Comments on: Brian D. Smith Interview

By: VS

VS — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:16:37 +0000

Why he don’t talk about depthCORE? wtf?

By: Cub

Cub — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:51:21 +0000

Completely agree with you on the higher ed. thing Joe K, it certainly could be the beginning of a very interesting debate. University can teach you a lot, such as technical skills, a methodical way of working and – as someone mentioned earlier – the “why” behind the whole creation. However, I don’t think the importance of a good portfolio/experience can be underestimated.

Case in point – My girlfriend is a super talented illustrator/animator (I’m not just saying that!). She graduated with a first class BA (hons) in Graphic Art & Design and it hasn’t given her any kind of springboard, or ‘edge’ over the pack. In fact, she is currently working really hard on freelance projects (unpaid) just so she can build up her portfolio. This kind of situation is repeated time and again with uni graduates(myself included) in both the arts field and many other industries as well. Many of my friends and colleagues have degrees, but very few of them get jobs as a direct result of them.

College/Uni is a good experience, but it’s by no means the only way, nor is it a guarantee to the job of your dreams.

Mr Field – Can definitely see the ‘electronic’ music vibe crossing over into your work, like some kind of industrial ambience – Aphex meets Boards Of Canada. Nice.

By: Joe K

Joe K — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:23:38 +0000

I completely disagree with your idea that designers need a higher education. All higher education teaches you is how to do things in your educators way and not find out often better routes through your own exploration. Okay, higher education can help you to use more of the tools that are at your disposal, but all you need is a little imagination in the first place to discover these techniques for yourself.

I am a Senior Designer and Interactive Team Lead and do not have a higher education, in fact I left full-time education at the age of 17.

Otherwise, I like your work, it reminds me of DeviantART 5+ years ago

By: Dharma

Dharma — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:53:38 +0000

GOOD WORK:)

By: dp

dp — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:02:08 +0000

I like your art but your advice about degrees is wrong. Employers care MORE about great portfolios than they do about a Masters degree. Sorry, that’s a fact.

By: LordSkelethom

LordSkelethom — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:56:00 +0000

I love his work

By: loswl

loswl — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:57:48 +0000

Very Beautiful graphics, great interview and a talented artist!!

By: jack chen

jack chen — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:20:44 +0000

nice i like it

By: pixeladdict

pixeladdict — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:38:59 +0000

I totally agree with that, nothing very original here. good work but very oldschool.

btw nobody is stupid enough to think a degree is useless, but everyone should understand that it’s not the only path…
if you dont have any talent, understand the “why” won’t help you neither.
btw I didnt know you needed a degree to understand the “why” in design

By: zombie

zombie — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:26:52 +0000

Take it easy Brian. Don’t get annoyed by other artists who “sabotage” themselves once they get out of high school. Every artist choose a different path. Some artists who didn’t go to college have more knowledge in art than anyone who’s been to one.

I agree with what you said. Having a degree is important. But not everyone is privileged or has the opportunity to go to college. But that won’t stop them from being the best designer they can be.

In fact, I know a designer whose clients are Nike, Adidas and all those big companies. He didn’t go to college but he knows his market based on experience and his talents.
And most importantly, he earns money by designing things that has a “market” rather than designing stuff that looks great but doesn’t mean anything or doesn’t have any use.

So take it easy. Like the other guy said here. Life is too short.