Hi Lindsay!

Thank you so much for sharing your courses here on Skillshare! Your designs are beautiful and your courses are so organized! 

Thank you too for sharing bits and pieces about your story!

I'm encouraged and inspired to be diligent in learning design, especially after I realized that having a Marketing degree/background isn't enough to have high marketability.

Here are my thoughts on the questions you posted:

Question 1

First of all, list your goals for learning or studying graphic design Is it to make a career change late in life? To make more money or to have a side income? To have a job you enjoy doing? Share in as much detail as you would like.

My goals in learning design:

- To have a job that I enjoy doing

- To help entrepreneurs/businesses create a strong brand identity

- To help entrepreneurs/businesses communicate their brand message with clarity by using design

- To help entrepreneurs/businesses grow

 

Question 2

Research the software you need to have. Take a look at the downloadable resource where I list several design software options. Take a look at which set of design tools fit your budget and your learning goals and list which ones you need to study in more detail.

I already have Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign

Question 3

Research equipment and list what you need to purchase Research and find out what type of laptop or desktop you will need if you do not already have one. You can look up your chosen design software and look at the software requirements to make sure your new or old computer can run the software.

Currently using a MacBook Pro 13" and Wacom Intuos Draw Tablet

Question 4 

Choose your desired work option. Take a look at the page with the various working options. Do you want to work part-time or full-time? Do you want to pursue an agency or in-house salaried job? Do you want to be open to all options and see what comes your way? Do you want to do this just for fun? Some work options require more portfolio preparation like in-house or agency jobs, while freelancing options need more time spent on personal branding and marketing tasks.

I definitely want to work as a freelancer (project-based) and focus more on personal branding and marketing tasks. I think working full-time is also not a bad idea at this time when there's not much to do. I think pursuing an agency job is also a great idea for gaining experience, sadly not a viable one at this time. 

Question 5

Where will I get my work and studying done? Write down the space(s) where you would like to learn and practice your design work. A coffee house part of the day? A certain room that may turn into a home office? What do you need to do to make this space ready for use?

My work station - all ready for it! 

Question 6

Finding places of community and inspiration I have a helpful page in this pdf resource that lists many places to find design challenges and inspiration. I want you to pick at least 3 places or people for you to check out in the next month as you start your learning journey.

Instagram:

@ianbarnard - Amazing letterings!

@lindsaymarshdesign

Dribbble

 

I also signed up for Daily Logo Design Challenge.

 

Thank you again, Lindsay!