuilder, Craigslist, Creative Hotlist, and other job sites. I'm on my LinkedIn account, etc. I should say, I'm stuck to my pc...LOL.
One thing though, I sure am looking forward to next week, the week of September 21. I have a meeting with an office products company on Tuesday, September 22 for a possible freelance graphic design project and, an interview on Wednesday September 23 with an actual company for a permanent, full-time job.
FREELANCE PROJECT
The freelance design job consists of cover sheets that will go on top of the product, then the product will be shrink wrapped or put into a pouch. The cover sheet, besides the company logo and line art, will state the name of the product, a discription, an item number and a bar code.
Also, I think they will have a couple other projects too such as an e-mail letter. I'm thinking he's meaning an e-mail blast and I can't recall what the other thing is (if there is one). If I accept this project and he accepts my quote(s), I'll have a few extra dollars which, of course, will go to pay utilities, groceries, etc.
PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION
The permanent job is for a Senior Administrative Assistant position. The cool thing about this job is that they also want this person to have some Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign knowledge. So, I'll at least get to be a bit creative (if I'm the one to get the position). I'm so excited, I can't wait till next week!
The drive to this job, for now, would be about an hour away. The good thing is, they're moving closer to my way. That's supposed to happen sometime before this year is up. In that case, the drive may be some 40 mins (give or take) and that's not too bad. They say an average commute is 30 to 45 minutes.
What would be really nice is to be able to work from home. Maybe one day if and when I get VISUAL XPLOSION, my graphic design business going. Dreams do come true, huh?...LOL.
OTHER POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY
Also, I received an e-mail from another company (who had e-mailed me a couple of weeks ago) regarding a position that consists of Marketing, Administrative and Graphic Design.
The only thing is that the drive to this job would be an hour each way. During the winter, on snowy days and even on stormy, rainy days, you can bet it will take an extra 45 minutes or more each way. I don't know if I could really handle that after a while. I wouldn't mind if I could take the train and the ride was an hour. I've taken the train to downtown Chicago and depending on the time of day and how many stops the train has to make, it can take up to an hour each way.
What I basically do everyday is I'm on my PC job hunting on CareerBuilder, Craigslist, Creative Hotlist, and other job sites. I'm on my LinkedIn account, etc. I should say, I'm stuck to my pc...LOL.
One thing though, I sure am looking forward to next week, the week of September 21. I have a meeting with an office products company on Tuesday, September 22 for a possible freelance graphic design project and, an interview on Wednesday September 23 with an actual company for a permanent, full-time job.
FREELANCE PROJECT
The freelance design job consists of cover sheets that will go on top of the product, then the product will be shrink wrapped or put into a pouch. The cover sheet, besides the company logo and line art, will state the name of the product, a discription, an item number and a bar code.
Also, I think they will have a couple other projects too such as an e-mail letter. I'm thinking he's meaning an e-mail blast and I can't recall what the other thing is (if there is one). If I accept this project and he accepts my quote(s), I'll have a few extra dollars which, of course, will go to pay utilities, groceries, etc.
PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION
The permanent job is for a Senior Administrative Assistant position. The cool thing about this job is that they also want this person to have some Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign knowledge. So, I'll at least get to be a bit creative (if I'm the one to get the position). I'm so excited, I can't wait till next week!
The drive to this job, for now, would be about an hour away. The good thing is, they're moving closer to my way. That's supposed to happen sometime before this year is up. In that case, the drive may be some 40 mins (give or take) and that's not too bad. They say an average commute is 30 to 45 minutes.
What would be really nice is to be able to work from home. Maybe one day if and when I get VISUAL XPLOSION, my graphic design business going. Dreams do come true, huh?...LOL.
OTHER POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY
Also, I received an e-mail from another company (who had e-mailed me a couple of weeks ago) regarding a position that consists of Marketing, Administrative and Graphic Design.
The only thing is that the drive to this job would be an hour each way. During the winter, on snowy days and even on stormy, rainy days, you can bet it will take an extra 45 minutes or more each way. I don't know if I could really handle that after a while. I wouldn't mind if I could take the train and the ride was an hour. I've taken the train to downtown Chicago and depending on the time of day and how many stops the train has to make, it can take up to an hour each way.
THE WEEKEND(S)
Weekends are no fun! Now, I just have to get through this weekend (and every weekend for that matter). I really despise weekends and holidays because HR is, of course, not working. Not many new jobs get posted.
So, I sit at home on weekends, on my PC reading news headlines and articles that interest me, chatting on chat sites and/or IMing. What I SHOULD be doing is designing some new mock pieces for my portfolio such as brochures, ads, post cards, newsletters, etc. And, I SHOULD be reading up on and learning more about HTML, CSS, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Web Design, and more! I really need to get on it NOW!! Time is just passing me by.
Oh yeah, another thing I need to really get going on this weekend is to type out some questions for both the freelance project and the interview. Well, I do have tonight (Friday) and the next three days to work on that. I surely don't want to end up doing it at the last minute...LOL
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Job Hunting!.....AGAIN!!!!!
