What if their best isn't good enough?
One of the greatest things about our country is the philosophy of free enterprise, or as the French say, "laissez faire". And a great thing about graphic design as an industry is that it's wide open, full of possibilities, if you're creative and bold enough to make it worthwhile.
And with so many variables and constantly shifting business practices throughout the graphic design industry, many forego the norm and take it upon themselves to create their own workplace. It's great because you can be large and do great work and make plenty of cash, or you can have limited numbers and do great work and make plenty of cash. Either way, the work is what makes your business successful.
And so my point is: if you're running or working for, a design or, eh... "multimedia" firm, please, please...
No let me start again.
PLEASE do something good with it. I mean, at least try to not lower the standards that so many of us struggle to uphold day after day. After all, we'd all be broke if we just up and decided to make a bunch of crap.
The main reason companies manage to stay alive while creating such abhorrent work is because the general design clientele don't always have a clear point of reference. You may not believe it, but it's hard to notice good work when you're on a budget. Mostly because as you have less to spend, you get closer to the bottom of the barrel, which, unfortunately, is the very nature of capitalism itself. As if that weren't bad enough, it's even harder when clients (understandably, of course) don't have the training or, better yet, instinct to separate the good from the bad.
Once again. I can't repeat it enough--the work. That's what matters. That's what counts. Words and sales pitches don't make up for it.
Today, I talked to a guy on the phone from an interactive media agency and it sounded like they could do a lot of great stuff. He later sent me an email:
To Me,Thanks for talking to me this afternoon. Our company, Design Domain, handles Flash, network administration, and dynamic tables programming (ASP) needs for area ad agencies. We would like to work with you in the future. Below are addresses to see our recent flash prensentations for Enron Holdings. However, there is no music for this project. Adding our capabilities to your pallet of services will be profitable for us both. I have also attached a documents that outlines our recently completed sites, current works in progress, and services available for resale. We routinely honor unique or difficult requests. Don't hesitate to ask. Chances are very good we can do it. Thanks again.
Signed "Him"
(some links, blah blah)
At the time, if I remember correctly, we really did need some Flash work done for a project, but after taking a look at their site, I was immediately discouraged. I couldn't wholeheartedly recommend this company or its services to my boss for any project. It was that dissappointing.
Ultimately, I just decided to order my own copy of Flash and do it myself.
