Simian Design

Not sure you've correctly interpreted my article, so let me be more clear:

1. In every profession there are those who excel and those who are hacks. Saying so is not elitist, its just being honest about things. One of the problems with graphic design is that anyone can call themselves a designer, regardless of talent or experience. And yes, anyone can learn to design. Anyone can learn to play the violin, but that doesn't mean they should play for the philharmonic.

2. My point here is not about equating price with qualification (although some correlation does, necessarily, exist). Rather, that many buyers of design are not able to discern good from bad in terms of how successfully a designer or firm employs their craft on behalf of their client. In the absence of such an ability decisions are often based on economics, because that is the one quantitative aspect of the equation. In these cases, the important qualitative factors aren't appropriately considered. This isn't to suggest that the client will always choose the cheapest design firm, nor that the least expensive option is necessarily the worst. It simply means that the client has not been engaged in a true consideration of design. As a consequence, the designer is faced with an uphill battle as they attempt to work with that client.

I should also say that I do not have an adversarial relationship with clients. Again, I am simply make an observation of circumstances, that we might take some proactive steps to address them.

3. I'm split on my thinking here too. On the wouldn't hand, wouldn't it be great if there were standards that supported designers as a group. On the other, who wants to standardize a creative process

1. My initial reaction to reading the article was the basis for many of these thoughts. The comment about the 'hacks' made me react. I do think that there are trained designers (whether or not self-trained or schooled) and those that just do what they call design. I call them bad designers myself.

2. Its a rare client that understands the value of good design. That education process is part of the process I've always found. But you can't pitch that education process. I've always found that if a client was going to be a repeat client, then I'll do the education process for the long-term...meaning I'll gladly give my time and blow my time to get the client to better understand the value of design time. This allows me to bill properly latter, and have the client understand what they are getting.

3. After thinking about this, I think that any standards that were created would be broken immedately. I don't know if standards would be the right word to apply. Maybe trends would be a better benefit, allowing designers to see what is currently working, what is currently selling. This allows for flexibility over time.

Thanks for the comments. I do think the article was a good one, and raised some valuable points.