| No, it doesn't, market forces are devaluing the design industry. Designers, especially web designers, are working in a highly saturated market. Even in the rural area where I live, I constantly meet designers who want to be in the running for the contracts my firm awards. The low barriers to entry and the seductiveness of the industry have created a situation where many folks are claiming to be designers. Furthermore, designers are working in a field that requires a unique blend of talents. It's not enough just to be artistically talented and proficient with design tools. The key ability a designer must demonstrate is to be able to, via conversation, grasp the vision that a client has and translate that into a coherent design that provides a fluid user experience. With so many parties competing for the same business that key ability is the deciding factor as to whether you'll get work or you won't. If it's my firm and you're new to us, you're going to have to prove that you have the aforementioned key ability. And that means...steady yourself...spec work. Not much, mind you, and not more than is necessary, but enough to prove that you're not just another wannabe with an artistic bent and a Mac. Don't worry, we're not getting free design work because if we're going use your work, you're getting the gig. If you don't get the gig, it's because your work doesn't cut it. If that's too much to stomach, no problem. I'll grab the next designer's business card off of an ever-growing stack. |