How can I best change careers from marketing to branding design?

I have a BA Marketing with Film and Media and after c. 7 years of working in marketing for blue chip financial services companies, I'm intent on changing career direction to brand design/corporate identity. I recently completed an MA Graphic Design, but am finding it tough to make the switch.



I've good commercial experience, but am finding my lack of design experience is a hurdle. I now work 4 days a week in FS and 3 days taking on freelance work to boost my portfolio. My designer friends say I'm crazy to want to change careers (due to differences in salary). Any suggestions on how to make the switch would be appreciated.How can I best change careers from marketing to branding design?
Forget what your friends say! Do what makes you happy. It's very possible to land a job at a branding agency, but you should be mindful of how your skills match up with what they're looking for. I got my undergrad degree in graphic design and bounced around for a few years as a web designer/developer (in fin. svcs., much like yourself) and project manager before landing a job at a branding agency as a strategy consultant. There are lots of roles at branding agencies OTHER than design that would allow you to use your design skills AND client/marketing experience from financial services to be a benefit to the company.



I actually went back to school to get more business experience before I got my job, so don't get discouraged. Just remember that branding is more than just logos and brochures. There's a lot of thought that goes into understanding all of the competitive forces facing a brand before anyone ever sketches a prototype or fires up Photoshop. Going this route worked for me. I hope it works for you, too. Check out job leads on sites like RGArecruiting.com for an idea of all of the different positions available to someone with your skill set. Good luck!