Why graphic designers don’t get enough respect, NBA players design their own logos and Ikea’s real life rendition of The Simpsons

When will graphic designers finally get the respect they deserve as a profession?

It’s a salient question, according to those dedicating themselves to the craft.

The lack of respect that’s so galling to designers often stems from the disconnect between the role that designers play in their organization and a lack of understanding and appreciation of what goes into the craft from those outside of the profession.

This week, there was some interesting conversations on this very topic among LinkedIn members.

Marie Wohl said that managers are reluctant to pay generously for designers, because they often think the work they do is quick, simple and straightforward. “But it took me years to learn how to do what I do as fast as I do it,” she says. “You're not paying for my time, you're paying for my knowledge.”

Lindsay Petricca says that non-creative employees often perceive design work to be “as simple as dragging and dropping, when in reality it could be much more complicated.” Often, she adds, a "make it look pretty mentality” can pervade companies, rather than a smarter, more effective stance of "how can we reposition ourselves visually to create something unique." But, she adds, it is incumbent upon creative and design teams “to advocate for themselves and educate their coworkers and peers about what they do, and how they do it.”

Debbie Israel says the growth of “do it yourself” graphic design and clip art software hasn’t helped, either. Users often don't respect what a good graphic artist/designer can do that makes their message, be it an ad, graphics on a web site, or even a wedding invitation so much more interesting and credible. “You know a layout and graphic are done right when people notice them, compliment them and ask who did it for you. Custom done graphics make things look more polished. But the novice doesn't notice it and, therefore, values the artist's work less.”

Arthur Simmons took a broader view: “Design is a life, not a job. Designers make an impact in every single instance in the world. Better signage gets people where they are going faster and better. Better packaging informs and educates, and yes, sells more. Better ergonomics make people's lives better. On and on and on....Pick a subject, and design plays a role in it.”

Yosuke Murakami suggests that the trend to overlook the virtues of designers wears down those practicing the craft: “Often times graphic designers are seen as just a pair of hands when we have just as much of our minds to offer as expertise.  We often get treated as “replaceable” because people just need a pair of hands to do what they are already convinced to be the perfect solution in their minds. Not all cases are like this, but it happens enough times to take a toll on you.”

What do you think? I’d love to hear about your experience as a graphic designer: are your contributions to a project downplayed? How can this perception be changed? Do team members fully understand the impact of your job? Do you think you get enough credit for the work you do? Come and join the conversation here.

More than a game. The NBA finals are driving the national sporting conversation at the moment, but basketball’s biggest names continue to make their mark off the court, as well. The Los Angeles Times noted this week that players are no longer sitting back and waiting for apparel and shoe brands to hand them their logos, rather they are curating and designing their own. Remember, It wasn't that long ago that many of us would cringe at the concept of cultivating our own personal brand. Today, it's deemed as almost obligatory. More and more athletes are moving out from beyond their team or league's branding to highlight their own voice. How do you feel about personal branding? Are you comfortable promoting your work? How important do you think it is in the creative space? Tell us what you think here.

Music to their ears. The return to prominence of vinyl records has been well-documented. But Billboard reported this week that due to the rise of online stores such as Musicnotes, digital subscription services and music-notation formats for tablets and phones, sheet-music sales "are booming." Last year the industry scooped up $240 million in global revenue, up almost 10% over the previous year. A range of Netflix style start-ups have helped, charging buddying musicians $10 per month for subscription services that offer access to a wide variety of sheet music. Then there’s companies such as Yousician, a company that posts video tutorials of guitar tabs for bedroom enthusiasts seeking to learn the latest hits. That company is growing at a rate of 50% annually, and now boasts 16 million monthly users, according to Billboard, as well as $25 million in yearly revenue.

Finally…

Sure, Ikea is a regular of this newsletter, thanks to its flamboyant and dexterous approach to design. But this week Swedish retail behemoth was at its most playful, recreating the iconic living room from The Simpsons in real life, complete with its pumpkin couch, its lilac side table, and its sideways-hanging framed picture. Ikea also bequeathed a real life replica of the 1990s “Manhattan dream” apartment from the set of Friends, and the string light-draped room from Stranger Things.

What do you think of the design? Tell us here.