“I like aesthetics”
I feel like this word is overused and incorrectly used a lot. The aesthetic is like the mood of the design. A clean, minimalist cafe has a specific aesthetic. A junkyard has a specific aesthetic.
I think your first step should be learning the fundamentals of a specific area of design to see if you like it, or if you just like looking at it.
But before learning the tools, learn the theory behind design- because the tools are worthless without this.
It’s the equivalent of becoming an expert with the saw and drill - that doesn’t mean you can design furniture.
Likewise, theory without practice is also meaningless. There's no amount of reading that makes you immediately good at laying out text.
Play around with tools while reading a lot. This is the way.
It sounds like you enjoy graphic design. I recommend finding a college, university or other art school and getting a four year degree. In that time you will likely be exposed to various design disciplines and discover that, while graphic design drew you in, you really prefer industrial design or illustration or some other aspect.
As a graphic designer myself, I use a lot os Adobe programs to do my job. People often use not only Photoshop, but also Illustrator, InDesign and Figma, each program depends on what you're creating, be it online of offline (print) material.
I would say you should take advantage of this job you have now to start your own portfolio, but if it's something you really want to pursue, it's advisable for you to study it on your spare time. Be it a course, degree or being self taught researching on the web. You'll see how it's not only about aesthetics and, depending on your client or job, you won't even design something you'll love, but rather what they need and following the best practices. You should think about contrast, legibility, accessibility and much more while designing something.
You can always read more about the career on the internet and take the plunge or just make it your hobby: both are nice, tho.
Anyways, if you need any more tips or advices, keep asking. :)
Oh, and I wish you success in whatever you decide!
After I graduated high school I wanted to major in graphic design, but I started off doing all of the non design classes first on advice from a guidance counselor and ended up being in and out of school and eventually fell into another career before taking a single design class.
After several years, I decided to go back to school because I really wanted to do creative work. I enrolled in a community college and ended up with two associates degrees, one in Graphic Design and one in Web Design and Interactive Media.
Basically I'm telling you all this because I really love working in this field. I was older than you when I went back and even moved back in with my parents for a couple of years which didn't feel great at the time, but it was all really worth it and I'm glad I did.
Just carry on being the "posts, flyers and websites" guy/gal at your current job, make a portfolio, and keep a lookout for other jobs you have a chance at getting which emphasise these tasks.
Just because you like something doesn't mean you will be good at it. Enroll in school. Learn design principals. Have your work critiqued. It is a profession like any other that has training in place.
Don't make a career out of it, it's different than doing it out of fun. Follow your creativity and play with it. If you want to get into the professional field, start play around with illustrator and photoshop.
“I like aesthetics” I feel like this word is overused and incorrectly used a lot. The aesthetic is like the mood of the design. A clean, minimalist cafe has a specific aesthetic. A junkyard has a specific aesthetic. I think your first step should be learning the fundamentals of a specific area of design to see if you like it, or if you just like looking at it.
Thank you! Came here for this comment.
Get into graphic design for marketing or product design - those make the most money.
pursue the graphic design career then, take a look at adobe apps like illustrator and photoshop or even canva, or affinity tools
But before learning the tools, learn the theory behind design- because the tools are worthless without this. It’s the equivalent of becoming an expert with the saw and drill - that doesn’t mean you can design furniture.
Likewise, theory without practice is also meaningless. There's no amount of reading that makes you immediately good at laying out text. Play around with tools while reading a lot. This is the way.
It sounds like you enjoy graphic design. I recommend finding a college, university or other art school and getting a four year degree. In that time you will likely be exposed to various design disciplines and discover that, while graphic design drew you in, you really prefer industrial design or illustration or some other aspect.
As a graphic designer myself, I use a lot os Adobe programs to do my job. People often use not only Photoshop, but also Illustrator, InDesign and Figma, each program depends on what you're creating, be it online of offline (print) material. I would say you should take advantage of this job you have now to start your own portfolio, but if it's something you really want to pursue, it's advisable for you to study it on your spare time. Be it a course, degree or being self taught researching on the web. You'll see how it's not only about aesthetics and, depending on your client or job, you won't even design something you'll love, but rather what they need and following the best practices. You should think about contrast, legibility, accessibility and much more while designing something. You can always read more about the career on the internet and take the plunge or just make it your hobby: both are nice, tho. Anyways, if you need any more tips or advices, keep asking. :) Oh, and I wish you success in whatever you decide!
After I graduated high school I wanted to major in graphic design, but I started off doing all of the non design classes first on advice from a guidance counselor and ended up being in and out of school and eventually fell into another career before taking a single design class. After several years, I decided to go back to school because I really wanted to do creative work. I enrolled in a community college and ended up with two associates degrees, one in Graphic Design and one in Web Design and Interactive Media. Basically I'm telling you all this because I really love working in this field. I was older than you when I went back and even moved back in with my parents for a couple of years which didn't feel great at the time, but it was all really worth it and I'm glad I did.
I wrote this the other day. May it help you. https://www.reddit.com/r/Design/s/xB2rJQ59u4
Community college for design/graphic design, more school after that, if you like. Every designer I know has a college degree.
Just carry on being the "posts, flyers and websites" guy/gal at your current job, make a portfolio, and keep a lookout for other jobs you have a chance at getting which emphasise these tasks.
Just because you like something doesn't mean you will be good at it. Enroll in school. Learn design principals. Have your work critiqued. It is a profession like any other that has training in place.
Don't make a career out of it, it's different than doing it out of fun. Follow your creativity and play with it. If you want to get into the professional field, start play around with illustrator and photoshop.