The 5 hats of graphic designers
Before computers entered the mix, the production of print material was firmly in the hands of graphic designers and printers. It took a very clued-in client to have any idea about the print-production process. Therefore, people were mentally prepared to pay substantial amounts for their logo designs, brochures and annual reports.
That was then. Now, however, things are very different.
Ask most people how they would design a logo or prepare a newsletter and they’d automatically point to the computer, placing their faith in software packages to do the job.
So if a novice can work their way around a photo manipulation or page layout program, why do designers still charge large figures for their services?
Today’s designer must wear many hats, and I talk about some of them in a guest blog post at Liz Strauss’ Successful Blog.
Thank you, Liz, for having me as a guest writer, and thank you Char, at Essential Keystrokes, for awarding me the guest slot through your blog birthday contest.
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7 appreciated comments to “The 5 hats of graphic designers”
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David,
Your article at Successful-Blog shows the value of hiring a trained and talented graphic designer. That guy who picked up his camera phone is just that — some guy with a camera phone — no more, no less. It will show in the way his picture is composed, in the way his visual presentation isn’t quite so satisfying.
Thank you for explaining all of the roles you and other graphic designers fulfill for us. Please keep making our world better.
Liz
1. Cost of education. Whether you are self-taught or spent money learning it at a school you still have to invest time and money to accomplish the design skills that you have.
2. Cost of software and computer. It’s not cheap. About every 2 years or so a new updated graphic design suite will be released and in order to stay up to date with other design tatics you really have to debate to upgrade or not. Also it could possibly require to upgrade or build new computers.
3. New things require more time to learn. It’s ever changing. Time is money.
So when people get confused on why it cost so much even though it could possibly not take a whole lot of time its most likely they don’t understand the investment that really goes in. Don’t worry, there are plenty of people out there that know the investment involved. Those are the people you spend your money and marketing efforts to help meet their needs.
It was a pleasure writing for you and your blog. Thanks again for hosting me.
Brett,
You’ve got it down. The majority of people simply don’t realise the education and experience that most designers have. When you pick up a new client who appreciates the value of good design, it’s always a nice feeling.
David,
I predict that your article at Successful Blog will become a classic for sure. I attempted to feature it on DWB this morning but became swamped with a glitch. So, tomorrow it’ll have to be!
Looks like you’re getting quite a bit of attention for this article, David! Yay! Congrats again :D
Thanks for the compliment! Any time is a good time for a feature on DWB.
Lauren,
Again, thanks very much!
David – fantastic article and a great reminder to all that there is often more to the entire design process than meets the eye.