For example, if you don't understand how this mathematical equation (known as the Golden Ratio) is at the heart of good design, you probably shouldn't critique your designer's work:
Or, if you can't list all of the primary colors of the color wheel, the secondary colors, or the complimentary colors of those primary and secondary colors...it's possible that you don't know as much about design as you think you do.
Or, do you know what psychological effects various colors have on people? Perhaps you should Google it before you meet with your designer about your brochure design.
Some say that this is me being hateful and/or arrogant. They may be partially correct...but it seems to me that a lot of people think that designers just throw some pictures on a piece of paper using trial and error and hope that it works out in a good design. It's amazing to me how many times I've heard of someone with no design training nor skill think that purchasing Adobe Photoshop will magically transform them into a good designer. It's the equivalent of thinking that purchasing an adding machine will make you a good accountant or that buying a big red toolbox will make you a good mechanic. Good design usually doesn't just happen. It's usually the result of strategic & calculated decision making.
So, yes I probably have a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. I'm probably a little overly sensitive (or, cocky as some would say). But at least now you know how we designers feel when you start second-guessing. We're here to serve...but we hope you can learn to trust the reasoning behind our design.
What do you think? Do you think a person has to understand the theory behind a discipline before they have the right to critique products of that discipline? Leave me your thoughts in the comments.
1 comment:
HA! I like this post. I say:
1. There is no accounting for taste.
2. If they pay for it, they have the say.
That said, I have had some pretty heinous design changes to my wedding album designs by brides. Implementing those wishes make me feel like I'm sacrificing my own kid or something. It's painful to say the least, especially when you know that you've done it correctly the first time.
It's been quite a test in patience and in humility. Plus, we wouldn't be artists if our ability rested in a single piece of work. Our gift lays in the ability to create, not the creation itself.
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