I'm back to job hunting for a permanent, full-time opportunity. I'm checking every job board and sending out my resume whenever I see a job that fits my skills and knowledge. In the meantime, I'm also networking by sending out e-mails to see if I can get any freelance graphic design projects. It would be really great to get my own graphic design business going too.
Well, I had started a job on June 3, 2009 as a "Marketing Manager of Business Development" for an HVAC company. It was a pretty good job with lots to do. My computer had all the latest software like Adobe CS4, the latest MS Office Suite, I had dual 23 inch wide screen monitors, my own office and a key to the place. Anyways.....
There were not only projects for business-to-consumer but, for business-to-business too. In the time I was there, I got two projects done. One was a two piece (letter) mailer and the other was a "Sorry We Missed You" door hanger. I had so much more to do, I still had not even really started. The supervisor wanted postcards, brochures, a 16 or 32 page promotional brochure; there was tradeshows to get ready for, just so many things to do.
When I went in on Monday, July 13, 2009, I had received a dreaded e-mail. Usually, one of the first things I'd do in the mornings, after putting my stuff away, was to check e-mail. The only e-mail I had was from the supervisor (the e-mail had no subject title). So, I open it and it states something like "I'm sorry, but I have to terminate your employment. Having a graphic designer is a luxury I cannot afford. And, with business being slow, I have to cut back".....UGH
Why hire someone to only let them go after 28 days? I think employers really need to think before they hire and not let people think they're going to be at a job for just a few days unless you know right off the bat that it's a temp assignment (if it is that). I mean, I know that anything can happen at any time and that's just the way it is, but....sheesh
I did see some signs in the time I was there such as, I wasn't getting the things I needed, I wasn't really getting the attention of the supervisor the way I should have when I was trying to talk to him about projects, etc.
Employers, please really think before you hire! Especially these days when people are really hoping for a steady job, we'd like it to be with a stable company
INTERVIEW
There's a possible interview on Monday, July 27. I hope it goes well and I get that job. From what I know, it's a company that deals with home re-modeling and interior design. That's more up my alley than HVAC. I love that kind of stuff. In fact, one of my most fave TV channels is HGTV. I also loved Trading Spaces. Since I can't afford cable, for now I have to get my HGTV fix off the internet.....LOL
Well, until July 27, I just have to keep on checking out the job boards, etc. Until I get an actual start date and have my first work day at a company, I've got to keep applying. Thing is, (like everyone else out there) I need a job NOW!!...LOL
MY GRAPHIC DESIGN COMPANY
You can visit my graphic design company website at: Visual Xplosion
Well, I had started a job on June 3, 2009 as a "Marketing Manager of Business Development" for an HVAC company. It was a pretty good job with lots to do. My computer had all the latest software like Adobe CS4, the latest MS Office Suite, I had dual 23 inch wide screen monitors, my own office and a key to the place. Anyways.....
There were not only projects for business-to-consumer but, for business-to-business too. In the time I was there, I got two projects done. One was a two piece (letter) mailer and the other was a "Sorry We Missed You" door hanger. I had so much more to do, I still had not even really started. The supervisor wanted postcards, brochures, a 16 or 32 page promotional brochure; there was tradeshows to get ready for, just so many things to do.
When I went in on Monday, July 13, 2009, I had received a dreaded e-mail. Usually, one of the first things I'd do in the mornings, after putting my stuff away, was to check e-mail. The only e-mail I had was from the supervisor (the e-mail had no subject title). So, I open it and it states something like "I'm sorry, but I have to terminate your employment. Having a graphic designer is a luxury I cannot afford. And, with business being slow, I have to cut back".....UGH
Why hire someone to only let them go after 28 days? I think employers really need to think before they hire and not let people think they're going to be at a job for just a few days unless you know right off the bat that it's a temp assignment (if it is that). I mean, I know that anything can happen at any time and that's just the way it is, but....sheesh
I did see some signs in the time I was there such as, I wasn't getting the things I needed, I wasn't really getting the attention of the supervisor the way I should have when I was trying to talk to him about projects, etc.
Employers, please really think before you hire! Especially these days when people are really hoping for a steady job, we'd like it to be with a stable company
INTERVIEW
There's a possible interview on Monday, July 27. I hope it goes well and I get that job. From what I know, it's a company that deals with home re-modeling and interior design. That's more up my alley than HVAC. I love that kind of stuff. In fact, one of my most fave TV channels is HGTV. I also loved Trading Spaces. Since I can't afford cable, for now I have to get my HGTV fix off the internet.....LOL
Well, until July 27, I just have to keep on checking out the job boards, etc. Until I get an actual start date and have my first work day at a company, I've got to keep applying. Thing is, (like everyone else out there) I need a job NOW!!...LOL
MY GRAPHIC DESIGN COMPANY
You can visit my graphic design company website at: Visual Xplosion
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