They want a designer and to eat cake too!
The other night I dreamt that I wrote a blog about chocolate cake.
It was an impassioned plea to pastry chefs around the world to please stop messing with the reality that is chocolate cake. To make chocolate cake what it is...a chocolate cake. I am a purist when it comes to my chocolate cake. I do not want it to taste like cherries or oranges..I do not want it made out of carobs., nor do I want it to taste like coffee or mocha...just chocolate cake. Yes, it can be embellished with more chocolate..say chocolate chips or multiple gooey layers of chocolate icing. If the cake itself is chocolate, I will even accept vanilla icing on top. Sprinkles are always good too.
But, when you say chocolate cake, that is what it should be. There should be no hidden surprises when I bite into it. I know there are people out there that say, like a hint of raspberry in their chocolate, and I am not denying them that pleasure. But, if you make a raspberry chocolate cake, call it that!! Don't try to trick me into eating it by falsely claiming it is a yummy delicious chocolate cake.
Unfortunately, it was only a dream and really, should that actually be a blog entry? Should I become "one of those" bloggers?
But, I thought it was funny and silly and should be mentioned. Then I realized that this does tie into my profession, albeit a stretch some may say, but it does make a good analogy.
In looking for new clients and searching for jobs, it is inevitable that I will read many want ad descriptions for designers. They are quite unbelievable at times.
Wanted: Graphic Designer
Requirements: Must know all layout and design software such as Quark, Illustrator and Photoshop. Knowledge of Corel Draw a plus. Must also know Dreamweaver, Flash, Final Cut and Aftereffects. Must have programming and development skills. Must know Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint. Must be able to work in both Mac and PC environments. Must be able to illustrate by hand and provide all initial design comps as sketches. Must be able to work under strict deadlines, in intense situations and be able to jump from job to job. Knowledgeable in PHP and SQL helpful. Copy writing experience along with proof-reading required. Light office duties will be required as well, so quickbooks is a plus.
Fine, if that is what you want, then that is what you want. And Yes, I do know a few people who can do all that is stated above and can do it well. BUT don't follow that up with an insult and offer them $12/hour.
In this day and age everyone wants something for free or close to it. Just because it is hard to tangibly explain what it is a designer does, does not mean that translates into cheap labor or that you need to trick us into applying for your job. You will get what you paid for in the end.
What I suggest is this = hire a freelancer or a design firm that can help you in all areas that you need. These people will have contacts or employees on staff that will be handle whatever you throw at them. Or, at least the resources to help you take the time and money to research what each and every position requires.
To also help save on costs, take the time to research what it is you actually want. Nothing runs up a design bill faster (not to mention strains relations) than indecision and poor planning. An established relationship, with a good designer, means you have someone to turn too to help you brainstorm, research and work out what it is you really want.
Now, you may be sitting there scoffing at me thinking to yourself "Sensitive artist...why don't they just take the job and suck it up already?" But, in reality, when you go to your accountant asking for help in retirement planning what do they do? They give you some helpful direction, then either refer you to a financial planner they work with, or they bring someone in from their staff that specializes in that. Do you expect them to do your taxes, your payroll, your financial planning then go fix your toilet? And pay them $12 to do it? No.
So, in the end, don't put fruit in my dessert and call it a chocolate cake, and don't group all concentrations of visual arts in one ad and call it a graphic designer.
