Graphics designers and other such professionals are over-priced. I agree. But before I get to that topic, let me tell you a short story. It’ll all come around, I promise.
One of my favorite coffee shops here in San Antonio is near the downtown area. Each time I drive there, I pass an old building I used to visit with my dad when I was a kid. The building held a magic shop called The Wooden Nickel.
When you opened the door, it was like stepping into a different world. There were boxes piled ceiling high with different pranks, gadgets, disguises, and magic tricks for you to sort through. It was whimsical chaos.
The best attraction of the store, though, was the old owner who sat behind his glass desk. You’d approach and he’d ask you if you wanted to see something cool. He’d think for a minute, then turn to his card catalogue drawers sitting behind him. He’d choose a drawer, remove its contents, and then show you something that mystified the mind.
I remember one trick in particular where he pushed a penny through a sheet of rubber into a cup waiting below. It blew my mind. I had to have that trick so I could perform it for my friends. The problem was, it cost $20. But I persevered. I knew there must be something else to the trick than just a piece of rubber. I reached into my pocket, pulled out all my savings, and bought the trick from the old owner.
It turns out, it was just a piece of rubber. The rubber was probably worth 25 cents.
That’s the thing about magic tricks. They’re overpriced. But you aren’t paying for the material you get. You’re paying for the trick. You’re paying for the hours of experimentation and refining that went into making that trick impressive. The product is almost secondary to the expertise. And to be honest, that’s still my favorite trick to do to this day.
And that brings me to our graphic designer friends. That little logo you buy from them for $300-1000…that could seem overpriced. And it is. But you aren’t really paying for the logo. You’re paying for the hours they spend learning their craft… the time they spent dreaming about your design… the time they spent perfecting the lines.
To all my graphic designer friends who read this far, I’m sorry I tricked you. I value your craft.
To those who would be tempted to design something yourself, I beg you: Don’t. Hire the over-priced designer. You’re getting more than just something pretty. You’re getting something that will work. It’s worth the money.
Great post. People also don’t always think of the overhead that has to be paid as well (computers, software, internet, coffee). The time and research that it takes to go into trend watching and spotting.
Yes, yes, yes. Thank you for your honesty and insights.
Fantastic.
I think this is a good topic and a great anology. But… The title of the article – specifically the “over priced” term doesn’t seem like the best choice of words. I don’t think I’m “over-priced” — specifically because of the reasons you listed. My price is right and fair for the experience i have. I think using the term “over-priced” just perpetuates the problem that you are trying to address.
Well…the product is cheap. Essentially 1s and 0s…but the service you provide isn’t. So over-priced… I think we’re splitting hairs. 😉
Cameron, I think the tension you express is the very reason Jonathan has written the article.
The perception among many I work with is that graphic design costs “too much”. It’s why sites like Fiverr thrive.
Cheep is good, right?
You and I both know that is not the case.
While it seems “over-priced” to some, the reality is there is a huge difference between designers. You get what you pay for in both quality and expertise.