[sudont]

I've seen novices do amazing design work. (Usually they go on to a portfolio school after working for a few year or building a studio, though.)

Practice and good taste is pretty much the only things in design. Low-end design is pretty much just keeping up with the lowest common denominator in design style, anybody moderately trained--or self trained--can do it.

[jon_hendry]

"I've seen novices do amazing design work."

Sure. It happens. But that's not the way to bet.