[Hidden-tech] Graphic design contest for a card deck

[Deborah Chandler]

Denise,

There was a time, pre-computer, when us designers had to do everything
manually and it held more value, because not every Tom, Dick and Happy had
the tools to create it, let alone the talent. We used T-squares (or
parallel rules), triangles, mechanical board, X-Acto knives, galleys of
typesetting sent out to a service bureau, we did our own color separations,
used acetate or Rubylith overlays, registration marks, or glued it all down
with rubber cement or wax. Created our own black and white images in the
"stat room" (breathed in some nasty chemicals, too)

Now, with personal computers a dime a dozen, *anyone* can create what is
called "graphic design". But that does not mean they have our in-depth
education and years of experience. I have a Bachelors in Graphic Design
from Mass College of Art from 1983, the year right before the advent of Mac
computers. I'm getting all nostalgic...

Those bicycle messengers in Boston were so kickass, dodging and weaving
through traffic with no helmets, to get a big rush job back to us on the
waterfront from the service bureau in Southie before they closed. We didn't
have fax machines back then. Crazy how much has changed. We had to really
think and plan our design executions. Mistakes cost us money. Now, it's
just a Command Z.

Dinosaur Designer Deb

On Thu, Sep 26, 2019 at 2:33 PM Denise Batalha via Hidden-discuss <
hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net> wrote:

> Kris,
>
> I've always likened the idea of these skills being too easy to be paid
> their worth as being seen as simple as coloring. What I don't get is if
> they clearly see these skills as so simplified it requires little to no
> pay, why don't they just do it themselves? I am, by no means, implying that
> is the case here. Good/great designers cost money, and I completely
> understand the overwhelming weight of the costs any organization, or
> individual lacking the funds, can be.
>
> Denise
>
> On Thu, Sep 26, 2019 at 2:05 PM kris badertscher via Hidden-discuss <
> hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net> wrote:
>
>> As a media and communications/graphic designer, I found this *contest*
>> to be incredibly disrespectful to the ever-expanding community of pioneer
>> valley creatives who so often have to go against their better judgement and
>> take work either pro bono (hoping that it leads to paid a gig), for barter,
>> or for slave-wage labor just in order to pay a bill.
>>
>> This cultivated western Massachusetts mentality of bargaining for free or
>> underpaid labor predominates in this region where creative workers are
>> consistently being taken advantage of because so few opportunities present
>> themselves.
>>
>> Whether it's photography, video, graphic design, or another skilled
>> creative endeavor, other professionals in the Valley seem to think that
>> these skills require nothing more than just a press of a button. Or maybe
>> they do know and understand that having a subscription to Adobe or
>> Microsoft products or other applications, plus equipment and training in
>> order to make their designs for clients are outrageously expensive and they
>> don't care. Because right, there's always the bounty of students to hire
>> willing to put up with unpaid labor early in their careers.
>>
>> This mindset hurts all of us. We all then have to accept underpaid labor
>> as an exploited community in order to survive, never mind *thrive*. What
>> results is that no one outside the creative community gets a sense of what
>> a project *actually* costs which repeats this unethical cycle.
>>
>> Living in the age of wanting something for (nearly) nothing is doing
>> everyone a disservice and my recommendation is to first research the market
>> and know how much a particular job costs. And please consider the cost- not
>> just of what you are offering in exchange for labor or products, but the
>> cost to all of us who live with the consequences of that mindset.
>>
>> Cheers, Kris
>>
>> sustainabilitydesigner.com
>>
>> On Thu, Sep 26, 2019 at 12:36 PM Rich at OTN via Hidden-discuss <
>> hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net> wrote:
>>
>>> You do realize that that amounts for barely 4 hours of a reasonable wage
>>> for a graphic artist
>>> and that only goes to the winner -- really doesn't sound in line with
>>> your company name.
>>>
>>> I'd hope to see something more, maybe at least a percent of sales
>>> OR just hire an artist.
>>>
>>> Think about it.
>>> On 9/20/2019 6:37 AM, Jessica Gifford via Hidden-discuss wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> I'm running a design contest for the back and box of a customized deck
>>> of *Connection Cards*, which are used in a program that helps
>>> participants get to know new people, build social connections, and develop
>>> friendships. Each card has a question that participants answer as part of
>>> the program. There will be a $150 prize for the winning design. You may
>>> email jessica at growingwellness.life for entry guidelines. Please pass
>>> along to anyone who may be interested.
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>> Jessica
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>>
>>> Jessica Gifford, LICSW
>>> www.growingwellness.life
>>> 413-548-4688
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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