How to become a flash designer

This alternative job fits the bill for:

• Jobs that allow piercings
• Unusual jobs
• Relatively well-paid jobs
• Student jobs (you need prior experience / education in the topic though!

LaJura is a free spirit who realised theatre work wasn’t going to pay a regular wage and got into designing t-shirts, business cards for models, flash websites and more… let LaJura teach you how to become a graphic designer and how to build your design empire once you are!

Name: LaJura

Career title: Graphic/flash designer

LaJura’s website: www.lajura.com

What made you want to go into this profession?

It all started with my interest in acting but I slowly realized that I wasn’t very serious about it so I had to find something I could see myself doing both financially and creatively. I decided to go back for graphic design since my boyfriend started his own business as a graphic/web designer. He inspired me to do it and I saw the opportunities of going in different avenues with it.

One night I was desperately seeking a name for myself or idea of what the hell I was going to do long-term and my boyfriend looked at me and told me that I should start the art department for females within his company. From that point on I started practising to design my own website and what type of services I would provide.

I started thinking about headshots and comp cards for models and actresses since I had my fair share of taking pictures with male photographers and most of them ended up being perverts. So what better place where females can feel secure and safe as well. Then more ideas flushed out of me like logo, business cards almost everything that is needed to launch a career. I was always quite the independent chick and I wasn’t happy with stuffy offices because I felt like it killed my spirit so I knew I had to start something unique and off the ground.

Do you need training or work experience?

Training not so much but gaining more experience is what I look for the most.

Do stereotypes exist for your job and if so do you think they paint a fair picture?

Yes and no but it’s not fair for most of us who are truly altruistic in this field and would like to make a difference in life, the industry and business relationship with others. I think it just takes being open minded or smart enough to be a good judge of character.

If you have design skills do you think it’s good to branch out and, say, illustrate t-shirts as well as websites? Do you have a lot of strings to your bow?

If I don’t, I know I can make it. It’s a matter of having passion, good taste and knowledge of what can sell but having some serious imagination and creativity will be the key.

How do you promote yourself?

I believe that word of mouth is the best marketing tool but the usual would be posting stuff online like craigslist, elance, guru, etc., showing up at the convention centers or special events can be helpful and painting the city with your flyers.

What is the most satisfaction you get out of your job? On both a deep and a shallow level? Has the job changed you? What are the perks?

It probably saved my soul because it allows me to express myself creatively and do different things all the time since I’m not the routine type but now I spend most of my time in front of the computer which is extremely odd because I love the outdoors and being more active.

How physically or mentally demanding is the job? Long hours?

Physically – I have to do my workouts in the a.m and walk my doggie to keep my lifeline healthy. Mentally – Very long hours. Especially, if you are doing your own thing then that means you have all the responsibilities. You’re practically managing yourself and being your own boss so it takes a lot of yourself if you want to be successful.

Most hideous career moment to date?

Hm, the most hideous? Wouldn’t say that it has been hideous at any time but maybe when a client wants to take advantage of you that is definitely close to hideous.

Most glorious career moment to date?

Still working hard for that glorious moment 😉

Do you meet or interact with interesting people and if so, who? Is there a freak-factor?

Yeah, but so far I’ve only met artists like Don dinero and Remy Ma and a few indie artists/bands who end up inviting me to see them perform.

Is there a danger factor?

Not really but you have to make sure you’re positioning yourself properly in front of the computer or you can cause injuries of the hand/arm, shoulder, neck and back.

Do you meet fit, clever, solvent gentlemen in your line of work?

A few who I can say that are fit, clever and solvent gentlemen.

Is there a sexy uniform? No, but I can wear whatever I want.

Can you still see yourself doing this in 20 years’ time?

Yes but really want to expand and start doing anything with film, movies and t-shirts.

What advice would you give to anyone who is interested in this career path?

Go for it. Learn what you have to in school and continue to brush up on your skills by taking tutorials or online classes to keep learning all you can. Always follow your dreams or listen to that inner voice that usually tells you the truth. Try to surround yourself with positive people, learn how to take criticism that can only make you better at your craft sometimes, never give up and sometimes one thing leads to another.