Comments on: All Designers should read this Post

By: syncopatedtravis

syncopatedtravis — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:33:22 +0000

i’m a designer too, and nowadays its hard to offer my services to people who are already convinced that i should be doing this for free. now, its hard to establish myself in the scene, much more to establish the value of my works. I haven’t been in the business for a long time, but I am appalled by low-grade design jobs people publish on the streets just to avoid paying the necessary costs of quality graphic design. peace out!

By: The Making of the Living Room Photography Studios | Bad Bullfrog

The Making of the Living Room Photography Studios | Bad Bullfrog — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:06:44 +0000

[...] So, we hid in the bushes and sat down for days and nights as we tried to look for an alternative way to do photography in this country. (As I suggested something similar for the design industry.) [...]

By: Let go of your Opinions and Disagree with Yourself | Bad Bullfrog

Let go of your Opinions and Disagree with Yourself | Bad Bullfrog — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:20:43 +0000

[...] week, I expressed my opinions on spec work which apparently, pissed off some personalities in the design community. But those are my personal [...]

By: All Designers should Read this Post (Part 2) | Bad Bullfrog

All Designers should Read this Post (Part 2) | Bad Bullfrog — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:17:54 +0000

[...] previous post on how the Free industry has been developing and damaging the design world has been met with a relatively high number of varied reactions considering how tiny my blog is. But [...]

By: Dwight

Dwight — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:01:32 +0000

@Joann EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE PAID FOR GOODS/SERVICES RENDERED. – I couldn’t agree more. And I like what you said about how you’re applying it to situations even outside design. Specialists who invested time and effort in mastering their skills need to be paid a premium as compared to those who simply keep on cutting price tags.

@Lauren Honestly, I do have personal apprehensions against less expensive design alternatives who keep on competing with price rather than value, and it is not without reason. Try to see it for a while in the perspective of a designer working in a 3rd world country where people and businesses have less cash, and are less willing to pay— it really is a totally different ball game. Realistically, people here don’t think of design as an investment; it’s a luxury. But on the brighter side, I do agree with you that people who value design are still out there, and we have to find where they’re hiding. I really appreciate the comment!

@Lester yep, that’s why I was inspired to write about it!

By: Lester

Lester — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Did you read Seth Godin’s response to Malcolm Gladwell’s review?
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/06/malcolm-is-wrong.html

By: LaurenMarie - Creative Curio

LaurenMarie - Creative Curio — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:40:32 +0000

I think there will always be businesses who know the value of design. Nike, Coca-Cola and Disney will never hire the dime a dozen Photoshoppers. And there are plenty of smaller businesses and entrepreneurs who think the same way.

I go back and forth being mad about these cheaper alternatives, but then I remember that if I am a person who pays more for things because I value the expertise and experience of a professional (in whatever field) then there are certainly others like me who are seeking designers—I just have to find them!

Dwight, it sounds like you are coming against a lot of businesses who are not valuing you as a designer. I think it takes experience marketing yourself and persuading people of the value of design before you’ll overcome this opposition. Get away from the price war. Talk about value because that is what matters. The question I always like to ask is, “What is the value of a new customer/client to you? Is it worth this price?”

By: Joann Sondy

Joann Sondy — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:25:46 +0000

A very articulate position against the “Freemium” way of doing business. The analogy with musicians is one that I see being used quite often and I think we need to fully define the differences between using/offering samples vs paying for services rendered.

I absolutely refuse to accept that after dedicating myself to a creative career that I should be expected to lower my prices or work on spec. I apply this same mindset to individuals/companies that I hire for business and personal purposes.

Bottom line: EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE PAID FOR GOODS/SERVICES RENDERED.

It’s really about what the purchaser is willing to pay!

By: Dwight

Dwight — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:30:10 +0000

@David In your current state, you’re already untouchable by these “free designers.” The David Airey brand has been around long enough providing continuous value to those seeking excellent design. In your case, the positivity is expected as the chasm between you and these free designers is clearly defined. In short, you’re already up there.

The difficult situation I’m seeing is that for the newer and younger designers who are trying to penetrate the market and battling the Free design culture, things are getting increasingly difficult each day. Perhaps I’m seeing things in a different light in our country’s context where people are evidently not used to paying for design. (A 50$ logo is already considered expensive here.)

And yes, I’m following SpecWatch. The stats are just insane.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:09:48 +0000

Quite damning sentiments about the design industry there, Dwight. As with anything, there are pros and cons, and the negativity surrounding “free design” can be countered by the positive force pushing the passionate designers towards becoming better.

Comparisons to any other industry or profession will never be exact, and you can pick holes in the difference between musicians and designers (musicians create for all, designers creates for one), though ultimately I believe the more we’re exposed to ineffective design, the more the talent will rise to the top.

On a related note, are you following @SpecWatch on Twitter? Now there are some damning reports about the value of “free”.