Now that I know what I want to do, how can I do it?

If you really love a subject, like art, it’s probably because you are really good at it. (We naturally love to do what we do well). My theory is that if you want to do something bad enough, it will happen. (Maybe that has something to do with the current ‘Do you believe in Fate’ question, I dunno).

At any rate, persue every avenue for funding. Many scholarships and loans are based on merit and not need, and there is always a way to do what you want to do badly enough.

College gives you two things. One is a credential that you can present to employers. The other is a set of skills.

What do you really want here? Do you want to go to school to study graphic design, or do you want to work at graphic design?

If it’s the latter, just do it. You don’t need credentials.

I think graphic design is one of those professions where school is nice, but not really required. You may want to give it a try, because you have that option, before taking the plunge into school full time again.

People are constantly searching for free/cheap graphic design, for better or worse. You know a dozen people right now I would guess that could use the same services you’ll eventually want to be paid for. If you’d rather not work with friends and family, there are plenty of worthy causes out there in need of help which will give you a lot of leeway in regards to the creative direction.

Give it a shot, if it’s still fun after a couple projects then maybe you’ve found your calling. Build up your portfolio with work you are proud of and it can give you opportunities that a degree never could, of course the degree will open doors up as well.

My only other advise would be to specialize to some extent in the areas you enjoy. Saying you do graphic design is a lot like saying you work with computers. Most people assume if you work with computers you can a) help them connect to their email b) troubleshoot their graphics card c) set up their network at work and d) help them decide what software to buy… graphic design is the same way. Don’t end up making t-shirts if your dream is developing cohesive ad campaigns.

Try a bit of everything and figure out what you love, then build a strong portfolio in that area. School would be a very nice bonus, but you don’t have to start there if it’s not an immediate option.

Edit: just wanted to add, Good Luck! and congrats on finding something you want to do.

Thank you, these are very good suggestions. In truth, I would like to go back to school because I like learning, but you are probably correct in that I may not have to. I suppose I could find out what programs are basics to learn, teach them to myself, and start taking on free projects…

Prospective clients may prefer to see some evidence of training, even to the point of certification. It may not be enough just to tell them you’re good at it and you love it, or even to show samples (which might or might not be your own work). If you’re serious, a credential is always a good thing to have.

An instructional environment also offers you exposure to the breadth of the field and helps you wend your way among alternatives. Self-teaching is good, but to develop your understanding in a systematic fashion, to receive guidance in what is mainstream and respected, what is fringe thinking, what is passe, etc., and to get useful correction, you need a teacher. This is why for all my study in linguistics and all the books I have read, I do not have an orderly grasp of the field.

I presume you’re working. Where I live there are many fine community colleges, university extension courses, and other institutions that offer evening and weekend programs toward credentials in technical and other subjects. There is also distance learning. You might look into schools in your area and see what options they offer for an adult population. One or two classes a semester should not be too expensive at such places, and plenty of people have worked full time and carried a busy course schedule to get through school..

You are very young and have plenty of time, so don’t worry. My mother got her master’s at 51 after raising a family and went on to teach at a renowned university. My aunt went back to school at 61 for her Ph.D. in linguistics. I think it is never too late.

And I doubt that you will ever be sorry for having pursued science, even on the rebound. It will give you a special slant on graphic design that few practitioners have. It may also enhance your qualifications to work in graphics in a high-tech environment, if that interests you.

Start to build a quality portfolio.

With or without school, you will need a portfolio so you should begin now and keep that focus as you work your way towards your goal of working in the field.

Make sure it shows flexibility, an understanding of some of the rules of good design, an ability to serve a broad range of clients and some of your own unique flair.

You definitely do not need a degree to do this for a living. I know many people, myself included, who don’t. You need the knowledge and as @fireside, a portfolio.

With that said, I would recommend taking non credit classes which are much cheaper. Taking a physical class would be better than any online classes because you could do some networking as well as talk to the instructor about the industry. Buy many books and read a lot of blogs on design.

Look for volunteer and/or freelance jobs in your area of interest to start building your portfolio.

I’d also recommend joining or starting a design group or club, where you can network and get feedback.

(Note, a certificate of completion of coursework is not the same thing as a degree, which represents a certain level of achievement and a specified number of credits in a prescribed curriculum of academic work.)

If it’s about learning you don’t have to quit your job and become a full time student. While you are supporting yourself with your science degree and building a portfolio why can’t you take one class at a time in graphics. As your skills and portfolio grow, opportunities to switch careers should arise. It’s all about being a kife-long learner anyway. Education is not a 10 course banquet to be consumed at one sitting Nourish yourself with tapas.

@nocountry2, you might find some of the comments on this post interesting.

You really should go to college for design. Part of what you could do, is look at the requirements for the programs you want to attend, determine what general education requirements are necessary, and take those at a community college, and have those credits transfer.

Glad to hear you are following your heart! Good luck!
I won’t offer any advice, except to tell you to follow the advice of the wiser jellies who have posted above.

Graphic designers are a dime a dozen. There are plenty that will work cheap, and you can see it in their work. Spending time in a design program at a college or university will give you the most important a designer needs – context. The best design reflects both an appreciation of the historical legacy of visual language, as well as an understanding of contemporary culture. Knowing how to use Illustrator and a few design principles isn’t enough. And since you mentioned that you love learning, you seem like the perfect candidate to formally study visual culture and apply it to your own desires. Good luck!

@simpleD: graphic designers are a dime a dozen, but good graphic designers—who do good work, communicate with their clients well, and meet deadlines—are as rare as hen’s teeth.

I know that at my company when I interview i’m looking for two things: Skill and experience. I look for skill in your portfolio. This is the most important thing because I can’t do anything with you if you don’t have some level of ability. Experience can either be from where you’ve worked, or from your schooling. I don’t really care where you went to school, or for how long, or if you got your degree, but at least some schooling shows me you are dedicated and that you didn’t just decide to be a designer because you thought it would be cool.
My own career started with a BA in marketing/english, but then after a major life epiphany I went back to school at the College for Creative Studies in detroit. I busted my hump to learn what I could as fast as possible, and create a portfolio, and then started interviewing during my second year. Once I found a job I quit. But I never would have been able to interview anywhere without having CCS on my resume. And the formal design classes were what separated me from the people who just knew the applications.

Don’t forget user groups like the ones you can find in MeetUp.com – you’ll get a great peers support network to offer some guidance. Also remember your local library; they have many instructional/reference books with complementary DVD or CDs for guided learning. Last, practice, practice, practice. If you see in your neighborhood stores hand drawn signs made with a magicmarker, surprise the owner with your version of the same. There is a place to gather theory but nothing can put a foot in a door like your actual work.