Quote:
Originally posted by Brujah
After hearing the designers point of views though, I can see how a design broker is necessary. These designers know how to design, but they don't know how to get the design work and negotiate for payments, etc. They're happy to get whatever kind of regular work they can. A broker at least helps them eat, pay bills, etc.. until they figure out how to do it on their own.
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Brujah,
With all due respect, I completely disagree and think that such a generalization is not only demeaning but dangerous - perhaps some designers "need" a broker but those that are serious professionals fully understand that this is a business like any other. Although some of the non-creative aspects of the business may not be the most enjoyable, they are absolutely imperative if one is serious and wishes to succeed.
In fact, my experience has been the opposite of what you state - being a professional that will not be taken advantage of, one who negotiates for terms that are appropriate often causes those seeking a designer to head for the hills. Seems that many have grown accustomed to exploiting naive or excessively hungry designers who are willing to give away their work for nothing.
Judging by many comments on this board over the past several months (and my ongoing experiences), there is clearly a prevalent lack of respect for designers and their craft - in part perpetuated by designers themselves, in part fueled by the unchecked ignorance of those seeking designers. I suppose it's true that ignorance is bliss.
In any case, it is a sad situation for all those trying to do honest work with integrity for just and honest compensation and mutual respect.