RE: education question

Herb -

This is a great question and one that I think most designers think about ("I 
wish they told me that when I was in school?). Some things that I think 
should be communicated are:

- Design is visual problem solving. It is our job to understand the problem 
so that we can present an effective solution to that problem.

- Design is business, not art. It sounds harsh, but it is reality. Artistic 
skills are important to being a good designer, but how many times do clients 
want things that designers know are going to look wrong. At the end of the 
day, we have to do what makes the client happy. It is part of our job to 
convince them that they can have what they want AND have it be attractive as 
well.

- Effective communication. That is the essence of what design is - 
communication, but I am suprised at how many designers aren't effective 
communicators. It is important to listen to the client. Ask questions. 
Provide answers. Guide them through the process instead of dragging them 
along. The ability to take criticism - however harsh it may be - without 
taking it personally is an extremly valuable skill. And on the flip side, it 
is also important to be able to propose and defend a design, without making 
it argumentative - without making the client/co-worker feel as though it is 
a battle.

- What a designer does is a valuable skill that clients are willing to pay 
for. Don't give it away for free. I think a huge problem that the design 
profession faces is from within. Too many designers - especially new 
designers - don't value what they produce enough to price it properly. They 
are too scared of losing the job, or too worried about building a portfolio, 
that they don't charge enough. Value what you do, and chare appropriately.

Jonathan P. Szczepanski
====================================


>From: "diggerthebear" <[email protected]>
>Reply-To: [email protected]
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: [AIGAExperienceDesign] education question
>Date: Tue, 06 Mar 2007 23:36:26 -0000
>
>I find I will be taking over the capstone classes in my departments
>Graphic Design program. We are a smallish generalized program, at the
>moment, on the verge of a major overhaul.
>
>The question: What, in your opinion, should an undergrad student have
>in their mental toolkit as they exit a graphic design program?
>
>Any advice from this group would be appreciated!
>
>Herb Goodman, Professor
>Chair, Art and Design Department
>Eastern Kentucky University
>
>

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