Is It Time for Return of the Jack-of-All-Trades Graphic Designer?
As Adam Savage joyfully pointed out, the full phrase is "Jack of all trades, master of none though often better than a master of one." With the economy's downturn and little hope for a quick turnaround, commercial artists everywhere are wondering how they can survive in an industry whose budgets are chopped first. The safest position might very well be where many designers my age were about 13 years ago -- the highly-valuable designer who can do everything.
From print design & production, to interactive design and coding, that single talent may prove to be small and medium companies' golden fleece. The reason is obvious: more design and production from a single talent.
I'm 34 Years Old
For the past 6-7 years, the industry shifted away from this media-ambidextrous artist. The Jack of all Trades had to specialize or die off: design? IA? animation? coding? video? Some felt invigorated. Most would say they missed the other skill sets. I fit that description. Now is there is opportunity to return to those roots and seek shelter in the comfort of being able to work across media. This time, we're armed with a key intangible: experience.
I've been approached for more and more work lately -- and of varied type of projects. From sites to photography to blog set up to brochures. Sadly, I've been too busy with the full time job as Creative Director at Visual Goodness to reap the rewards of freelance. However, the demand is there.
Companies are down-shifting to smaller operations for their creative work. The key will be how well the well-rounded designer can leverage their expertise and intelligently manage the work into a consistent workflow.
I know a few creatives who have recently chosen to go for this brass ring. Those creatives range from former production artists to former Creative Directors. The one thing that was common among them is their respective wide range of talents. I wish them the best of luck.Digg it | del.icio.us | Add to Technorati Faves
From print design & production, to interactive design and coding, that single talent may prove to be small and medium companies' golden fleece. The reason is obvious: more design and production from a single talent.
I'm 34 Years Old
For the past 6-7 years, the industry shifted away from this media-ambidextrous artist. The Jack of all Trades had to specialize or die off: design? IA? animation? coding? video? Some felt invigorated. Most would say they missed the other skill sets. I fit that description. Now is there is opportunity to return to those roots and seek shelter in the comfort of being able to work across media. This time, we're armed with a key intangible: experience.
I've been approached for more and more work lately -- and of varied type of projects. From sites to photography to blog set up to brochures. Sadly, I've been too busy with the full time job as Creative Director at Visual Goodness to reap the rewards of freelance. However, the demand is there.
Companies are down-shifting to smaller operations for their creative work. The key will be how well the well-rounded designer can leverage their expertise and intelligently manage the work into a consistent workflow.
I know a few creatives who have recently chosen to go for this brass ring. Those creatives range from former production artists to former Creative Directors. The one thing that was common among them is their respective wide range of talents. I wish them the best of luck.Digg it | del.icio.us | Add to Technorati Faves
posted by Mark Rosal at 10/27/2008 08:39:00 AM
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