Using an inexperienced designer on the cheap however will usually end up costing you more in the long run . . . both in terms of mistakes that will almost certainly be made during the production process and also in terms of the value that is lacking in the designs that are produced. The old adage is true; you do get what you pay for.

Spec work shows a lack of understanding and respect
Asking for spec work shows a lack of understanding and respect for the value of effective design as well as the time of the professionals who are asked to provide it and therefore reflects on your personal practices and standards and may be harmful to the professional reputation of both you and your business.

There are very few professions where potential candidates are asked to do the work first and subsequently allowing the buyer to choose which one of them to pay. Consider what would happen if you were to ask a dozen lawyers to write a brief for you, and you would then choose which one to use and which to pay. Or go into any shop in any Mall and ask to take a bottle of perfume away with you, and that if you like it you will return and pay for it.

Of course there are some creative professions which work to a different set of standards, such as Architecture, where billings can be substantial and continuous once a prestigious firm is selected. In these cases you are not receiving the final solution for free (the completed building for example) as you would be if you received a communication design solution from a Graphic Design Agency.

There is an better way to explore the work of a Design Agency
A more effective and ethical way to request work from a designer is to ask them to submit examples of their work from previous projects as well as a design proposal showing how they would approach your project. You should then be able to judge the quality of their previous work and their way of thinking about your project.

If you would like us to work with you in developing a creative solution for your business, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We will provide you with creative solutions that will far exceed your expectations with respect to an appropriate budget and schedule. This approach will ensure a more profitable, effective and professional process for everyone involved.

"The designer does not, as a rule, begin with a preconceived idea. His idea is the result of subjective and objective thought, and the design a product of the idea. In order, therefore, to achieve an honest and effective solution he necessarily passes thought some sort of mental process ... Consciously or not, he analyzes, interprets, translates ... He improvises, invents new techniques and combinations. He coordinates and integrates his material so that he may restate his problem in terms of ideas, pictures, forms, and shapes. He unifies, simplifies, eliminates superfluities. He symbolizes ... abstract from his material by association and analogy. He intensifies and reinforces his symbol with appropriate accessories to achieve clarity and interest. He draws upon instinct and intuition. He considers the spectator, his feelings and predilections."
Paul Rand

View this and other articles here . . .

Page 2 of 2 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 | Next