Posted by admin | Posted in Graphic Design | Posted on 25-01-2009
Recently, while a myriad of projects have been flying across my desk, some who deem their life’s mission to criticize have been heard flippantly saying, "Design is easy, they just throw on a stock photo and some text."
After first hearing this blatant misspeak I was enraged. But then I laughed. Why? Because it’s absurd. If a laymen REALLY thinks that’s all there is to it, then more power to them, they should try it out sometime and see how they do. Chances are before long, they would start to realize that every piece they design would look exactly the same. I mean, with a "stock photo and text" how much variety can you have?
Recently I encountered one of these nay-sayers. Long story short, in the end, I was asked to design the piece as originally intended. Sometimes your client just may need a little "real-world’ experience to see the reason why designers have to go to classes for years and stay immersed in the newest theory and changes of the industry to stay cutting-edge. It really IS more than just photos and fonts.
Had a similiar situation? Remember, that their ignorance is not a reflection on your ability. It just means they dont’ value you yet. You may be able to stick it out, or you might want to move on, either way, you’ll take your knowledge base with you. Keep designing and do your job. You’ll be glad you did.
That’s probably the most difficult thing about working in a field that’s primarily subjective: It’s easy for the more critical, less introspective individuals out there to make challenges and claims without fear of being confronted with contradictory, hard data to expose them as ignorant.
When these kinds of people are fond of being in the spotlight, they can really take the pleasure out of the profession for everyone around them…especially when they’re in positions of authority.