James Crandall has been a talented artist for as long as
he can remember, but he always thought of it as a hobby.
He didn't think about it as a way to earn a living
until a few years ago.
James has an Associate's Degree in Business Administration.
He was working as a clerk for an insurance company when
he decided to pursue a career as a graphic artist.
"A light bulb went off in my head," James says.
"I was doing boring work in a little cubicle. I met
a freelancer working in our marketing department. I found
out he was designing our Web site and annual report. He
was making more money as a freelancer than I was as a full-time
employee!"
James started looking for ways to break into the world
of desktop publishing and graphic art. Desktop publishers
design and produce brochures, newsletters, reports, Web
sites, and other publications. To get into this field, James
needed a combination of artistic and computer skills. He
signed up for classes at the local community college.
He got a certificate in graphic art and desktop publishing
after a year. James had learned enough to start working
with some local businesses on graphics projects. He kept
his job at the insurance company and worked as a freelancer
on nights and weekends. When he had enough experience and
work samples, he applied for a job as a desktop publisher.
Now, James is a designer for a local magazine. He creates
page layouts and designs magazine covers. "The job
pays well and I can use my creativity and artistic talent,"
he says. "Doors have opened for me. I never knew I
could do what I love and make a good living at the same
time!"
James
Crandall
