It's probably better to get a certificate or degree, but it is definitely possible to get there without one. But yes, you will need a decent portfolio.

And to get one, you could always go around to a few local businesses, explain your situation, and tell them you'll create a website for them for a really low fee, or for free.. just to beef up your portfolio. With a few experiences under your belt, you can probably take it from there. Provided you are a decent designer, that is.

nope sorry but i really like that affect! what photohop are you using? i would like to download it but i don't want it to cost anything. does the one you use cost?

Well, the best way of getting into the field is by putting together a great portfolio. Emphasis on GREAT. I've spent the last 5 years as an art director for a newspaper, occasionaly I'll get portfolios sent to me and I have to say…I'm astonished at how horrible the work sent to me is.

I'm not trying to slam graphic designers here…what I'm trying to say from an art directors perspective- if you put together a kick butt portfolio you're going to be seen and remembered. When you read articles about the graphic design industry you'll see that they mention that competition is pretty intense. Not really, I really believe many people get into the graphic design industry is because they see it as 'easy' and a fun way to make a buck. They lack any real passion and zeal for design. The majority of portfolios I seen during our last hiring phase were from these people (about 20). However, I received 3 that really showed that they took time perfecting their presentation. What really impressed me about their portfolios was that each took an idea that could have been accomplished more simply but they took the time to think up some great, creative soloutions.

Choosing between the 3 was tough. Finally, I chose the one with the least experience but came with not only print designs skills but was fluent with web design also.

Trust me, putting together your portfolio will be the toughest thing about your new job. I know from experience. Expect sleepless nights, discouragement, depression, frustration….but eventually when you start to feel pride, excited, and confident, you'll know your portfolio is ready. Go get 'em.

Best of luck!

Try using CropMom to add embellishments to your photos.

Just upload your photo or photos, started a New Layout, and choose from CropMom's digital scrapbook graphics to decorate your photo.Select a photo or graphic to resize it or rotate it. You can select a photo to change it black and white or sepia tone or correct the brightness and contract. You can add your own text.

Save your layout. Now go to My CropMom, click on the layout and e-mail using the Share button. Or download it for free in low-resolution to use on your Web page or blog. Or pay a small fee to get the high-resolution JPEG file of the layout for printing.

I like that Chris Bosh way to finish strong. He could get a lower contract next year and still make more money, hillarious. I'm a sucker for good running jokes so here it goes.

Karl "I didnt do anything, Isiah Thomas's Head just split open, kind of like that Dog in "The Thing" Malone

Chris "Blinn College? Whoooaaaaa, I thought I was registering for Blunt College" Anderson

Delonte "If I act more like a hardcore brother from the streets, you think anyone will notice that I'm Albino?" West

Charles "Ask me a question today and tomorrow and you'll have two different answers" Barkley

Chris "If you were about to be banging Tyra Banks and Foxy Brown wouldnt Time Outs be the last thing on your mind?" Webber

Jeff "Glad I told everyone that my Itchy face is really my way of saying "Hi" to my wife and Kids" Hornacek

LeBron "I heard a 8th Grader broke my JR High School record, Im going back for ONE GAME!" James

Might bring some more.

Rd 2:
Dennis "This guy told me to go F myself I cordially replied, I am of traditional values out of Wedlock would be a Sin, soooooo…." Rodman ( that might not be verbatim)

Danny "Just because Im a pretty White Boy, doesnt mean Im not a dirty Hack, throwing the Ball of of peoples Head (Mario Ellie) on an Inbounds pass and getting no Foul called on me) Ainge.

Robert "Yes your the 38th person to say I look like that Fresh Prince of Bellaire guy..TODAY" Horry

Mario "I'm so good for 3 I even knocked up my Wife with Triplets" Ellie

Shawn "7 kids, ha, thats all that yall KNOW of" Kemp

Calvin "14×9, no thats not the picture frame on my desk, that my Kids to Babys Mommas Ratio. Yes I am a master of the FREE Throw, Literally!" Murphy

Kobe "What goes on in Colorado needs to stay in Colorado" Bryant

Bill "Now is this the Face of a Celtics Coach or what" Fitch

Don "I need some more 6'8 players that can run, I have to have a Center and a 4" Nelson

Pat "Step aside Stan" Riley

Red "Dont you make me come up out of this grave PHIL!" Auerbach

Stan "Patrick, AAAUUGGGHH Dwight and his FT's AUUUUGGHHH, talk to the Kid Patrick AAAUUGHGH, why am I screaming like Charlie Brown AAAUUUGGGHHH!!! Vam Gundy

Dikemebe "This is what the Cookie Monster gargling with Gravel sounds like" Mutombo