As a fellow designer, I am really glad you did this video. 12 years ago when I was looking into becoming a graphic designer there was very limited information out there, and very few mentors I could relate to. My younger brother is at the Art Institute of Charlotte now starting his journey into our world and I'm glad to know he has mentors beyond myself like you he can look to in addition to his teachers. It's important as designers that we share our craft and our knowledge with the younger generation, and encourage them to do great things and be creative.
Wow, this goes to show that you will eventually end up pursuing the passion that you are meant to pursue, where you are meant to excel in. Inspiring life story.
+Heross Gaming™ I started when I was 14 and Im 19 now and Im still doing 3d design! But after making my dream worlds come true I always thought that something was missing, I wanted to bring my worlds to life so I took it to the next step and learnt how to code aswell. Eventually you will be able to get some pocket money out of it by doing freelance.
+Fears Design I start since 14, now im 22, but i only know 2D designs, and for website, only the designs, but not the codes. And I am jealous with you. A designer who know 3D modelling and able to create a full working website has more opportunities. Though im trying to focus on what i do, being a specialist on what kind of design i produce. Creating my own trademark. And hoping it helps me in the future lol.
A Graphic Designer Saves You a Lot of Time Learning everything by yourself is truly a time-consuming process. Once you’re done, your business is as well. But by hiring a graphic designer for your website, you get to save a lot of time. There are credible outsourcing companies who have teams of graphic designers. These teams are well-trained to create appealing websites where customers can’t resist the temptation. Graphic designers can turn your imaginations into a reality and give you a website that is more than you have ever expected.
Sadly in my experience in Mexico, Graphic Design here is one of the worse jobs, anyone with access to a pirated version of Photoshop call themselves graphic designers. Anyone that hires you, think that you should do what they want you to do and not what solution you gave to the communication problem they hired you for in the first place, in the end you end up making crap graphic design for the sake of the payment. Else expect to not get paid. I also have experience in an advertising agency, been there for a year, most clients will look at your design and ask for 3, 4, 5 or even reject the design completely, just because they think they know what works and what doesn't work. That's my experience with this career, I currently work as web developer (thankfully coding was never that difficult to me), I get paid more doing web developing that our main graphic designer in the agency I'm working right now. Yes, I'm moving soon hopefully into google.
Wow!! Im in my second semester at my local community college and I have absolutely no idea what I want to do as my major. But so far I am really leaning towards something with graphic or web design. This was a great video and really informative!!
If you decide to become a graphic designer, you should also think about what you would like to do in graphic design. There are different areas like logo design which focuses on illustration. If you want to work in advertising you will need to learn layout, typography an photo retouching. Fashion also uses a lot of illustration. Web design is more technical but you still need strong design skills, in fact its actually more important than learning the coding part first. A well coded website won't make up for a bad presentation. I cover a lot of stuff like this in my youtube videos about design and the different careers and skills graphic and web designers need.
Roberto Blake Oh.. i see.. sorry for keeps on bordering you.. I just want to ask your opinion about it.. ^^ This field are new to me.. what is the different between fine art and graphic design.. ^^" I actually interested in field that involved animation, like those who incharge in cut scene from games and pixal films. Game environment,chac, items design. Is there any field specified for this? is it called media art? =)
there is life beyond basketball... i like the lakers and i'm an artist who loves text, photography, video but old school and need graphic art lessons. thanks for the inspiration.
i loved drawning things when i was young but i was not the best in drawning ;( but when i started in ps i were getting better and better and now is it my hobby and i really really love it!
***** Thanks for taking the time to comment. Our whole series is called "Day in the Life" and the "about" section for this one says, "Maurice Woods is a graphic designer and founder of the Inneract Project, which provides free design classes for inner-city youth. As part of ConnectEd's "Day in the Life" series, Maurice talks about his transition from basketball to graphic design." Feel free to check out our other Day in the Life videos for profiles of various industry professionals talking about how they got their start and what they do.
How great my life would be if i get to work with someone as great as you guys! Its suck in here, i just got rejected from Graphic designer school just because im not smart in math, psysic, english etc. And they dont want to accept my digital portofolio. I also got rejected from many companies since it required a fresh-graduated student or with a high diploma. I think im gonna try a little bit more so that one day i could work with awesome people like you guys.
I think computers are tools as much as they are creative machines. I believe one must experiment without much planning to figure out what is possible with software. Much of that may require inspiration and tutorials/classes but experiments are necessary. Therefore you can plan for design decisions that will require similar outcomes in the future.
ConnectEd I'd like to see what it's like having an interaction with a client, one on one, or if working in a team, how you go about your work from the client; in other words, seeing graphic design in action for a bit.
