Expert: Sandia - 8/2/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hello Sandia:


Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise.

My questions are pretty general. I'm having your typical mid-life crisis or something to that effect. Not really a crisis, I'm just trying to make a nice controlled switched into a career that may be a better fit for the next ten years or so.

I've worked the last twenty years in IT as a database administrator. Pay is great but there is a lot of stress in keeping large corporate mission critical applications running.

I have a pretty serious artistic side that I've suppressed for years because I needed a ‘real' job. We'll now I'm finding that I'd like to try my hand at having a ‘real' job in what was called the commercial arts.

I have a web site that I did in Frontpage and Corel products, http://jimbolesdesigns.com

As you may see by the site I have some talent, but I'm not really sure how to apply them towards a new career. I don't think I want to do web development, because that is too much like the highly technical work I've been doing. Maybe web design.

I don't want to ramble on here. I've never used the “Expert Service” so I'm not sure how my sort of questions fit into what is customary. I don't really have how-to questions; rather I need some general opinions of broad topics, reality checks and such.

Do you have time for this type of discussion?

Answer -
Hello Jim,

There is an automated response Allexperts can use which says "This question is too long and involved for me to help with". I'd say your question fits that category, but your message was so though-provoking and just plain nice, that I thought I'd take a couple of minutes of my time and touch base with you.

Please keep in mind I'm a graphic arts expert, not a career expert...

I can definitely sympathize with the fact that you are tired of all the "mission critical" stuff. 20 years is a heck of a long time to put up with all that hysteria, no? Plus, as you say, you have an artistic side. If I read between the lines properly while reading your posts, I'd venture to guess that denying yourself the opportunity to use all that creativity might be the worst part of your dilemma. There's a whole life to live out there, and by golly, your name is not "root"!

But what to do? You say the pay is great in I.T., and after 20 years I'll bet you have some great experience behind you.

Today, the vast majority of artists are basically PC operators (read: low pay). Some are quite young They were barely born when you joined the workforce. What a DB is to you, Photoshop is to them. They might spend an hour adding a neon glow, a page curl, a type effect or some other graphic element to the words "Fall Clearance Event".

One friend of mine works for a prestigious firm. Not unlike yourself, she's been there around 20 years. Now, one of the firm's large accounts happens to be a residential housing contractor. So, my girlfriend does both print and web work for them. In her sphere, it's a great compliment that she gets to work with this account. Believe me, this is one knowledgeable gal, with experience you wouldn't believe and a graphic arts degree on top of it. Her reward for lugging that humongous manila portfolio around the college campus for years? She sits at her Mac and does housing layouts all day, every day. The poor woman probably dreams at night about floor plans!

Hardly the creative outlet I feel you seek.

But you possess database skills already. I hope I'm not out of line when I say this, but maybe you should re-think web development. I'm not sure who told you it is similar to database administration, but in my own experience, it is not as dull as you may have been led to believe. Try this; Go out on the web and look for instances where major Fortune 500 companies' web sites go into a database to retrieve information. What you will find, at best, is drab, dull and plain. At worst, it is just plain ugly. I think there is a tremendous need out there to "pretty up" all those applications.

Opportunity knocks for someone with your talent!

In my own humble opinion, that's one area where "highly technical" can be fun and creative too. The right job will give you the opportunity to do it all. Oh, and by the way, if you could live with that, it would provide you with a lot better chance to maintain the level of pay to which you are accustomed.

Oh, and one last thing. Whether you go web development or web design, you'll need very strong Photoshop skills. Sure can't hurt to learn some ASP, PHP or other web app while you're at it. And remember not to concentrate too much on FrontPage alone. It's a great program, but don't forget to develop your html skills in general so that you can work on UNIX-based sites or with Macromedia DreamWeaver as well.

Above all, best of luck to you in your creative pursuits! Go get 'em, Jim!

- Sandia

question ---------

Hi Sandia :

Thanks again for your reply. I have some more basic questions...
The first question is what is the best way to buy a copy of Photoshop. Notice I said best, and not cheapest. "Best" to me means legal, full version, upgradable, supported, etc., then given that comes cheapest.

Overtime I'll need to buy quite a bit of software. I have used places like CDW in the past, but I'm not sure if there is someplace that specializes in graphic-oriented software at good prices.

Another new-be question is... is it worth joining the the National Asso. of Photoshop Profressionals?  

Answer
Hi Jim,

I don't want to endorse anyone specific, but I do most of my purchasing from CDW. You're right! If you don't have the programs already, you'll be amassing a whole bunch of software. I'd recommend any company that will provide you an assigned sales rep to help, and keep track of your purchases for you.

As far as NAPP goes, if you plan on receiving training or attending conferences, it is a good affiliation to have. My opinion is that becoming just a member alone won't do much for you. If you plan to actively participate, then I think it might be worth your while. Since you will need training, you might want to check it out.

Best of luck!

Sandia