Being a graphic or web designer in this climate nowadays is TOUGH. I mean very tough. Talent coming out of art school these days will be faced with the harsh reality of market dilution and over saturation of untrained folks who like to call themselves “graphic designers” or “web designers”.

As someone who has 15+ years of career experience, I am bearing witness to the decline of a skill that entails artistry, innovation, vision and a sensibility to turn a simple, clear, scented, gelatinous liquid into something that stands out on a shelf. Everything from the shape of the bottle to the label and color palette, relates to design. When a potential employer or client is faced with question of who they might hire to, lets say, design their website. These people usually look at the bottom line – cost. I see it on Craigslist ALL THE TIME! I mean there’s a post on Craigslist right now that reads; “Web Developer $15 hr”. ? Seriously? 15 bucks? Is THAT IT? I’m almost positive I can get a no-brainer job for $15. Another thing I see are potential clients wanting designs on spec! By that I mean design for free so they can pick and choose free designs from a host of desperate so-called, “graphic designers”. And what’s stopping the companies from just flat-out ripping off their designs? I have to stop myself from responding to these people and explain to them the difference of someone who has just discovered photoshop and is looking for work and someone who is a skilled professional. It makes me sick.

This dilution is problematic and is destroying everything the Graphic Artists Guild has established in their seemingly long forgotten “Pricing and Ethical Guidelines” book. This book was established to assist artists in the industry to prevent the very thing that is happening now – market dilution. Within the pages of this book is a fantastic wealth of information that not only could inspire would-be designers to perhaps go to school and learn the craft but even help bring the integrity of the whole graphic design industry up to a new level. I think our industry is one of the only industries where salaries have gone down instead of up. Pretty soon flipping burgers will pay as much as companies would pay a graphic designer. And in some cases those salaries and hourly rates have sadly intersected.

Where does this responsibility lie then? Is it in the choice of the company who is looking to cut corners or is it in the responsibility of those who call themselves graphic and web designers? I mean most of my business is having to fix the mess what self professed graphic and web designers have made to begin with. Unfortunately, for the prospective company they pay three times. One when they hire their reasonably priced graphic designer. Two when they find out the person they hired did a crappy job. And three, to hire me to redesign all that could have been designed correctly to begin with. That’s why its important to choose your talent wisely. Experienced designers can do twice the amount of work in half the time of someone of lesser experience. So um… what’s the problem with those monetary figures?

Ultimately, the group of designers I know have to fight against the disgrace made against the career path they have chosen to be trained in and suffer the consequences of this twisted metamorphasis. But it is my belief that our continued innovation and steadfast perseverance will tear down this nauseating facade and elevate our industry back to where industry standards should be.

Can I get an AMEN!!

So yeah… it’s been awhile since my last update. Typically its a business’s own website that suffers most while producing work for others. The portfolio is updated and in some cases trimmed down a bit. I mean I didn’t have to show every DVD ever produced did I? I’ve also found some web banners buried inside job folders that I put up there as well.

To the left is the new 2008 Catalog for my client Paradise Herbs that I’ve produced for their upcoming trade show. Other items I’m producing for the show include their booth graphics, header cards for the product displays, product brochures and other odds and ends.

In other news, I am actively looking for new companies to produce work for. If you look at my portfolio, you know what I’m capable of. I’m particularly interested in working directly with companies involved in action sports, tobacco, beverages, pharmaceuticals, automotive, entertainment and other consumer oriented products. Okay, my work is finished here fellow earth dwellers. Enjoy your the rest of your weekend.

As usual the ebb and flow of business is a continuous roller coaster ride. This hasn’t been more apparent than this month of August. The first week was unusually slow, so naturally I continued to focus on updating my website and portfolio, while taking advantage of the lull. Then on the 7th I got pummeled with work. Hot, hot and more hot deadlines.

This week I just completed two websites for Geneon Entertainment. The websites are for two different titles - When They Cry and Samurai Horror Tales. I was able to produce two websites within three days. The powers that be were pleased at the speedy turnaround. So thank you to the main man who came to me for these projects!

Another iron in the fire was an ad re-design for my client Paradise Herbs. They were unhappy with their current direction so they asked me to turn it around, punch it up and give it some life. I got a call this morning and they loved it. So once I finish this entry I’ll jump back in and finesse the copy. In fact… I better go now.

Okay I’m back because I forgot to mention the fantastic printing job that America’s Printer did on my business cards. At will call I noticed it was the printed in high-gloss UV and not the matte AQ finish. Because I needed the cards for the car show over last weekend, they insisted on me taking several hundred cards with me while they correct the printing job. After printing them they shipped it next day free of charge. The cards are beautiful and the color, most importantly is dead on. That’s it, I’m done rambling.