+ConnectEd the skills required for the particular career, something a little more realistic (e.g. work hours, how to get in to the industry, what kind of tasks are performed, for what type of companies, etc). It's a good video and shows a great story of someone but in terms of graphic design itself I find there was not a huge amount of information… :)
+Katelyn DeSantis Thanks for the suggestion. We do post that info on our site, www.connectedstudios.org, but that info is constantly changing and we can't keep updating as we are out making more videos! Also, that info is easy to find online with the Bureau of Labor statistics (www.bls.gov) and so many career/salary sites on the web now. Here's what we posted about this career on connectedstudios.org back in 2013 when we posted this video: Graphic designers devise and develop numerous visual concepts, either by hand or through computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform and entertain consumers. Knowledge Required:Basic principles and techniques of art and design, website design, graphic design Skills: Artistic ability, communication skills, computer skills, customer service, complex problem solving, managementCareer Path: Graphic designers undergo training in design, photography or drawing, among other forms of art. They take on many projects to gain design experience and include the resulting work a portfolio. Experienced graphic designers may advance to creative director, chief designer or other supervisory positions. Best cities for this job: California, New York, Texas, Florida and Illinois have the highest concentration of graphic designers. Median Annual Income: National: $43,500 California: $62,000 Future Growth:The Bureau of Labor Statistic predicts a 13 percent growth in employment from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. From the field: "Design is really about a process of thinking creatively and critically about how to solve something in a way that not only makes sense to people, but produces a solution to a problem" - Maurice Woods, Graphic Designer, Co-Founder of the Inneract Project Did You Know?: The Nike swoosh was designed byCarolyn Davidson in 1971, while she was a student at Portland State University. She was paid $35.
Christian Plummer Art may even be better than Graphics at GCSE depends on your school. Artistic fundamentals will be beneficial in any creative field. So I say go for it Definitely Graphics at College though.
hi this is very inspiring.. i want to be a graphic designer but i didn't take any art classes or any degree related to this field. m simply graduate how can u help me? @ConnectEd
Damian Janicki you practice, just get a piece of paper and a pencil everyday and draw something you want abd try to make it look incredible, overtime this will become easier. That's why children who carry on drawing become better than children who don't at art
Much respect to you, however, as you being a brother, I was disappointed to see so few young black children. Not quite sure what inner city areas you all are recruiting from.
In my country, graphic designer is not what you think. we do not design because we are only a TOOL for clients to make their "creative" idea. nevertheless, employer stopped allow us to design since they don't want to upset their clients.
I do agree with you, at the first place, depending on the area you're working. "Designer" always lack of the communication skill, what I mean here is to speak logically and convincing. I have quitted previous job and join a smaller design agency. Because of the smaller scale of business, we have the opportunity to access and have more time to educate our client on our role. It takes time, what you will need is the passion and believe. Join your local graphic design association, exchange thought and idea with industrial expert. I'm sure you will get inspired. Cheer!
As a fellow designer, I am really glad you did this video. 12 years ago when I was looking into becoming a graphic designer there was very limited information out there, and very few mentors I could relate to.
My younger brother is at the Art Institute of Charlotte now starting his journey into our world and I'm glad to know he has mentors beyond myself like you he can look to in addition to his teachers.
It's important as designers that we share our craft and our knowledge with the younger generation, and encourage them to do great things and be creative.
Wow, this goes to show that you will eventually end up pursuing the passion that you are meant to pursue, where you are meant to excel in. Inspiring life story.
Thanks for your feedback!
This video is really inspiring for up and coming graphic designers.
i started graphic design at age 12 and im 13 now and i have learned so much from 3D modeling to website designs.
same here started it when i was 11 now almost 13
+Heross Gaming™ I started when I was 14 and Im 19 now and Im still doing 3d design! But after making my dream worlds come true I always thought that something was missing, I wanted to bring my worlds to life so I took it to the next step and learnt how to code aswell. Eventually you will be able to get some pocket money out of it by doing freelance.
+Fears Design I start since 14, now im 22, but i only know 2D designs, and for website, only the designs, but not the codes. And I am jealous with you. A designer who know 3D modelling and able to create a full working website has more opportunities. Though im trying to focus on what i do, being a specialist on what kind of design i produce. Creating my own trademark. And hoping it helps me in the future lol.
This should at least be a 1 hour show
what an amazing person
As a upcoming Graphics Designer this is really inspirational!
Im a Graphic Designer.. Thanks Really Inspiring
We're glad you enjoyed it!
