Why I Value Design

Design brings order, structure, and balance. It conveys a message, moves people to action, and affects moods. If you are a designer, you know exactly what I am talking about.

Frequently in commute to or from the office I reflect on my day. You know, the usual stuff… what projects have I completed? What do I still have to complete? When are my deadlines? Why did I eat that for lunch? Why in the hell am I still thinking about work? I have been a designer for many years and I even have moments when I question my career path. On occasion I ask myself “Why do I design…is this important and does it have value?”

What I have come to realize is I view my position not just as a designer but also as a communicator…as a true artist conveying my ideas through various mediums. As I look around my office there is a layout. Much like the show “Hidden Potential,” all of the projects that trail from my computer monitor to the floor have value. Though they are works in progress, I know all of them are styled and designed with a purpose. Design is valuable; it is worth something; it is important. Simply put, design is very powerful.

But with great power comes great responsibility (Thanks Uncle Ben). With increased ownership of personal computers and design programs, there are more and more people calling themselves designers. What is important to understand is that owning tools to do a job does not mean you are capable of doing it well. Think about it…does owning a hammer make a good carpenter? Does having vocal cords mean I should be the next American Idol? Every day we see designs we think are sub-par or down right hideous (don’t you judge me…you know you think it too sometimes!). I will be the first to say that you do NOT have to go to a fancy school to design, but I firmly believe designers should at least learn about typography, color and layout. A willingness to learn, and the ability to challenge yourself and grow are some qualities that separate a good designer from a mediocre one.

As members of AIGA we should use our knowledge of design to elevate the level of design around us and educate others on about of our craft. AIGA’s Standards of Professional Practice help outline ways we can all sustain the value of our chosen profession.

-Jermaine Johnson, Vice President AIGA NH/VT