The Curse of the Designer, or: Credit Where Credit Is Due
Designers are a cursed bunch. I’ve worked with a lot of extremely talented ones during my time in marketing, communications, and public relations. And, I’ve been a real pain in the ass (for lack of a better term) to some of them. But, I think that unlike a lot of people in positions like mine, I get it. I know I’m making life miserable. And, I’m really, really sorry for that.
We - the marketing, public relations, and communications mangers, directors, coordinators, and Vice Presidents of the world - ask for the greatest thing of all time (every time) and in the process give them completely unrealistic deadlines to accomplish it. And they take it. And do it.
An ad in two hours? No problem. A brochure by tomorrow? Sure. A guide by Friday? Definitely. A re-branding of the entire organization by next week? Will do.
Designers are pretty much the greatest people ever. And we - the marketing, public relations, and communications folks - treat them like just another tool. We treat them like the software they use to create works of art.
This has to stop.
Designers aren’t a tool. They are brilliant people. They need to be involved in the strategic planning of any marketing, advertising, or public relations campaign you run…from the very beginning. They need to be listened to. They need realistic deadlines (imagine what they could do with more time!). And, they need to be recognized. Because, without them, your communications goals cannot be accomplished.
Did your campaign win an award? That’s awesome. Now, tell everyone that it’s amazing because of your designer.
A happy designer is a better designer and a better designer makes your life easier and puts your boss and clients in a better mood.
I don’t think I need to explain that more revenue usually follows.
Let’s stop the insanity. Designers are people, too.
Also, if you happen to be in the need of some wonderful design work, please be sure to get in touch with my friends over at evil-designs. They are the best that I know. And I say that professionally, not just personally.
