UKC

I'm thinking of taking up graphic design as a hobby now that I'm retired. I need something that I can do at home that is not weather dependant. I have a PC (obviously)a digital camera and a copy of Photoshop Elements and I think I'm getting a Wacom Tablet for Christmas, I've dropped enough hints

Can anyone suggest how I progress this. I will get some books to learn the techniques but I'm thinking more about what sort of projects to undertake. Without a commercial incentive/client I can't think what to do.

In reply to GridNorth:

Why not look up 'graphic design assignments' on the web? I did and found this:

http://nhsdesigns.com/graphic/projects/index.php

In reply to GridNorth:

Look up 'The Non-Designer's Design Book' by Robin Williams - it's a really good primer for basic principles. 'Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual' by Timothy Samara is also good.

In reply to GridNorth:

Would you be interested in something like fabric design?

I create designs to display/sell on Spoonflower (a fabric printing company). They run a weekly contest with a different theme each week.

It's my zero cost hobby

In reply to Tall Clare:

That's on my list as well.

In reply to tim: looks interesting, I'll give it a try.

In reply to ebygomm: Don't know about that but it's given me an idea. My wife does quilting, I'm sure I could contribute something to that.

In reply to ebygomm:

Oooo! I like Spoonflower!

To OP: Also - how about designing t-shirts for http://www.threadless.com/?