Choosing Your Designer
Posted on 28. Jun, 2016 by Emily Hoffman in branding, graphic design
Author Amit Kalantri wrote, “A lamp cannot play the role of the Sun and the Sun cannot play the role of a lamp.”
Choosing who to work with for graphic design and marketing is becoming increasingly challenging. As our population becomes larger, more interconnected and technologically advanced, we are faced with rising numbers of choices. Here at Marc Rubin Associates, graphic design and marketing are large portions of what we do — so we’ve given this concept of decision-making some thought.
Imagine: you are planning a wedding. Who bakes the cake? You might choose between the baker in your family, your local grocery store, a pastry chef or an artisan bakery.
Which choice do you make? Which will serve the greatest good for you, your family and your guests? Which will make this very important day special — what’s the appropriate option? Interestingly, the word appropriate comes from the late Latin word appropriare, meaning to ‘make one’s own.’ The root of the word comes from Latin proprius, meaning ‘one’s own, special.’
When making an ‘appropriate choice,’ one must consider a variety of questions. What is true to your own heart? Which choice is exceptionally fitting to the individual(s) involved? What is the Return On Investment (ROI), and how does the output compare to the value gained?
Let’s compare this cake scenario to graphic design. A company needs a new brochure. What are their options? They could have one of their employees take a whack at it. They could go to the print shop and order a custom brochure there. They could hire a freelance graphic designer who telecommutes, the hip new marketing agency in town, or they could choose to work with a design firm that has been in practice for over 40 years (wink, wink). The choices are many, and often difficult to make.
Ultimately, the choice depends on you: your values, your goals, your heart. Roy Disney once said, “It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” Figuring out what it is that you value and what your goals are will help you identify the best choices, both professionally and personally.
If you don’t really care how the cake comes out, as long as it’s edible, you might choose to have your family member create it. If you envision having the most beautiful, elaborate and extraordinary fairy-tale cake, it may make more sense to choose the artisan bakery. Become clear on your vision, and the choice will become clear.
At Marc Rubin Associates, we offer branding and design that is timeless, vibrant, masterful, and tailored to the unique character and heart of your business. This is part of our vision. What’s yours?
“Trust your heart if the seas catch fire, live by love though the stars walk backward.”
― E.E. Cummings
