Comments on: Life after Love

By: bwlucas

bwlucas — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:22:57 +0000

This is what I found so interesting about watching the client presentations in Practicum this semester for the A&WMA logo. I have never been presented with the idea to actually share all of the process with a client. It seems to add an extra value to the final result as opposed to throwing down a finished piece of “this is where I ended up.” Process is an education in itself.

But slightly back on topic to the original post with a random quote. A friend of mine once told me that “there’s a fine line between salary and slavery.”

By: tinnevl

tinnevl — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:18:35 +0000

I think that often the “average joe” or really small companies looking for a logo/website don’t understand the value of good design, and they simply want something to “look cool” or as I would say, something aesthetically pleasing. Yet I still believe that that can, and should, be done in a critical way and with lots of meaning behind every design decision. It is not only your job to design something for your client, it is often also your job to educate your client on why good (thoughtful) design is important for them and their business.

And if said potential client does not understand the importance of research and process and is not willing to pay for that, it is always your right to decline their offer, though again, this should be done after you try to educate them on the importance of it all.

By: dkapa

dkapa — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:02:18 +0000

NEVER SAY NEVER. MUAHAHA.

By: rberesh

rberesh — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:58:05 +0000

“abandon alot of our “conceptual ideas” to design “something cool””

i hope this is never me in the professional world. if it’s you then pay less money at a different college to learn the programs.

By: zakk barozzini

zakk barozzini — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:25:51 +0000

It’s tough to change the way we’re viewed by some clients. At least that’s my experience. But occasionally you find that one job where the client understands who you are and what you do. And usually that job is pretty fun.
Of course all the great designers we look at today have had plenty of cruddy jobs that didn’t make it into their portfolios. I believe this is normal. Don’t get bent out of shape, get paid and move on. Strive for something fun and exciting. And if you can’t find it, make it for yourself.

Don’t listen to me, I’m just rambling.

By: megan deal

megan deal — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:41:11 +0000

Interesting conclusion shanasty….so then would you propose that we abandon everything that we’ve been taught during our time here? Do you suggest that we “give in” and succumb to the desires of the “unread” clients that we encounter? Unfortunately, this is the exact type of attitude that lends itself to the general public’s misunderstanding of design as a professional practice. Without a critical voice, and without personal integrity, we are indeed the “mouse movers” and simple “makers of things” that we’re all to often pegged. Sure we have to survive; we have to pay rent, we have to eat, and yes…we have to pay back loans, but what’s wrong with changing the way we’re viewed in the process. Lets not give up or give in. What really do we have to loose?

By: shanasty

shanasty — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:52:35 +0000

I have come to realize that when we leave CCS, yes we are going to probably abandon alot of our “conceptual ideas” to design “something cool” for a client unfortunitly not everyone out there is as well read on the subject of design like us at CCS. We must do what we must to get paid.

By: afarhat

afarhat — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:44:25 +0000

I agree with cjames, the work I do in my own time often gives me a chance to explore new things and reminds me why I’m doing this.

By: jjeanguenat

jjeanguenat — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 04:23:13 +0000

In addition, I think having non “design” hobbies and interests is just as important and keeps us well-rounded.

By: cjames

cjames — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:02:27 +0000

I also agree with jjeanguenat. Taking time to do our own art is so important. This gives us time to explore things that we can’t in school. Its a nice break from what we “have” to do, allowing us to have full control of what we want to do. Its also a nice way to keep you excited about design and start thinking about what you want to do after school.