What’s the difference between a graphic designer, a web designer and a print designer?
• Graphic designers is the general term given to both web and print designers. Not all web designers do print, and not all print designers do web. Many do both. Print and Web is a completely different skill set.
• Not all web designers know all the programs. They may be great with Dreamweaver, and know nothing about Wordpress.
• Not all print designers know all the programs. They may be an expert with Photoshop, and stumble when it comes to a vector program.
The Job Has Changed
At one time in our history a graphic designer had to have drawing, lettering and in a vast amount of creative skills in addition to technical skills. This is no longer the case. Graphic Design has made the transition from right brain, to a left brain profession. It no longer requires the designer to be able to draw, or even understand the difference between tracking and kerning. However, some designers are very good at creative development, and can also do production design, (the technical stuff.)
Trust
Working with a graphic designer is a trust issue, so if you don’t trust them, then find someone else. There are lots to choose from. I would suggest working locally. That way you can meet face to face, and get a better read for what’s going on. That being said, when I freelanced as a graphic designer, I had clients across north America and handled work at a distance without any issue. I still do the same for illustration and have never run into any problems.
Ask Questions
Make sure the designer understands what you are asking for. Ask the designer for input. Can they offer any improvements? What do they suggest? They are working for you and they want to help. After all, why would you hire someone to do a job, and then not let them do it?
Tip: Make sure you ask to see samples or portfolios, web and print. Confirm the links work and take you to a real business, not to another site trying to get you to buy services. How do the sites look? Do they seem like they are a cut and paste job from others work? Ask how they created it, what programs they used. Ask how they came up with the idea. Ask question. Make sure you know what skills you are buying, before you buy. They love to talk about the work, so don't be shy.
Skills
Graphic design is a highly skilled profession, that took years of training, and a considerable investment. So please don’t insult them by expecting it for under minimum wage. If you want them to work for you, a fare wage must be on the table.
One last thing, a web developer in not a web designer.
• Graphic designers is the general term given to both web and print designers. Not all web designers do print, and not all print designers do web. Many do both. Print and Web is a completely different skill set.
• Not all web designers know all the programs. They may be great with Dreamweaver, and know nothing about Wordpress.
• Not all print designers know all the programs. They may be an expert with Photoshop, and stumble when it comes to a vector program.
The Job Has Changed
At one time in our history a graphic designer had to have drawing, lettering and in a vast amount of creative skills in addition to technical skills. This is no longer the case. Graphic Design has made the transition from right brain, to a left brain profession. It no longer requires the designer to be able to draw, or even understand the difference between tracking and kerning. However, some designers are very good at creative development, and can also do production design, (the technical stuff.)
Trust
Working with a graphic designer is a trust issue, so if you don’t trust them, then find someone else. There are lots to choose from. I would suggest working locally. That way you can meet face to face, and get a better read for what’s going on. That being said, when I freelanced as a graphic designer, I had clients across north America and handled work at a distance without any issue. I still do the same for illustration and have never run into any problems.
Ask Questions
Make sure the designer understands what you are asking for. Ask the designer for input. Can they offer any improvements? What do they suggest? They are working for you and they want to help. After all, why would you hire someone to do a job, and then not let them do it?
Tip: Make sure you ask to see samples or portfolios, web and print. Confirm the links work and take you to a real business, not to another site trying to get you to buy services. How do the sites look? Do they seem like they are a cut and paste job from others work? Ask how they created it, what programs they used. Ask how they came up with the idea. Ask question. Make sure you know what skills you are buying, before you buy. They love to talk about the work, so don't be shy.
Skills
Graphic design is a highly skilled profession, that took years of training, and a considerable investment. So please don’t insult them by expecting it for under minimum wage. If you want them to work for you, a fare wage must be on the table.
One last thing, a web developer in not a web designer.
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