Have you ever taken a look at your working week and thought about what you do, that you haven’t really trained for?
…I’m a photographer
Take pack shots for use in press release, on packaging and in brochures
…I’m a copywriter
Write headlines for adverts and text for packaging designs, create strap lines for logos
…I’m an illustrator
Produce illustration for packaging and brochures
…I’m technical support
Advise client when they can’t open jpegs someone else has supplied
…I’m a caterer
Ok, maybe making myself Marmite on toast for lunch is pushing it a bit
I think that a lot of jobs in the creative industry are overlapping more and more. I have previously written copy for brochures and I am definitely not a copywriter (as you well know). I know a copywriter who decided he would start “designing” his own ads, his “designs” were all exactly the same regardless of subject. My photography is average. I am an OK illustrator, but I will never meet the standards of someone who does this for a living. I like being able to explore different fields but how far should this go without weakening results?
I was looking at some recruitment adverts in the back of Creative Review magazine and the job skill requirements are increasing year on year Some of the adverts for graphic designers asked for one or more of the following – good photographer, illustrator, flash user, CSS and HTML, PHP. I am not saying this is a bad thing, the popularity of the internet has made it a necessity, but does this lead to designers that are jack of all trades and master of none, or does it make for good allrounders?
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I’ve been studying ‘new media’ design or multimedia as it is sometimes called. Over the last two years I’ve done some graphic design, 3D annimation, web design, post production video editing, flash… quite a lot really.
I really enjoyed experimenting with 3D and video work, but it is very clear to me that I have barely scratched the surface to these VERY in depth and complex creative fields. To truly master either of these I would need to focus solely on one and nothing else – for about five years.
I don’t think theres anything wrong with trying out new things and developing new skills, but to be a true expert in one field you need to focus on that one area.
I totally sympathise with you on this one. My average working week can include anything from PHP/MySQL web application development to CSS styling, and from iconography to tecnical support. I guess I don’t mind as it keeps things from getting too static!
I personally consider myself a jack of most trades, and a master of a couple by the way – so I don’t think it’s too important what your role involves, so long as it’s productive and enjoyable.
Hi Aaron
I would love to get into 3D work I dabble with Strata 3D for my packaging and POS visuals. I have tried Lightwave but could not get my head around it, like you say you need years to become an expert in these. It would be great to hear about your course what you learn what you study, have you done any blog posts about your course?
Hi Paul
I think you’re right the most important thing is being productive, and I do like learning new things otherwise design would just get pretty dull. It’s hard though too many things to learn!
Soooo true about wearing multiple hats. Sometimes it’s overwhelming, but I love the rush when I figure something out that I didn’t know before. I think that can only happen when you are performing many jobs rolled into one.
I haven’t done too many course related posts, but if you haven’t seen my
conceptual iPod 3D model you should check it out.
Just found another great resource for you Tara…
http://2020ok.com/5.htm
Something like 30,000 FREE (and legal) e-books related to Computing and the Internet.
Thanks Paul
Like the ipod Aaron, the animation works well.
…trouble is, it’s like a snowball; example: you’re learning css/html now – well it won’t be long before people start asking to fix their Tivo.
One client emailed me and asked if I could tell him how to transfer his VHS videos to DVD. I replied that I had no idea; he replied, “well, I thought you were good with computers” – what I wanted to reply isn’t fit for posting on this blog.
I thought it was interesting that you noted Job req’s in our industry are becoming broader – and I don’t see it as a good trend.
Hi Johno
Thanks for your comment, I’ve just booked my Tivo course
I fall into the jack of all trade camp too.I haven’t mastered any of what I do, I keep trying of course and the learning thing is always good/challenging. Its difficult to give oneself the credit you really deserve and most of us tend to take for granted what we know, whilst others looking at us, might really think we are just really talented/clever/amazing!
Nice post
There is so much in common between me and your ideas… I am working on a DJ website, he just called today and asked a writeup for his website… then he asked me to write his folio. Now I have to halt 2 days to copywrite.
Yeh now its more of a complete package kind for designers. brochures, logos, website design, content writing, and development..
I suggest all freelancers, as most of freelancers excel in one or two fields.. Start making associates, with a discussed percentage.. TRY YOUR LEVEL BEST TO THE NEAR FIELDS OF YOURS, and source it out.
You’re absolutely right about the recent changes in the design industry: companies are trying to save money and now looking for web designers who are also experienced in print design, or they are looking for graphic designers who specialize in print design, but also know web design.
What do we usually get in the end? Web sites with impressive graphics that take ages to load, content text saved as an image, and business cards where the entire company info is jammed into the 3.5″x2″ frame.
Although some people do manage to excel in both fields.
it depends, I have seen people prefering flash now a days.. as dialup has been almost gone.. broadband age has urged people to view more of flash content…
Now print designers, got to learn flash too…
Vivien
You are right if we are not careful we end up with people doing jobs who do not really know enough about that field.
Santosh
I hadn’t thought of flash…another one to add to the list of must learn one day.
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