Graphic design (no "s") isn't knowing a specific set of tools or techniques, but is a profession that really deals with solving the problem of how you communicate an idea in any visual medium.
The way you describe your skill set you aren't a graphic designer; instead you're a web production person or a front end developer. A designer knows subjects like art history, color theory, typography, etc.
Yes you can teach yourself these things, but that isn't a part time gig. Production on the other hand can be a part time gig — but you have to really understand that's more craftsmanship (and maybe some decoration) rather than high level creativity.
If you're serious about being a creative professional you should give up business school and go for a BFA or an MFA at a design school. Or if you really like the programming side if thing you might want to go in that direction. And of course there are other paths like becoming an Information Architect. Although all of those paths require going to school or really being ready to invest the time to teach yourself.
By he way it's important to note that there is nothing wrong with being a web production person or a front end developer. In fact if you can do that well you won't find yourself lacking for work (and both creatives and hardcore programmers will appreciate you through and through).
Comments
Graphic design (no "s") isn't knowing a specific set of tools or techniques, but is a profession that really deals with solving the problem of how you communicate an idea in any visual medium.
The way you describe your skill set you aren't a graphic designer; instead you're a web production person or a front end developer. A designer knows subjects like art history, color theory, typography, etc.
Yes you can teach yourself these things, but that isn't a part time gig. Production on the other hand can be a part time gig — but you have to really understand that's more craftsmanship (and maybe some decoration) rather than high level creativity.
If you're serious about being a creative professional you should give up business school and go for a BFA or an MFA at a design school. Or if you really like the programming side if thing you might want to go in that direction. And of course there are other paths like becoming an Information Architect. Although all of those paths require going to school or really being ready to invest the time to teach yourself.
By he way it's important to note that there is nothing wrong with being a web production person or a front end developer. In fact if you can do that well you won't find yourself lacking for work (and both creatives and hardcore programmers will appreciate you through and through).
Thanks for the feedback.