[trashstar]

I decided I wanted to major in web design because it's the type of work I really love. However, certain things worry me, such as the fact that I go to a business school instead of an art school (though I'm really enjoying my time there) and of course the instability of the job. The thought of having to live paycheck by paycheck frightens me. And I only know one person in school who is majoring in web design so it's hard to get different opinions from the people there since most are into finance or accounting. I'm planning on studying abroad in an art school in Japan for a semester, but I'm not sure if I'll get in or if I can afford it.

I just want to know, for those of you who are majoring in web design or even if you're not, what steps do you think I should take and what advice can you give me?

[Brusky]

web designers actually pull in pretty solid salaries and make noticeably more than graphic designers (in general). the world's already in the digital age and everything is going online these days. there's a good probability you'll have a job when you're done studying. as for what school you went to, it doesn't really matter so much. it's much more about your talent, competence, and quality of work than it is about the prestige or type of school you went to. no one can deny a good, solid portfolio of work.

check out Indeed.com for salary listings for various jobs and locations:

http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=web+designer&l=new+york

i wouldn't worry about living paycheck to paycheck.

[watcher]

I decided I wanted to major in web design because it's the type of work I really love. However, certain things worry me, such as the fact that I go to a business school instead of an art school (though I'm really enjoying my time there) and of course the instability of the job. The thought of having to live paycheck by paycheck frightens me. And I only know one person in school who is majoring in web design so it's hard to get different opinions from the people there since most are into finance or accounting. I'm planning on studying abroad in an art school in Japan for a semester, but I'm not sure if I'll get in or if I can afford it.

I just want to know, for those of you who are majoring in web design or even if you're not, what steps do you think I should take and what advice can you give me?

not all designers live paycheck to paycheck. lots of companies like to hire permanent positions for web designers. i used to work with a guy who was 'in-house' at MTV, and then later on got hired by Yahoo to do their sports page UI. makes a good living, and probably earns more than i do at the moment.

as long as you maintain a good portfolio, it doesn't matter whether you went to business school or art school. people lookin for a good web designer will look at your designs as your more reliable reference.

[vinylswing]

Choose whatever you like to do.

I would choose the Business route because a career in business is much more stable. You can also pickup up a lot of web design knowledge on your own.

[duykato]

Sweet, another one joins the ranks. I currently work at a web design firm AND I manage a site for a fashion company and I like to take up extra jobs on e-lance. Whatever you do.. beware of the politics(There's a LOT of it once you get up there)... and do NOT burn bridges.

As for getting where I am, which is pretty entry level (I'm surprised I managed to get the job) I went to Academy of Art SF for Computer Arts: New Media... but honestly, it's not necessary. If you're good, easy to work with, creative, you can go solo or join up in a firm. Beware though, some of the big name firms are sweatshops. T_T

I got the job based off of a decent portfolio. Just an FYI, Joon is an AWESOME mentor when it comes to this. He gave me a lot of advice before I was headed to 2advanced. Upon arriving, everything he told me pretty much was true.

As for living from paycheck to paycheck.. that's really situation dependent. I've just started here and already I can't wait till I can look for a better paying job without all the chaos of people breathing down my neck. Lots of people enjoy going solo once they started a decent client base.

[watcher]

^ i think working in house is much better than joining a design firm or relying on freelance as a main source of income. it's just harder to find...