Graphic Designer's rant. (As of 3 June 2012, this is stream-of-conscious ranting and will be edited after this diatribe is complete... it's not, at this point, complete - by a long shot!)
The following commentary isn't directed at any one in particular, it's directed at those who depend on our services and talents to make what's in their head visible and visually enticing. It's directed specifically at those who lack any diplomatic communication skills when it comes to understanding the creative process (I'm pointing the red laser eye of my mouse at YOU marketing asshats (yes, ASSHATS) who haven't taken the time to understand what it takes to make your vision come to life - yeah, yeah, it's not your job - WWWAAAAHHHHH!!! Take the time to learn the BASIC terminology of what it takes to make your vision come to life. Really understand and know what those terms mean and I assure you the process will be quick and painless and the designers you work with will do anything, work any amount of time, do photo-editing, give you fonts, etc. FOR FREE (or for a very reasonable rate - I can't speak for everyone), if you give some kind of indication that you know whereof you speak and if you're nice when making requests. One attracts more bees with honey than vinegar mind you). Having given days/weeks of my time and talents to clients who are knowledgeable, endearing and understanding, FOR FREE, I know whereof I speak.
be
nice
Let us begin with commentary and revisions: In my experience, the typical process of idea to print or internet (or whatever final product) is:
- Receive an idea/direction/hope from the client about what they'd like the final product to be.
- Present design to client with the expectation that there will be revisions/comments, etc.
Have we heard of punctuation people? Do you understand that we're not mind readers and may not interpret your dialect the same way that it's pulsing through your fingers onto a keyboard? Just because you're hearing your own voice in your head as you pound out your commentary doesn't mean that it's being read in the same tone and cadence.
Let us understand too that just because you can yank an image off the internet, an image that looks clear and lovely on your screen, doesn't always mean that same image will look nearly as clear and lovely in print. I understand 'resolution' is a term familiar to most when it comes to the New Year but it's also a term that defines the d.p.i. (dots per square inch) of a printed item. Typically images yanked of the internet are not of high enough resolution (d.p.i) to print clearly and crisply, especially if you, dear client, want the image enlarged. Take 5 minutes, Google dpi and/or resolution, it's a quick read - PAY ATTENTION! Realize the images you're taking off a website or with your phone could (and probably will) look very amateur when included in the brochure/flyer/website ,etc. How many times have you been drawn to an ad with lovely photography/design and then been compelled to visit the shop/website and made a purchase?
THINK!
Enough unloading for one day... there'll be more, just wait.
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- If only I had the same focus & concentration that my dogs have on whatever I'm eating.
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