Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lorna Bonfield on February 9, 2012 at 9:09pm

I don't know I mean you can gain the right imagery but I think with any design unless you have an eye for it like the small details the correct colours and styles and a happy client (if there is one) then you can. Its like a painting without the right colours and a well suited collaboration it wouldn't appeal.

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Permalink Reply by Dean Neitman on February 9, 2012 at 9:36pm

Software and equipment do not make the artist/photographer/developer etc. It is their ability to create something that is useful to their industry. The level of experience and skill usually shows however but there are rare exceptions to this that are just natural talent like you see in sports sometimes like the Micheal Jordans or Tiger Woods phenoms.

I have heard many times things like "my nephew has Photoshop on his computer, I will just have him make my website for me" and we see the results of this all over the net as bad design and user experience. Sad but... there is a market for this. Those who have businesses and lack funds for promotion and or eye for quality work will always be open to accepting work like this.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Weiand on February 10, 2012 at 4:43am

As far as saying that anyone can design because they bought (or pirated) a copy of the Adobe suite? No. In that example I would absolutely have to say that they, in no way, are a designer. Unfortunately, this happens all too often and most of the time clients who are small business owners aren't knowledgeable enough to ask for a portfolio of work examples. I can't tell you how many clients I've had that come to me upset with a complete mess of project from someone who thought a piece of software magically made them a designer. The good part is that these faux designers are sending me work; the bad part is that it's usually a start from scratch situation and it's a little harder to restore the clients trust in the industry.

That being said, I think that anyone can be taught to be, at the very least, a competent designer. With the right training and study I think that anyone can pretty much do anything they set their mind to.

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Permalink Reply by Vector on February 10, 2012 at 4:53am

Thank you for your opinions, I'd have to agree with the issues raised so far.  Does anyone think that the openness of design software is bad for the industry? Personally I think that everyone should have the right to buy the software, but I think the problem is the fact that non-designers automatically assume they're a designer, when in reality they've only done a bit of work maybe for themselves or for a friend (for example). Obviously then, there's a difference between wanting to be a designer and just doing the occasional job for personal use etc. If there was a limitation on access to the software, surely young designers wouldn't develop? 

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Permalink Reply by Eric Weiand on February 10, 2012 at 7:24am

I don't think limiting the software is a good idea at all for just the reason that you stated. Without access to the programs new people that want to be designers wouldn't be able to develop their skill. The only real way to counter act the "I have the program and now I'm a designer" mentality is to educate clients and potential clients on the benefits of hiring an actual, proven designer.

There will always be people who have an "aunt's, cousin's, friend's, brother that has photoshop" and there will always be people that will want something for free/cheap. Hopefully, by educating and having decent work we can help to convince people that hiring a professional is the way to go. 

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Permalink Reply by Dean Neitman on February 10, 2012 at 10:41am

Yep, I agree with Eric. I am already thinking of ways to add more information regarding client education to my next portfolio site build... the reason why professional design maybe worth their investment both in short term and long term goals.

I work close with marketing and sales groups and I am learning that one important factor these days is talking conversion rate vs. amount invested. Start explaining how subtle design features can enhance conversion which means more dollars in their pocket and then it gets the ball rolling sometimes ;)

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Permalink Reply by Sean Jamshidi on February 10, 2012 at 8:57pm

Unfortunately pretty much everyone claims to be a graphic designer but a few have professional work. Quality clients that pay well, appreciate true talent and those are the ones that are educated about the value of good design. It is not the software that makes the designer, it is years of design training/school/ work experience that makes one look valid. Also a good portfolio and list of real clients and their testimonial adds to this.

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Permalink Reply by Alaa Kabalan on February 20, 2012 at 8:35pm

The software doesn't make you a designer. It is just a tool. It is the designer's skills with that tool and without it that makes him/her a designer. "Anyone can become a designer" might be more accurate, if one works on developing his/her skills and knowledge, that should not be diluted to just an extensive knowledge in a software or many.. 

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Permalink Reply by Veronika Dullová on February 27, 2012 at 1:20am

Anyone can buy a guitar, but not anyone can become a musician. Knowing how to play guitar doesn´t mean to have the ability to come up with original and good songs. This can for some people be achieved through learning and training, but that´s a slighty different topic.

And should the access to the software be limited? I personally don´t think so. Not everyone knows from the very beginning, that he/she wants to become a professional designer. Some people try the software first, just for fun, and then become more enthusiastic about design. And honestly, it sounds snobish to me, telling, who can/should get the software and who not. And it doesn´t even solve the problem, only changing the mentality of people does, like Eric said. For example by telling them "I know, how to change oil in my car, does it make me a mechanic?" or "Should I let my cousin repair my car, just because he has the tools, even with no experience?" For some reason they just don´t get the fact, that even in this area it comes to quality, but that can be shown.

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Permalink Reply by Andy on February 27, 2012 at 7:43am

I disagree with the fact that anybody can do graphic design.

Even though there are tools that can easily make somebody a graphic designer, one has to have a certain taste that is crucial in the area of design. This taste is not inherited nor can be adopted. It is born within you and hammered within your DNA and it's changing and adapting to your perceptions everyday.

Without it, good graphic design is not achievable. Bad taste equals bad design.

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Permalink Reply by Mochaccino on February 29, 2012 at 11:04am

yes, it's like any skill. HOWEVER, nobody can 'out of the box'. It is profession, after all.

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Permalink Reply by Saya on March 1, 2012 at 12:14pm

It seems we all say the same thing and agree "software and tools" won't make anyone an artist.

However, we have to admit that with new software and tools your concept and mind rules. The old school idea that all designers should be professional in hand drawing or painting in traditional way is not valid any more. Now new ideas and fresh concepts rules, which software can help you execute it much easier. In this sense, we have new generation of artists that not necessarily fit in the traditional way.

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