Go to any graphic design discussion on the Internet and you will find designers decrying the emergence of crowd-sourcing websites like 99designs or website template sites like Squarespace.
Doesn’t the pubic understand the value of what we bring? Don’t they know that a solution needs to fit the client’s particular needs? Why do they think they can just do it themself? Don’t they want to look professional or stand out? Why don’t they appreciate that we are experts in presenting their products or services? WE NEED TO EDUCATE THEM.
Sure, it’s true that these cheap websites will produce some crappy results. Yes, it’s true that these services devalue what we do. Most importantly, it’s true that these services already exist and people are using them. It’s already a reality and technology will continue to move forward. No need to run down to the beach and fight the tides!
I show my value to my potential clients and more importantly, show my value to my actual clients. It’s not my job to “educate” the general public that may want to go some cheap route. It makes more sense to live in the world as it is and stop crying about it.
Typesetters were skilled professionals and artists who were replaced by postscripted, digital type. I’m sure they wanted to educate the public. How did that work out?
Being better doesn’t mean you are the best choice. You can’t eat at a 5-star restaurant every meal. Some nights you should just have a can of Spaghettios. Yes, going out is better, but most people can’t and shouldn’t drop $100 three times a day for the best meal.
I’m not competing with 99designs. They are . You can make that crap at home. We provide a real meal for you.
Here’s why sites like 99designs can be a good thing:
- It gets your “feet wet” in the world of design. A business that would never hire a designer can see there are other ways of looking at their brand.
- When 99designs falls short, clients can call a professional design firm like us.
- A client can get a ton of ideas. They can see what they like and what they don’t. That can be a useful starting point for a real design process. That actually can save the client some money.
- Designers who only offer hack, clip-art design will need to up their game, quit the business, or see themselves on 99design.com.
- If it works for company and they can be successful, that’s a good thing. Of course, a company may think they got a professional result, but it may actually hurt their business. You rarely know about the business that you didn’t get.
Bottom line, I like to focus on what I can offer and how we can help a client meet their goals.