A Graphic Designer Saves You a Lot of Time
Learning everything by yourself is truly a time-consuming process. Once you’re done, your business is as well. But by hiring a graphic designer for your website, you get to save a lot of time. There are credible outsourcing companies who have teams of graphic designers. These teams are well-trained to create appealing websites where customers can’t resist the temptation. Graphic designers can turn your imaginations into a reality and give you a website that is more than you have ever expected.
Sadly in my experience in Mexico, Graphic Design here is one of the worse jobs, anyone with access to a pirated version of Photoshop call themselves graphic designers. Anyone that hires you, think that you should do what they want you to do and not what solution you gave to the communication problem they hired you for in the first place, in the end you end up making crap graphic design for the sake of the payment. Else expect to not get paid.
I also have experience in an advertising agency, been there for a year, most clients will look at your design and ask for 3, 4, 5 or even reject the design completely, just because they think they know what works and what doesn't work.
That's my experience with this career, I currently work as web developer (thankfully coding was never that difficult to me), I get paid more doing web developing that our main graphic designer in the agency I'm working right now. Yes, I'm moving soon hopefully into google.
Really great series!
Great information and insight in the different professions. Your work is very, very much appreciated!
Greetings and all the best!
Great Vid, very straight forward, yet informational
Wow!! Im in my second semester at my local community college and I have absolutely no idea what I want to do as my major. But so far I am really leaning towards something with graphic or web design. This was a great video and really informative!!
If you decide to become a graphic designer, you should also think about what you would like to do in graphic design. There are different areas like logo design which focuses on illustration. If you want to work in advertising you will need to learn layout, typography an photo retouching. Fashion also uses a lot of illustration.
Web design is more technical but you still need strong design skills, in fact its actually more important than learning the coding part first. A well coded website won't make up for a bad presentation.
I cover a lot of stuff like this in my youtube videos about design and the different careers and skills graphic and web designers need.
Roberto Blake
Is there any field that relate with graphic design related with gamming concept? like concept arts for chac, environments?
thegreatMSG no, that would be fine art with an emphasis on digital art and possibly 3D art and design.
Roberto Blake
Oh.. i see..
sorry for keeps on bordering you.. I just want to ask your opinion about it.. ^^
This field are new to me.. what is the different between fine art and graphic design.. ^^"
I actually interested in field that involved animation, like those who incharge in cut scene from games and pixal films. Game environment,chac, items design.
Is there any field specified for this? is it called media art? =)
there is life beyond basketball... i like the lakers and i'm an artist who loves text, photography, video but old school and need graphic art lessons. thanks for the inspiration.
i loved drawning things when i was young but i was not the best in drawning ;( but when i started in ps i were getting better and better and now is it my hobby and i really really love it!
you're an inspiration to every child and a graphic designer like me too..
***** Thanks for taking the time to comment. Our whole series is called "Day in the Life" and the "about" section for this one says, "Maurice Woods is a graphic designer and founder of the Inneract Project, which provides free design classes for inner-city youth. As part of ConnectEd's "Day in the Life" series, Maurice talks about his transition from basketball to graphic design."
Feel free to check out our other Day in the Life videos for profiles of various industry professionals talking about how they got their start and what they do.
Graphic designer sounds like something i want to pursue.
great story! so much passion
Those are huge desks! Wow!
How great my life would be if i get to work with someone as great as you guys! Its suck in here, i just got rejected from Graphic designer school just because im not smart in math, psysic, english etc. And they dont want to accept my digital portofolio. I also got rejected from many companies since it required a fresh-graduated student or with a high diploma. I think im gonna try a little bit more so that one day i could work with awesome people like you guys.
if you are going to try lil bit then you will get lil bit but if you set your mind on doing your 100% you will get 100% result.
Awesome story
What does he do specifically as a graphic designer?
love this
REAL LIFE STORY MAURICE. AM SOO PROUD OF TYOU AND AM A GRAPHIC DESIGNER WHO WANTS TO LEARN TO BETTER MY SKILLS. CAN YOU BE OF HELP TO ME.....
This video makes want this career even more its really like this? Wow I sure hope so my perfect career right here.
I think computers are tools as much as they are creative machines. I believe one must experiment without much planning to figure out what is possible with software. Much of that may require inspiration and tutorials/classes but experiments are necessary. Therefore you can plan for design decisions that will require similar outcomes in the future.
such an awesome video thank you connectEd !
awesome video..very helpful for all graphic designer..
I agree it is very inspiring!! Definitely a lesson to take with you.
Awesome - we like it ☺
Gonna use this as motivation!
this guy understands me
Now I'm depressed I want a graphic design job.
Hail to this brotha,
Such a motivational video!!.
Very inspiring:)
I want to be a part of that team =(
You are very inspiring!
Good job
This guy is like me!
