Comments on: Graphic Design: Hobby or Career?

By: Aforke

Aforke — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:49:44 +0000

I read through you questions and comments. It is interesting. I am a Nigerian doing my masters programme in graphics. Please can you help me with Some researchable topics on illustrations in communication design? Mail them to my box if you can. Thanks.

By: Lisa Raymond

Lisa Raymond — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 06:34:15 +0000

I am a professional graphic designer. My definition of professional is: with each piece I create, I not only try to keep a certain style in mind for branding, I try to communicate an effective message for the client’s target audience. I work closely with print shops to ensure the file format, resolution, coloring, and anything else they need for a successful print job is given to them (upon client approval of finished project). I work closely with web developers/programmers to ensure I don’t make a design they can’t put together for the web and still pay close attention to color schemes, tone, and appropriate graphics for both effective communication and branding.

I enjoy the enthusiasm and energy of the group you describe as hobbyists, Preston; I like interacting with them to learn new techniques I’m not aware of and try to apply these techniques with the principles I was taught. I think it may be easier for this to pick up on basic design principles than my definition of a hobbyist: a person who does not pay attention not just to basics, but to the needs of either a developer or print shop, and who considers designing in MS Word or Publisher “good enough” for their clients’ needs. My definition of a hobbyist takes either the programmer/developer and printer for granted, figuring they can do whatever is handed to them, period. In my opinion, if a graphic designer doesn’t work closely with the other professions, how can the project move forward? Just a thought.

By: Tony

Tony — Sat, 01 May 2010 22:54:39 +0000

I am a professional and really enjoyed this article. While I don’t mind that there are many hobbyists out there in the graphic design community, I also feel that they water down the talent pool quite a bit. Sure the hobbyist can make really beautiful things in photoshop, but that is just what it is and nothing more. There is no real color theory behind it or a purpose. When there is no goal or “problem” to solve, it really is just art.

By: Tony Gil

Tony Gil — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:38:58 +0000

Is a graphic designer just a tool, or problem solver? Sure, everyone is creative but a “good designer” wether educated or not should understand and see the principal of design because that makes a good design. Letting the client make whatever changes they want is wrong. It’s our part of our job as designers to educate and let customers know why something does or does not work. I’ve had great experience with this process. A successful design is one that everyone feels a part of.

I think the professional and hobbies share good qualities and they both should be combined. It’s good exercise to let loose and simply be creative, forget any rules, just let your imagination go. At the same time it’s also good to restrict yourself and pay attention to the details such as color, balance and space.

With the above combination you will look forward to be a more successful, happier designer who will be excited to wake up and sit in front of his/her computer.

By: Kiren

Kiren — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:01:17 +0000

In either case, the professional sometimes lacks creativity over the hobbyist who has more time to get good at what he or she does. I think if the hobbyist were to go to school and learn the business more, they would be better off than the straight out of high school to college professional.

By: 6 Graphic Design Predictions made in 1999 | Graphic Design Blender

6 Graphic Design Predictions made in 1999 | Graphic Design Blender — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:30:36 +0000

[...] least thinking they are] designers. This means that Graphic Design is no longer seen as a dead-end career or hobby, but a profitable career [...]

By: How graphic design can solve problems and save lives « Insomniac Drivel

How graphic design can solve problems and save lives « Insomniac Drivel — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:47:01 +0000

[...] do graphic designers solve?” That was a recent question that I got from a reader in response to an article here on Graphic Design Blender. He continues his question by adding, “If you’re at an airport [...]

By: How graphic design can solve problems and save lives | Graphic Design Blender

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:03:48 +0000

[...] graphic designers solve?” That was a recent question that I got from a reader in response to an article here on Graphic Design Blender. He continues his question by adding, “If you’re at an [...]

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:26:18 +0000

P.S. I know this isn’t the absolute last answer to the question or to the webdesignerdepot article.
It was just my favorite answer.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:13:01 +0000

Great article, thank you.

I especially liked: The most successful designs are those that most effectively communicate their message and motivate their consumers to carry out a task.

I’m guessing that’s what problem solving in graphic design is: effectively communicating a message that motivates an action.

I guess my main problem was simply semantics, my idea of problem solving isn’t the same as a designer’s idea of problem solving.

I found a chapter in a book that explains this better than I can:
The education of a graphic designer by Steven Heller – The Problem with Problem Solving – Pg 145

This is what I was going to write before I read the article you mentioned:

Problem: old packaging did not break through the clutter.
Solution: redesign the packaging.

Problem: design appeals to wrong target audience.
Solution: redesign packaging to appeal to specific audience.

But my problem is, why did the original designer (the designer whos packaging you are going to fix) design what he did.
What was the problem he was solving?

end

Answer from the article: effectively communicating a message that motivates an action.

Thanks again.