You only live once. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.

You’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the things you did.

These prominent thoughts ran through my mind as I came to the realisation that I wanted a new challenge, a new adventure. Taking a deep breath, I bucked the trend and decided upon a career change to graphic design aged 41. At the time, I had a steady, successful career as a senior product development manager in a global craft company.

AMY GRAY, UK

GRAPHIC DESIGN LEVEL 2 COURSE

Am I crazy? Some may think so. Am I brave? That’s what some said. Is this a midlife crisis?! Maybe. But one thing is for sure: I’m so glad I took the first solid steps to achieve this goal by choosing to study at the Creative Design School.

I’ve never felt sure of what I wanted to do as a career, but I’ve always been a creative. I’ve followed what I’ve loved and embraced opportunities that arose. I graduated with a Law and Business degree, but found a joy in helping others as a Special Educational Needs educator. Next, I jumped at the chance to become an editor of several papercraft magazines. Had I been an editor before or had any editor-like qualifications?

Nope. But I threw my hat in the ring, had a passion for the hobby, connections and had a hand in designing some products. This later led to me project managing the development of craft products for the art, sewing and papercraft sector; we would think of new product ideas and work with a creative team and manufacturers to bring them to life, from product design through to packaging and marketing.

It was while working as both an editor and product development manager that I found myself working alongside graphic designers of varying niches. From art editors to packaging designers and content creators – I enjoyed learning from them and working collaboratively to achieve a common goal. I found myself drawn to the creative side of projects and wondered if I could explore a career in graphic design.

I needed the flexibility to study remotely and part-time while working.

I researched many educators and courses and spoke to various representatives. There was one that stood out by a mile: the Creative Design School. I arranged a call with them and explained my situation. After that call, it was a no-brainer. The Creative Design School is not only flexible but is tailored for you. Your tutor gets to know you and supports you with one-to-one tuition to help you achieve your goals. My tutor is not only my biggest cheerleader, but a great educator who has years of experience in the industry so I’m not only learning the theory and putting it into practice, but I also learn how graphic design works in the real world.

looking at where I started on the course and where I am now and I still can’t believe how far I’ve come. Completing Graphic Design Level 2 has given me the confidence to take on freelance graphic design work that varies greatly from posters for local bands, illustrations for businesses, and marketing for my local animal sanctuary. It keeps me on my toes, builds up my portfolio and enables me to use my newly acquired graphic design skills while I continue on my journey.

I benefited so much from the original course that I have enrolled on the Visual Communication Level 4 course to further develop my skills. It’s a leap from Graphic Design Level 2, but Pete has confidence that I can do it. He pushes me to creatively stretch myself and think outside of the box – it’s not easy, but I’m hoping it’s what’s going to give me the edge as I embark on this new career.

The dream is to obtain employment in the industry to gain experience and continue learning from other graphic designers and then maybe, just maybe, go freelance. Passion and hard work have opened opportunities in my life so far; let’s hope the same will be true as I embark on this new chapter.

My advice to anyone looking to study graphic design is to do it and to do it with the Creative Design School. Yes, it’s hard work, but put in the effort and the rewards are there waiting for you!