We asked in our recent survey, how can you fill the gap between creativity and business? When I try and come up with my own answer to this question, I look at my work as an editorial designer. I’m the kind of person who tries to push boundaries and try to make something as close to art as I can get in a commercial environment. The business side takes over when it comes to selling my concepts and convincing others that people will “get it”. That’s the thing a lot of people don’t get about design. Not only does it take technical skill (knowing how to use programs and understanding design and color theory), but there’s a huge sales aspect to the most successful designers. It doesn’t matter how artistically successful your work is if no one will buy into it. You have to convince people to be on your side and practically get them out there, selling for you.
Take a look at the responses from our panel and chime in with your own advice and experiences. If you’d like to be featured in a future blog post and share your advice, take our latest questionnaire.
- “You bridge the gap by learning about and doing as much as possible in both aspects.”
Tearra Marie (@AhorashiiKagome) is an inspiring singer/song writer, actress, and novelist who blogs daily her writings and struggles in the music and publishing world at AhorashiiKagome.livejournal.com
- “Unfortunately, mortgage companies don’t accept stock options as payment. So designing interfaces that convert (into paying customers) is *the* most important thing to keep in mind.”
Paul Singh (@paulsingh) is an entrepreneur and advisor to startups doing interesting stuff. He blogs at www.resultsjunkies.com/blog
- “You have to be serious about the business side first. Otherwise, there will be no creative opportunities. Running your own business, you will realize you are more of a business owner than a designer, as you will begin to have more in common with business owners than with designers. This is good, since having your clients as colleagues is very beneficial.”
Lisa C. Jackson (lisajackson.biz) is owner of a Company Identity Solopreneurship, Lisa Jackson Design, and helps small local businesses to succeed.
If you like this post, you might also want to check out the previous post in this series “What advice would you give to someone just starting out in a creative field?” And don’t forget to let us know how you’ve found a balance between your business and creative sides in the comments.
Brian E. Young is a graphic designer and artist in Baltimore, MD.
This is a really important topic for artists these days because it’s much easier to do your own thing now than before. I’ve learned a lot about this from Chris Oatley at chrisoatley.com
Cool I’ll definitely check him out. IT’s the one thing I always want to learn more about. Innovation and creativity is more in demand than ever
Cool, I hope it helps. You’re absolutely right that they are in higher demand and we get rewarded for providing them.