Everyone is a Graphic Designer

Or at least they think they are!

I’ve had this post in the back of my mind for sometime, debating whether or not to write it, not wanting to sound self-righteous or put anyone down but I can’t help think that the graphic design industry is one that everyone thinks they can dip their toe in if they wish. Not only does this devalue the whole industry but the effects of these toe dippers is harming countless of businesses in the process!

So, why do so many people think they are graphic designers, handing over golden nuggets of creative advice freely?

With Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign only a click away, your next door neighbour, your friends son, your hairdresser, all tell you how easy it is, why you should do it yourself or ‘I can do it for you, it’s easy’. You look online you find countless websites offering pre-designed logos for £10, bingo! Then your on Instagram, post after post in front of you telling you what you should be doing, how to do it, use me I only charge £5 for a logo, the list goes on and on…

I am probably right in saying that not many people would dream of letting an electrician with no qualifications re-wire their house or, a doctor with an online degree treat their serious condition, so why oh why would you not commission a professional Graphic Designer design your logo?

Maybe you don’t know what a proper Graphic Designer is or does, maybe it’s down to money? Either way you probably don’t realise that you are damaging your chances of business success and growth.

“Design is thinking made visual.”

Saul Bass

  

 

So, what is a Graphic Designer?

Professional graphic designers have more than a knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign. We are highly trained creatives that have studied our craft in depth and we have a passion for the process.

A Graphic Designer is a visual problem solver, we have trained comprehensively and thoroughly in design, colour, typography, information management, concept development and we understand how to work with a printing facility, properly setting up files for print production. We are psychologists, understanding how people perceive, react and perform, we filter information through a process that leads to innovative design. But more than that, we have ‘it’… the creative mindset that gave us the interest to become designers in the first place! We are true creatives in the purest form, we can draw, paint, sculpt and turn our hands to a variety of creative outlays with success. I guess it’s easy to see why people want to emulate us!

Why use a Graphic Designer?

When I work with a client I spend time getting to know them, their interests, likes and dislikes, I dig deep into their business ambitions and goals, all the while the creative side of my brain is interpreting this information. Ideas emerge freely of how to visually represent my clients business, ideas that reflect them whilst enticing their target audience, connitations are played out in visual forms combine this with years of training and experience powerful visual communication solutions are born.

The design your friend has created or the pre-made logo you brought online may look pretty but it hasn’t gone through this thought process, it’s just a graphic drawing one that hundreds of other businesses have also downloaded or lacks the finesse of a designed logo. It doesn’t convey your business ideals, it’s generic, static, it’s fine for now. As your business grows this logo will not grow with you, before long you will realise that you need a professional, a re-brand is on the cards. Going down the DIY route inevitably mean you’ll end up investing more in the long run – it’s a false economy.

In conclusion…

Hire a professional from the start, you won’t regret it! Your business will be perceived professional allowing growth from day one. If you’re not sure where to start why not book a free consultation call?