[jamesflorentino]

Unfortunately, there will always be a multi-classing penalty of sort. (I'm one of those people who code and design for web development, but masters neither.) For design, I've learned that the essential trait is to set one's mindset and philosophy on problem solving (as well as have an intrinsic taste for art). For code, I believe it is quite similar. Except that standards and practices constantly change. As a designer, it is your goal to meet and deliver these standards. Personally, I find it hard to be extremely good at both although I still consider myself competent.

My personal answer your question:

1. Some companies/start-ups value designers who have penchants for design while still being technically competent. e.g. someone who is familiar with grids, typography, art movements. While at the same time is familiar to version control, knows the basic structure of an app and the ability to build it single-handedly. Although I think that they serve a better role as project managers.

2. I have yet to witness one. If ever I meet one, I'd like to know how they were able to balance their daily information consumption.

edit: spacing

[dsirijus]

Multi-classing penalty, of course, applies. BUT there are classes that are multi-skillful by itself. And you can be excellent in those, even if they fall behind in any particular skill behind the more focused ones. That being said, I've always played rogue or bard. :{-

[jamesflorentino]

Hehe, I suppose that someone who's mastered the art of design is called a White(space) Knight. And someone who's mastered programming is called an Internet Sorcerer.

[rdavl]

Bot of these comments are excellent, I love the comparison to multi-classing. I think it really hits the point.

[dsirijus]

Yes, it's been well discussed in long sleepless nights, as any D&D subject. :D