Work/Jobs - - Making retouching a profession - Page 2

soleah · #16 07-06-2006, 12:06 PM

Yes, Stan. I am very much Pinoy, born and raised. Here in Guam, who doesn't know about Manny Pacquiao?!! I belong in another profession which I love and retouching/restoring is a hobby for me.

Just be persistent in your job hunting. I've been in your position before and I know how it is back there. The thought that kept me going was "Maybe of the 100 jobs that I applied for, there is one that is perfect for me."

Keep honing your skills too, even if you have your dream job already.

Texas Dave · #17 07-06-2006, 04:24 PM

Knowing Indesign and illustrator is a big plus. If you can do all three well, you'll find work, but experience is a big plus. I've found that retouching is just part of it, having a strong background in color theory is the other half of being a asset as a photoshop guru. It's all about knowing what your images are going to look like once their printed. Most small shops can't keep a retoucher or staff of color retouchers busy throughout the entire year, so if your looking for work, you would do yourself a big favor by adding that your proficient in the desktop side and be able to back it up. Problem is, learning everything you need to know is almost impossible without learning it on the job. You would be amazed at what clients don't know and you have to figure out on your own. Not to mention the fresh recruits of designers that come out every year thinking that the latest plug-ins will make thier designs amazing. Well, not all pre-press shops can handle and rip what the latest features in illustrator and indesign have to offer, so your stuck rebuilding stuff in photoshop just to get a print run. lol. headaches for everyone. Anyway, this is my first post here and I'm glad to be here. Hope everyone finds the job they want, but be ready, it can be as fun as you want it, and at the same time, a real pain in the butt!

Gigadals · #18 07-07-2006, 01:34 AM

wow, i don't know what to say.

Randy,

You don't have to worry on being harsh to me, it took me awhile to decide if I am going to seek people's advice on my work, and i am glad i did.
When I uploaded it, I was only thinking of getting people to see my stuff, I didn't get into so much details. Now I certainly will, thanks much.

About mastering photoshop, I know it is impossible to master it, I just wrote that to pull me up a bit, I would have to rephrase that.

Thank you for your reply.

Patrick,

I certainly would remove the fake ads.

Thank you for telling me.
Thank you for your reply.

It's nice that you guys took some time to say something, and this is very much appreciated. Thank you

Stan

Mary Heinz · #19 07-07-2006, 04:12 AM

Patrick, interesting web site...and wanted to say how much I appreciate
your comments about becoming an "artist" and how you do that...that's
how I feel....my "heart" is in my work...I see it...then it goes to image
form....I see the photo...then take the photograph...or I envision the
collage, etc...then create it....I'm new in the photography business and
have always loved photography but until I got serious a few years ago....
until now...it's very nice to view my own improvement and enjoy the benefits
of things I've learned seeing them in my own creations...

Mary

Mary Heinz · #20 07-07-2006, 04:17 AM

Thank you for your view on becoming an "artist". I totally agree...and feel
I "see" the photograph or created image first...in my heart...and mind....I recently started FamilyTies Photography and it's interesting to see my own
improvement since I really got serious a few years ago...

kiltacticon · #21 11-09-2006, 03:21 AM

Thanks a lot every one who posted in this thread. basically there was tons of great advice. Still I am at a loss as to how I can find a job in a related field. I am into photoshop, which has lead me to photography and trying to get serious about making a living out of the two, opened the doors to illustrator and web design. My head is about to explode. I live in NYC, but might as well live in the desert. I just have a basic understanding of each of these disciplines, making it difficult to find work. I got my own site where I post party pics, (lan-guage.com) all these ideas, no budget, refuse to work full time. I have to find a way to support my addiction in the graphic arts... Decided all this July 2006 on the fourth... I vowed to live a free life. Can any one provide some suggestions to help me develop a course of action aka plan?

My first post, excuse my grammar and awkward sentence construction.