When I was in ad school, people told me that I needed to learn all the programs (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, Flash, Dreamweaver, Action Script, etc.) So whatever I didn’t learn in class I taught myself with online tutorials and many Youtube videos. I can say I learn something new in a program just about everyday. I can also say that I am very comfortable using InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. I know bits and pieces of Final Cut Pro and Dreamweaver. But as far as coding and Flash, it blows my mind.

I know that it’s important to at least understand the functionality and the limitations of programs, but how important is it to be a master at everything? Especially with the hectic schedules of everyday life, how can one learn everything about every program? I mean, in most situations an Art Director isn’t going to be doing the coding unless you’re at a really small shop. Most of that stuff is done by developers and outsourced out.

I think it’s important to be versatile. I’m one of those people that can teach themselves a lot of stuff or if you show me once, I’ll remember it forever. I used to be draw/sketch a lot in high school but kind of dropped it once I went to college. So I’m challenging myself to sketch something everyday. I’m also starting to experiment with photography. I know that I’m not a master at either of them, but I’m still learning something that I can one day bring to an assignment at work. I’m not an expert in iMovie or Final Cut Pro but I give myself assignment so I can at least learn the basics and the limitations of the program.

So is it important to be an expert in all the programs? I think no and I think it’s nearly impossible to be. But, I think it’s important to continue to teach yourself new things and to stay on top of technology.