Apps Am I just too young?

[0mnipotence]

Hi,

My name is Lizzy and I'm 16 years old. I am really interested in making apps, coding and graphic design. I hope one day to be a video game designer. But how can I work towards my goals? Let me explain.

In Graphic Arts class today, my teacher told me that nobody ever designs anything professional using Gimp. Only photoshop and high end things like that. I love photoshop, but it's not like I can afford it or anything. I don't have a job, or a credit card, or rich parents.

The second thing is, it's not like I have all that much skill. I'm working on my website for my app-making "company", Silver Moon Productions. But, I can't even make a banner that turns out nice -.-' I don't know how to invent a cool logo or anything.

And I don't know how to be professional. Like, at all. I'm afraid to get my first job too, because of this. I don't know the kinds of things to say and stuff like that.

Even though I haven't made an app yet, I'm experimenting with Google app inventor. But if I don't have enough art skill or the right programs to make it look professional, whats the point? I've seen tons of apps on the market without any skill in art, or that are plain boring or dont work. I dont want to be like that. I'm serious about this. But there's nobody with the time to teach me all this. I feel so much like a little kid without the means to achieve my dreams. What should I do? Any thoughts? Thanks for reading

 

[fauxtronic]

Hi Lizzy,

Your art teacher is kind of right, but kind of wrong. Many professional artists use Gimp, but they tend to have Photoshop experience too, and you will struggle to get a job in the graphics or gaming industries if you don't have Photoshop experience. To be honest, the cost of Photoshop pales into insignificance next to the software required for gaming design: Like Autodesk Maya and 3DS Max, etc. But there are student editions that cost a fraction the amount of regular editions, and you will get experience with all the required software at college and university anyway.

If you are serious about your goals, then you really should be considering your path through college and university at this stage because you will not get a job at a graphic studio or software house without at least a HND or degree.

With regards smartphone apps, you have to bear in mind that the market is saturated, and it's not a place that will enable you to realise your dreams quickly... if at all.

Best of luck whatever your eventual plans.

 

[0mnipotence]

Oh I know about the game design thing. I'm definitely going to college for that.

Right now I'm just into the app making thing.

 

[melissai_]

Hi,

My name is Lizzy and I'm 16 years old. I am really interested in making apps, coding and graphic design. I hope one day to be a video game designer. But how can I work towards my goals? Let me explain.

In Graphic Arts class today, my teacher told me that nobody ever designs anything professional using Gimp. Only photoshop and high end things like that. I love photoshop, but it's not like I can afford it or anything. I don't have a job, or a credit card, or rich parents.

The second thing is, it's not like I have all that much skill. I'm working on my website for my app-making "company", Silver Moon Productions. But, I can't even make a banner that turns out nice -.-' I don't know how to invent a cool logo or anything.

And I don't know how to be professional. Like, at all. I'm afraid to get my first job too, because of this. I don't know the kinds of things to say and stuff like that.

Even though I haven't made an app yet, I'm experimenting with Google app inventor. But if I don't have enough art skill or the right programs to make it look professional, whats the point? I've seen tons of apps on the market without any skill in art, or that are plain boring or dont work. I dont want to be like that. I'm serious about this. But there's nobody with the time to teach me all this. I feel so much like a little kid without the means to achieve my dreams. What should I do? Any thoughts? Thanks for reading

if i were you, i'd be pretty angry with my "teacher" for telling me i couldn't do something. & i'd be pretty motivated to prove her wrong

as for being "professional", that kind of comes with experience...no one can really teach that to you without you having come into contact with situations that require it. so i say, take on what you feel you can handle, download the free trial for photoshop they do offer it for 30 days on adobe's site. or maybe look into a cheaper alternative. Jasc paint shop pro? Not sure how it is these days but i used it before I went to college and got my student discount version of PS

good luck!