Stop Stealing Sheep is a term that most graphic designers are familiar with it is also relevant to web development.
The story goes that Erik Spiekermann founder of the MetaDesign consultancy in berlin 1979 was so outraged at being presented with a certificate for being a guest speaker, told the group that whoever designed the certificate would also be likely to steal sheep. He explained that 'one doesn't set Blackletter in all caps'. From this he went on to write a best seller book on the correct use of typographySh*t copies Talent borrows Genius steals
We have all heard the tale of cowboy outfits operating in the building industry. Seldom do we hear the tale of how badly built websites and inexperienced graphic designers can damage the reputations and profits of a company. Stationary, business cards, leaflets, brochures, company reports and websites portray your image to the customer. A well designed brochure or website is going to reflect the quality and service of your company directly to your customer. First impressions are important, your bottom line depends on them.
The majority of graphic designers or web developers are fully qualified completing at least 2 years of formal education and serving time as a junior designer in a studio environment. At the end of the formal training process the designer/developer has a combination of the skills required for page layout and structure, use of colour, image manipulation, Illustration, typography, usability, legibility, html, xhtml, javascript, php, sql, programming and other specialised skills.
To be a graphic designer or web developer requires training and experience, however to open a graphic design business or a web development company requires no formal qualifications or any previous experience. Anyone can start a company. Go out tomorrow and start your own roofing business. Using only a transit van and ladders you may convince some of the people all of the time that you are a roofer. Obviously there are many more skills involved in being a professional roofer than owning a transit van. The unqualified roofer will be caught the first time it rains.
Think of it this way - whether you shop for a house, a car or a household appliance, you want something that was created, built or designed by a professional. You won't settle for anything less, because your safety, convenience, or even your reputation depends on it. The same consideration and importance should be given to your graphic designer or web developer. Their work is a direct reflection on your company, and will influence the way potential clients perceive the quality of your product or service.
