I'm ok with work stress, it's the personal matters that stress me, that is why I am considering some place further than KL.

I want to try a new industry because I want to explore what I can do with what I have and I want to experience new things. I'm not ready to settle for the higher level of same route yet. I know I'm a bit dreamy

age is not the limit brother. do anything you want as long as you put effort in it.
im also a DTP artist like you at the moment, whereas im actually more to 3D. but i've learned a lot in the past few months here. hehe

i just go through your posts.. are you still working in the same company?

i joined this new company as a creative designer.

I asked for macbook pro ... they gave me one...

They never look at my portfolio during interview process...because the meeting room dun hv power outlet...

The pay is not so high still less than 5k...but upon my conformation in 2 months, i hope can get at least 5k in salary.

Im 35 with slightly above 10 years of working experience...

Im sure you can work your way up to 5k salary. Just need to work hard with more creative output and a pro-active role. Wish my company can give me a macbook pro also

Actually you/everyone can ask for it. All you have to do is to justify why you need it.

As for me, my point was for future proof and remain relevant for the next 3-5 years. Another thing would be, most of the time I may need to prepare my work at home

yup work hard is what I'm doing. Basically once you the designer turned to parenthood, you may wonder someday are you still wanna wakeup being a designer?

As for me, why not. Its keeping me young and trendy and fun...

I want to ask you guys here. What would you do if the boss is underpay you. Yet asking you to do outside job such as asking for banner or logo for the boss own good? will you do it?

do, but same time find new job

Nothing wrong with doing design even when aged, most important is you enjoy.

Last night I went to CNY dinner with an ex colleagues.

This one lady around my age (2 years younger) hand over her biz card. Written Deputy Senior Manager, Strategic Marketing as her job position for UEM...

She asked me what do I do for living.

So I answered her.... I'm a graphic designer...

Instantly she looked at me with that "look"

I think at this point of life I need to Rebrand myself.. I shall call myself nowdays onward UXD (User experience designer)

Being graphic designer here in malaysia is under rated.

The term User Experience Designer is very new in Malaysia because everyone who's a designer wants to coin themselves as 1 of the 'canggih' titles. Though how much do they really understand the role of the title is a very different story. LOL!

Here's an article (http://www.fastcodesign.com/3032719/ui-ux-who-does-what-a-designers-guide-to-the-tech-industry?amp&amp&amp) which I read that interpreted the roles of UI, UX, visual, frontend and others quite clearly. As a fellow designer who's been specializing in websites for more than 5 years, I personally lose respect of designers who coin themselves with titles which they aren't specialize in...

I believe in the field of graphic design now, there are specializations from illustrators and more.

And here's a tip of what you can do differently when answering someone who asks you, what do you do. If you love illustrations, you could maybe say... "I illustrate real life on paper".

hi guys, just wanted to ask. how the hell do u guys start freelancing.
eg: the contacts. im sure most to make extra income on freelance, u
guys must have contacts from other people in other agencies or field.
I have done any freelance job ever since i finished study which was July
Last year.

gain more experience 1st.

meet more people in field, be closed to supplier.

3-5k sound ok bro anything less may be dodgy

Tell your family and friends of what you do... if you've time to do personal projects, complete them and share them on your social media accounts...

Other means online are joining websites like elance etc to bid for jobs..

i thought ux is more to web, app and those digital
ui is more to graphic...
btw.. ur salary is higher than me much much more @@
mine nt even reach 3k

It actually depends on which com u work with, get more contribute more. Working hard is not what we designer are made of, BE CREATIVE and BRING RESULTS is what we are, we see things upside down and lots more.

late to the party, but more than willing to speak

@junkieG - well, in some way i kinda envy u. roughly same age, but i dont think my current company can ever get me even near 4k. thinking of changing company, but not sure thats a good move or not

@remic - being creative is important, but working hard is equally important as well. creative brings out the idea, but hardwork makes the idea reality. its like a car: u need oil (creative) to keep on going, but are you going anywhere without tires (hardwork)?

There's no harm updating your online portfolio and sending out your updated resume to companies you may want to gain experience and grow further.

If you've no complaints about your current company, then consider discussing with your superior / director about the salary and responsibilities you're prepared to handle. Don't just use "X years with company" as a reason because from the business owner's view, if your tasks and responsibilities can be taken over easily by another hire then you've a weak case for negotiation.

The other view of it when you decide to change company is decide what do you want to achieve - salary / skills / personal development etc. When you have a goal in mind, it makes breaking down the decision better.

Well, that's enough rambling from me.

sorry etsuko - mind elaborate abit?

i'm the main guy in my office that handles 3D/visualization work. in fact, that is what i was hired for.

shouldn't my main priority be completing my task and be better at it?

are you saying that i should branch out in other area's, become a 'multitasking' person?