What you really should know about ‘designers’

Anyone who’s crossed paths with a ‘designer’ will tell you that it was a bit bumpy along the way – miscommunication, misunderstanding and sometimes even ‘missed-the-plot completely’ are all common issues. So why is this, and what effect does it have on the professionals in the industry – who actually do care?

Well generally it’s because of these 3 things that a ‘designer’ won’t tell you:

1. Something like – they used to be a decorator, and fancied a change of career to channel their ‘creativity’ into something different
2. They don’t actually have the experience they say they do – “I’ve been in the creative industry for 10 years” actually means they started life as an art-worker and after 9 years decided to change gear a bit by reading a few design manuals to eventually emerge as a fully fledged- and so called ‘designer’
3. Their portfolio is – well – ‘not theirs’! Yep, this happens.
   

All shocking but sadly true. I have discovered all of the above when working with designers. So why does this enrage me? Because I am a qualified, professional designer with over 25 years in the creative industry, and the fact that you’re now thinking ‘hang on you’ve just told me ‘designers’ deceive, makes me nervous about reading on’ is exactly why. So is it easy to differentiate between the real deal and the fakers? Not if you know what to look for.

And that’s why you SHOULD read on because here’s what makes a designer a professional creative…

• A really experienced designer will have the knowledge to know how to create something that isn’t just a useless masterpiece.
• A real designer will have a fundamental grounding in typography and how to use it to lead the reader in the right way.
• Real designers know how to work subliminal messages into their creations.
• Design with purpose is always at the forefront of any real designers creative thought processes.
• Really clever designers use their experience to guide the audience without losing their attention or focus.
• Real design gets real results.

And to help, here’s a few questions you SHOULD ask any designer before you start on any creative journey with them:

1. Where have you been? Ask about their career, a brief overview will do here.
2. How did you get there? Ask about any qualifications.
3. What tools do you use? Ask about their skills, what programmes are they proficient in.
4. What did you pick up along the way? Who’s their clients, who’ve they worked with.
5. What have you achieved? Ask to see some examples or case studies and testimonials.
6. Can I check? Ask if they mind you contacting a client to get their opinion. If there’s nothing to hide a real designer will offer you this option.

Simples!

Have a question you’d like to ask? Fire away…