K firstly, To S1mplykat..
Of course it is possible
Speaking as a student who got into uts visual communications through internal course transfer (it's the same process), the interviewers are looking for students who have a real passion for the feild. They look for it in the quality of your work obviously, and your previous years results. For these you will need at least a C average and also ignore any limitations on the number of works you can bring in (this is what the interviewers told me), but on the other hand don't bring in just anything thinking "oh well can't hurt," because it really can diminish your chances, bring only your absolute best work and if you can have someone with experience look atit first. Other ways to get across to them are through things such as work experience and short courses (which will also help you build a portfolio) and most importantly, the written statement. This allows you a vehicle in which you can perfectly convey everything you need to about yourself, basically you need to sell yourself here (why do you deserve this?). Also keep up a professional practice, go to exhibitions ect, they will probably ask you about this...have opinions. Lastly i think it's also a very good idea to make yourself known. Email the faculty, come in, ask advice ect. Get yourself known, it shows a real determination
Thats all i can think of on that issue right now lol.
Secondly, im sorry but i can't ignore this...
groovejet said:
The universities have consulted with the industry and they believe a four year degree would be beneficial as it give the student time to develop their own projects but I say it clearly, not all individuals or groups require people with a 4 year degree in design. The groups that do probably those highly commerical ones that need to spell it out to make sure there are no insecurities to their business. It does not make any difference if you do a four year degree or not. Have you considered in the other parts of the world where the degree is only 3 years and in fairness much better and more established than the univerisities here that provide a design education? Numbers don't mean anything and considering when not all graduates will not be as serious and highly motivated, I can say groups are looking to self-presentation and the person's ability and personality. Sometimes it's not your work but if you don't have good communication or your arrogant, you won't be successful. Justifying the high cutt-offs for popularity is good but can you actually justify the high-offs for people who do know half of what they are getting into? Half of the people don't even know what they are getting in for and all they care about is when they have tut's in using photoshop. It's fair to give them every good chance but if they don't realise what they are getting into than it's not good for the industry and above all, Australian Design. If the DIA actually want to do something about it than advise (not recommend) universities to provide a foundation art/design course of a 1 year and expose potential students to what is design.
As for am I am concerned, the DIA recommends everything but hasn't help me out in anyway. All you can do as a so called designer is trust your instincts, build a network of people whether be friends or clients and get into contact with studios/agencies. If you want to seek a 4 year degree then go for it. I'm doing it because I'm committed and motivated but you can't say this to everyone single person as maybe it's their only way and it's a formaility for their c.v. Ask Andrew from DIK, it was a waste of time.
Nothing that I said previously is contradictory and I said that the reality of design is to be considered because it's highly competitive and highly saturated especially in Australia and the only key to groups differentiating who should be hired is a good folio. Consider those who have gone to New York at 18 worked as a junior art director or assistant to art director and they are now working their way up with years of experience. These people that I know of did not have any formal education at all and they become successful. They believed that they believed they had confidence and the employer in the role. Be successful in any role means more than a piece of paper: being able to sell yourself but having good verbal skills, being presentable and above all, having a good personality and keeping in contacts with clients.
Everyone has a different direction but I'm going with my instincts, building a network of people I know of that can assist me and be motivated enough to seek opportunities. Having a four degree paper doesn't add any credibility when you have nothing to show for it. Now sorry, I've got to worry about my own skin than helping everyone else.
Who wants to be a creative director? So you can earn $100,000+ or more and think your better than everyone and be overbearing in a over commericalised company? No thanks, I'll rather be humber and thankful when I'm older and be grateful for what I have achieved like Ken Garland or working individuals like Paul Rand.
First off, you seem to use this word "commercial" alot as if it is a certain section of the design feild, but what you must understand is design IS commercial. Designers make products, and those products must sell. It's a fundamental fact that seperates artists and designers. In order for products to sell, you must accept the "commercial" nature of the feild.
It most definitely does make a difference wether or not you undertake a four year degree. Yes of course there maybe some exceptions where amazingly talented people work there way to the top without a degree but that shouldn't be confused with what is the standard. Simply speaking logically, an employer would rather someone with more experience than less, and most importantly, it is these 4 years that allow you to build an impressive portfolio under the guidance of people from the feild itself.
Ok, now im sorry but your comment about how half the people in the degree don't know what there in for and simply come along for photoshop tutes is complete rubish. If you actually had attended a uts design class you would realise that the standard is VERY high and that you are infact surrounded by a group of highly motivated people who know EXACTLY where they are headed, for example, i have a friend who has, before even starting uni, illustrated a published book. She has allways known where she is headed. People don't come in to learn photoshop, they already intimately know it, they have been practicing for years. This is the standard of design at UTS.
It's also important to mention that i don't know how you consider the reputation of UTS overseas as opposed to these "3 year...much better" courses, but i think if you read any comments from overseas sources you will find things like "An elite group of design students that are incomparable [to others in the feild]." Yes, a network of supporters is good, but it wont get you to where you need to be alone.
Lastly i'd like to make it clear than a creative director doesn't THINK they are better than other designers, they ARE among the most highly skilled in their proffession as they have accomplished years of training both at university level and in the industry and are as such rightfully at one of the highest levels attainable in the feild.
LOL sorry for my insanely long post but it everything that i fealt i had to say, and S1mplykat, i hope you find this usefull
Good Luck!!