Inspiring
I really wan't good grapichs to my Video games,i really wonder how you make good grapchics instead of 8-16 bit pixels.
I have shared your video to my Facebook page. If you see them getting to the
Does anybody know the first pen he is using? I need it!
Very informative
Lovely story :)
So inspiring. What marker is he using at 1:59? Would like one myself.
nice video
which is best option for career in between graphics and web designs.....actually m a graphic designer...
Ok and what u do in graphic design
Nice video but it has nothing to do with life as a graphic designer
Xwind01 Sorry to hear you feel that way. What would you change or add to this video to show more of what life as a graphic designer is like?
ConnectEd nice vid and what a nice workplace man...
ConnectEd I'd like to see what it's like having an interaction with a client, one on one, or if working in a team, how you go about your work from the client; in other words, seeing graphic design in action for a bit.
+ConnectEd the skills required for the particular career, something a little more realistic (e.g. work hours, how to get in to the industry, what kind of tasks are performed, for what type of companies, etc). It's a good video and shows a great story of someone but in terms of graphic design itself I find there was not a huge amount of information… :)
Can you go from a Bachelors in Psychology to a Masters in Graphic Design? What school Is this?
connected, any chance you could add more info in the description? like average pay, etc?
+Katelyn DeSantis Thanks for the suggestion. We do post that info on our site, www.connectedstudios.org, but that info is constantly changing and we can't keep updating as we are out making more videos! Also, that info is easy to find online with the Bureau of Labor statistics (www.bls.gov) and so many career/salary sites on the web now.
Here's what we posted about this career on connectedstudios.org back in 2013 when we posted this video:
Graphic designers devise and develop numerous visual concepts, either by hand or through computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform and entertain consumers.
Knowledge Required:Basic principles and techniques of art and design, website design, graphic design
Skills: Artistic ability, communication skills, computer skills, customer service, complex problem solving, managementCareer
Path: Graphic designers undergo training in design, photography or drawing, among other forms of art. They take on many projects to gain design experience and include the resulting work a portfolio. Experienced graphic designers may advance to creative director, chief designer or other supervisory positions.
Best cities for this job: California, New York, Texas, Florida and Illinois have the highest concentration of graphic designers.
Median Annual Income: National: $43,500 California: $62,000
Future Growth:The Bureau of Labor Statistic predicts a 13 percent growth in employment from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
From the field: "Design is really about a process of thinking creatively and critically about how to solve something in a way that not only makes sense to people, but produces a solution to a problem" - Maurice Woods, Graphic Designer, Co-Founder of the Inneract Project
Did You Know?: The Nike swoosh was designed byCarolyn Davidson in 1971, while she was a student at Portland State University. She was paid $35.
I'm taking gcse art over art graphics however I still want to be a graphic designer, would an A level in art help me get there ?
Christian Plummer Art may even be better than Graphics at GCSE depends on your school. Artistic fundamentals will be beneficial in any creative field. So I say go for it Definitely Graphics at College though.
BIg up to this man...He's a black man with freckles on his hands, just like me.
hi this is very inspiring..
i want to be a graphic designer but i didn't take any art classes or any degree related to this field. m simply graduate how can u help me? @ConnectEd
did he go to the world reknowned Richmond High?
What school was that you were filming in?
nice
How do I transition from Fine Art to Graphic Design? I chose the wrong degree
Either switch majors completely, double major, or attend graduate school.
I want to be a part of that team.
They definitely look like a fantastic team!
Are there good Design opportunities in the US? Or is it easier in the UK?
I think in the US there are more oppurtunities cuz games
+ender Kubasov. "Cause games." .... there are more opportunities in Canada and las Angeles tho. "(Yes i know your comment is from a while back.)
What if i cant draw?
Damian Janicki you practice, just get a piece of paper and a pencil everyday and draw something you want abd try to make it look incredible, overtime this will become easier. That's why children who carry on drawing become better than children who don't at art
Much respect to you, however, as you being a brother, I was disappointed to see so few young black children. Not quite sure what inner city areas you all are recruiting from.
What heartless people would dislike?
if u give me some job.. i shall do better design
In my country, graphic designer is not what you think. we do not design because we are only a TOOL for clients to make their "creative" idea. nevertheless, employer stopped allow us to design since they don't want to upset their clients.
I do agree with you, at the first place, depending on the area you're working. "Designer" always lack of the communication skill, what I mean here is to speak logically and convincing. I have quitted previous job and join a smaller design agency. Because of the smaller scale of business, we have the opportunity to access and have more time to educate our client on our role. It takes time, what you will need is the passion and believe. Join your local graphic design association, exchange thought and idea with industrial expert. I'm sure you will get inspired. Cheer!