Australian Infront

Print designer wanting to learn digital media - course recommendation in sydney/or online courses

Posted 27.05.2012 @ 6.51PM

I am a print designer with over 10 years experience and I am looking to branch into digital design as these days most designer roles are expecting to be an all rounder designer.

My problem is I am not sure what is a good course for me to do as there are so many choices - I don't mind studying 2-3 years part time but I want to ensure I will be doing a course that I will get the most out of. I have been looking at either billy blue or shillington college - but I am thinking they won't be so intensively enough and I want to get my money's worth.

Anyone who has been in this situation - what course did you do? Would love to hear from people about their experiences as well and the results they got from doing their course.

Thanks in advance

Posted 27.05.2012 @ 7.36PM (Edited 27.05.2012 @ 7.58PM)

I think if you've been a print designer for ten years then I doubt you will be getting good value for money at any of those places. I just can't see how it will be worth the money particularly as you will be learning at a different rate to everyone else and I'd also question whether you would get the breadth and depth of information you need from these institutions (as opposed to a broader education of techniques and understanding of technologies).

I think you'll find a few posters here might suggest you to look at subscribing to something like Lynda.com and (I would suggest) learning on your own time at your convenience via video tutorials and then supplementing this with other resources ... books, websites, conferences. There are just so many freely available resources out there that you could take advantage of.

If you're dedicated enough and don't need the structure of formal learning environment I would suggest doing it yourself or at least considering it as a first step.

Posted 27.05.2012 @ 8.39PM

Thanks for your feedback.

I believe I work better in a class environment and I like the idea of talking to a teacher if I need assistance. I am not sure what you mean 'learning at a different rate to everyone else" - how so?

I've looked into tafe courses as well but not interested in 3D Modelling etc... so I was hoping to find something more specialised.

Billy Blue and Shillington aren't my only options but was hoping if there are other courses out there that people may have done.

Lynda.com is something I have considered but still open to other suggestions. Thanks again.

Posted 29.05.2012 @ 3.57PM

i've been in the same boat for years. there is nothing that doesn;t cost $2k for 2 days. I can do the basics but taking it to the next level eg putting digital on my resume or selling my services is way off. A course with help on tap and where i am accountable to someone would be fantastic.

i've always said if a face to face course was run by infronters it would work. the demand is there.

Posted 29.05.2012 @ 4.50PM

We've been talking about doing something of the sorts. Just might need to give @zannstpierre a kick up the pants to get it happening. We were thinking of doing weekends away with a chef, accommodation and a head tutor for the weekend. If there is enough interest in that kind of thing we can certainly make it happen.

Posted 30.05.2012 @ 10.55AM

what a great idea

Posted 30.05.2012 @ 11.16AM

That's a fantastic idea.
I'm currently learning as much digital as I can on Lynda.com, but agree with you Zack about taking it to the next level and showing some work in a portfolio

Posted 30.05.2012 @ 11.58AM

We were thinking of two levels. A starter weekend where you can get your head around everything or just freshen up your skills and then an advanced weekend where you could bring personal projects to work on around other developers, again with a head tutor/mentor to offer advice. Basically workshop your ideas around other devs. 10-20 people tops per weekend.

If anyone is interested let us know here along with your location and we can start organising venues and costs.

Posted 30.05.2012 @ 1.03PM

Fantastic idea. Count me in.

Posted 30.05.2012 @ 1.56PM

i'm in Tassie but would be keen to come given the right timing etc