Some people just don't appreciate a creative mind. Ask any graphic designer!
There seems to be a lack of understanding about the amount of work that goes
into the art of graphic design. There's a misconception that all they do is
doodle all day.
Aries Galindo and Sherry Stinson are two graphic designers who have felt
the frustration of not getting the recognition they deserve. Galindo works
for a website design firm in Seattle. Stinson has her own design firm in Sapulpa,
Oklahoma.
"You'll encounter unhappy clients who won't see the hours or days of work
you put into a project, only that they don't like where you put a line on
their poster," says Galindo. "People may look at you and think you don't have
the brains to amount to anything because you have a degree in art." She has
faced this attitude on more than one occasion.
Stinson's been there, too. "People have a hard time understanding why it
would take a while to create something on a computer. They think you're just
playing or having fun instead of really working. That is really frustrating.
"Most people think that you can just punch a button and it's done. They
think because secretaries all have a computer on their desk, a good page layout
program and laser printer, that they're 'designers.' You still see ads in
the newspaper for graphic designers to work for $6 an hour and that's ridiculous.
It took me 15 years to learn everything I know and honey, believe me, I'm
not working for $6 an hour!"
Neither is designer Winslow Delaney. He has worked extensively in multimedia.
At home, Delaney is an accomplished artist, working with acrylics and watercolors.
At work, however, it's a very different medium.
"I never touch a pencil at work," says Delaney. Not only is his work done
on computer, but it never leaves the screen. "I design the visual interfaces
for interactive multimedia programs. In other words, all I do is sit and design
screens."
The most difficult part of the job, according to Stinson, is keeping up
with all the new releases of software. "You constantly have to buy and upgrade
software to keep up with the industry."
Galindo agrees that computer knowledge is essential. "You can get an inkling
of how advanced it will be as everything becomes more streamlined and 'wired.'
Computers can do a lot, but it still needs a heart."
Though computer skills are essential, artistic ability ranks about even
in importance. Delaney maintains that an eye for design is a key to doing
a good job.
"You have to have a sensibility as to how stuff should be
composed. You have to have an eye for what goes where, and how that will appeal
to people."
Speaking of sensibility, graphic artists have the best of two worlds. They
can be very involved in the business end of things, and if they're self-employed,
that is extremely important. Graphic designers, unlike many artistic people,
can make a good living.
Another point on the upside is the thrill of seeing your work -- something
you've created -- in a magazine or catalog. And you can become part of a creative
team with freedom to make the best.
You may get the opportunity to learn cutting-edge technology. You may be
the inspiration a small company needs to become a real moneymaker. And though
not everyone will understand the brains behind the business, others will be
in awe of your talents.
The bottom line is, you'll be creating art.