Amateur Vs Professional

I saw this post on LinkedIN, and it's been shared by Chris Do. A famous Design Director who runs his own design company named Blind.

I really like what I read, because it reminded me of many designers IRL and community forums where there are designers who you criticize, they get all defensive and aggressive just because you gave them feedback that you believe will help them.

If you can't take criticism, then being a designer isn't for you. That's what I believe.

 

Chris Do is a legend, wish I knew about his channel a lot sooner than I did. Thanks for introducing me to his videos man, changed my whole prospective on things.

 

No worries, and absolutely same here.

 

Many people here just compete, and hate on every other artist.

 

Indeed, but this is Sythe, an online forum so I cannot expect too much.

 

yeah. but they have to compete so people chose there service. competition is good because it keeps prices low. i got my signature and my old profile done for 16m by a new user because it was cheap. turned out great thoguh im very happy with it!

 

Thats not really a good thing tbh.

 

Not everyone lives in the US so their living expenses might be much lower thus they can take on these gfx jobs for $5-$25.

The designers with a much higher opportunity cost will then move away from these low paying jobs or simply move away from Sythe entirely

 

That is correct. I argue that a professional graphics artist wont spend time on Sythe. It's simply too low of a pay in comparison to their competence. Studying and/or working in design doesn't make one a professional. As far as I can see, we're all amateurs here, but still good at what we do.

 

I consider myself as a Professional Designer, despite the fact that I advertise my services on sythe and other forums, why?

Because I charge prices that are not far off the industry and I get business clients and make connections with entrepreneurs and potential CEO's in this community. I will not mention any names, and I can tell you that I have designed the brand/logo for a company that has a high valuation, a very high valuation. I've done a lot of work for businesses and startups outside of this community as well. My specialty is designing UI of websites, apps, and anything else that is UI related.

The fact that I also study and have 1 more year left to obtain a Bachelors in my field is evidence and backup of my experience, knowledge, and education. Considering where I study is in the top 5 list for creativity & arts scene in the country I am in. So no, I am going to deny your argument of the fact that we are all amateurs, most are, but I am confident that I am not one. Certainly, what's so ever, no matter what, I stand my ground and claim that I am a Professional Designer.

I'm not being egotistical in any way, I am being realistic. The years of hard work I have put into my field and all the projects I have worked on for actual businesses prove this, including the outcomes themselves of the projects. I have worked very hard, sacrificed, and committed so much to get to where I am today.

Finally, I am here to deliver work and service people who actually want quality, and are prepared to pay the price for quality work.

Keep in mind this does not mean I have nothing to improve on, nor I am perfect. Regardless of one's experience and knowledge, there is always, always a place they can improve in.

 

I'm not here to argue or trying to start something. But the fact that one has to prove something so badly points towards the opposite of what you claim you are. It's very naive.

Charging much for a job does not make you a professional. Having designed one logo for a big company does not make you a professional. Being on your second years of design studies does not make you a professional. Not being an amateur does not automatically make you a professional either.

Again, don't take my words too seriously. At the end of the day you should do what feels best for you!

 

Nah not really, I haven't really taken what you said seriously or personally in any way. I'm just replying stating my thoughts on what you think.

I disagree with your opinion for various reasons and I have mentioned many of those reasons already. I'm not sure how exactly replying to you and backing myself up makes me naive. A conversation/discussion goes back and fourth.

In the end, I know where I truly stand more than anyone else. I would take this discussion further, but I know it would be a waste of time.

 

Exactly! And I respect your opinion. It's very good that you're confident in what you do, but don't forget to be humble. I've seen many people lose themselves thinking too much of themselves.