Hello! I didn't make that printable and I just reblogged it from someone else, so I would ask them if it's still available :)

I would say that I highly recommend it. A lot of places have standardized the use of Adobe Creative Cloud, and if not your specific company, then whoever your company works with will also most likely be using Adobe Creative Cloud.

If you want to hold off on getting a subscription then you could start on GIMP or some sort of alternative free program. Usually, the interface and programs have a lot of similarities so you’ll be able to at least practice and have experience in making graphics and then make a small jump to Adobe when you can afford it or land the job. If you want to try and be cheaper about it I would pick one program that you think you’d be using the most and just get that one so you can at least have an adobe program in your skillset and that jump to Adobe will get even smaller.

No problem! I’ll try to answer these in a short and sweet way so this answer doesn’t get horribly long, haha!

Can you learn from scratch?

Yes! Everyone starts somewhere. Just make sure that if you’re really starting from the beginning you don’t skip basics, the seemingly pointless exercises, and principles (no matter how tempting it sounds).

Can I start using adobe illustrator CS6 without knowing the ABCs of drawing?

Technically, yes! There are people that build graphics/icons/illustrations with shapes and the pen tool rather than literally drawing. The drawing background helps with anatomy, the idea of space and composition, and so on. You could start with some flat icons of things around you and that you’re familiar with if you just want to get familiar with the program.

Could you recommend sources for learning to draw and graphic design in general?

To be honest, a lot of what I learned was through classes in school so any online courses could be useful (like skillshare). I’m the type of person that learns by doing, so practice and just trying out different things and looking up tutorials/youtube videos when I get stuck is a great help for me! I would suggest finding how you learn best and pursuing that.

Is this really doable? Or if I don't the talent or the gift for it then I am just wasting time?

This is totally doable because, in all honesty, “talent” doesn’t exist probably in the way you’re thinking. No one wakes up and is “naturally” an amazing, anatomically correct, color theory aware, seasoned designer/artist. Everyone starts from the bottom. The dedication and discipline to learn, get up when you fail, and to keep improving are what separates a lot of people. If you are willing to learn and you don’t give up you will improve more than the “naturally” gifted artist that never tries anything.

If you’d like to talk more feel free to message me and I can add you on discord or something! I have a studioblr server that maybe could be helpful? We have a resources channel and you’re free to ask questions in there where artists/designers other than me could answer!

Although it is more expensive, I would recommend CC. CS6 is several versions (which means a ton of features) behind at this point. With companies most likely working with CC on work computers or providing a subscription to CC to their employees you’ll probably want to be as up to date as possible.

If you’re wanting to use CS6 for yourself, freelance, or to learn the basics of Illustrator then I think that’s a great idea. If you’re going to continually use this in a setting where you’re expecting to interact with other people’s (updated) files or aiming for a job where they will provide CC on their work computers then you may want to invest in CC.

Hope this helped!

Hello!I am honestly a believer of the idea that you can learn anything you have the dedication, motivation, and discipline to learn. So if you truly want to, then you're able to! It may take you longer than others because you don't come from a certain background and you're not getting dedicated guidance/college for it, but you can always find online courses and teach yourself. You can also teach yourself to draw (you just need the basics at first and can always pursue more later), and you don't have to always be creative, it's more about critical thinking. Everyone has their own process, so don't doubt your potential just because the "typical" path doesn't fit you. :)Feel free to let me know if you wanted more specific advice on any of this!

No problem! I’m so glad it helped you out! :)

Thanks so much!

I honestly think that you are your best opinion on that. If you think you need the fourth year to push yourself to make the best portfolio and make yourself appealing for employers, then I think it’s worth it! There are people that are able to do really well outside of school and there are people that need that structure to help them build out their portfolio, skills, and work. If you can afford it and want that experience I think the safest bet would be to go for the bachelors (especially since some jobs require a degree). You can make sure it’s “worth it” by pushing yourself and pushing the projects to be the best they can be and asking all the right questions (and taking the right classes if you get to choose). I’m a huge advocate for “it is what you make it out to be”, so either option can work depending on your personal situation, but it’s what you make of it with your own actions and determination that’ll make either direction “worth it”.

Hope this helps! Feel free to message me or ask again if you’ve got any more questions :)