I am thinking about becomming an advertising designer?

i want to become an advertising designer and i wanted to meet someone that is already one to get info on it. such as what all would an advertising designer do? are you constantly on the computer? do you hand draw at all? for whom do you design for? how many hours do you work? did you go to a public school or an art school? would it be best for me to go to a private art school instead of public where your first two years are core classes? how much did you start off making?





i researched a lot, but i want to discuss it with someone.





I'm sure i forgot a bunch of other questions, so if you have any other extra information i'd love to know it. thanks!

I am thinking about becomming an advertising designer?
Those are all really good questions. Unfortunately, there is no single good answer. To start with, do research on the programs offered at different schools. You want to find a program that is specific to your interests. Many public schools only offer a general bachelor of fine arts degree. But some have a graphic design, visual communication, or similar type of degree. The nice thing about private art schools is that they are very focused on teaching you the things you need to know to do the job upon graduation. The downside is that they are usually more expensive. You will also have a choice of if you want to get a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree. Again, research the options and see what seems a good fit for you.





As far as what an advertising designer does, depends on where you end up working. The structure of the organization will make huge difference as to what your responsibilities will be. Your college experience may also make a difference. Some programs give you more expertise in certain areas than others. Also, the client base will make a difference. At a larger agency, an entry level designer will, in general, be responsible for smaller, lower important projects. Your involvement in the entire creative process will be minimal. For the most part, you will be taking direction from a creative director or art director. The types of projects you work on can vary greatly also, depending on the agency you work for. It can be all kinds of print pieces, from brochures, catalogs and mailers to stationery and invitations to billboards, newspaper and magazine ads. It can be website design or av/multimedia production. It really all depends on what the client's needs are and what the agency's range of expertise includes.





Much of the work done by advertising designers is on the computer these days. Some do some drawing, but often any real illustration is hired out to an illustrator. Sometimes you may get to do a bit of photography. But again, that is usually hired out to a photographer. Depending on the position you get, you may or may not be able to be involved in the direction of those outside professionals.





You could also get a job in a marketing department of a corporation. If that's the case, the only client you have is your employer. So everything you do is for the same thing. The variety of an agency experience can be more interesting for some people, while it can be too hectic a pace for others.





Another option would be to freelance. The upside is that you make your own hours, set your own rates and no one but your client to answer to. The downside is that there is all the paperwork, taxes, etc. Yucky stuff that we designers are not necessarily good at. We'd rather be using our creative mind.





How many hours you work also depends on what position you end up with. There are full-time and part-time jobs available. And again, if you freelance you can work as much or as little as you want. Be forewarned -- if you have a full-time salaried position with an ad agency, be prepared to put in a lot of hours without extra pay. The nature of the work is that you get it done to meet your deadline. And if that means putting in an extra 10 or 20 hours a week, then that's what you do.





Hmmmm.... did I answer all your questions? Feel free to email me if you have others (I think I have it set up so you can).





Best wishes on your future endeavors. It sounds like you're trying to thoroughly research your options instead of just jumping in. That's great! You should do well.