🚀 go-pugleaf

Tim.

No easy answers. But I do wonder what's going to happen to all the designers being cookie-cuttered out of design school each semester. At what point will they have second thoughts about their choice of profession? I've been a designer since college graduation in 1966. OK, except for a three-year stint in luxury high-rise construction management in a family business. No, I don't know where Jimmy Hoffa is buried.

Even with my professional hands-on experience and knowledge as a designer, copywriter, and marketing person, plus the ability to bring some good marketing ideas to the table, there is all-too-often little respect from some so-called "clients" who shop by price as if they were buying gas, and who will settle for some wet-behind-the-ears kid who "knows" every creative application, and who will attempt to do the same design work for a song. These clients are the same folks who think nothing of dropping $150 for a 10 minute visit with their doctor or attorney. Go figure! [end of my rant]

There's a story that comes to mind. I'll wait while you pull a fresh drink out of the fridge...

A well-know abstract painter who mastered the use of just a few brushstrokes to make his bold canvases, had a gallery show in a large city. On opening night, he wandered about, chatting with the guests, taking in all the comments about his most recent works. He then overhead one visitor proclaim, "$10,000 for that? I could do that!"

Rather than become upset or argumentative, the artist approached the man. To the man's surprise, the artist graciously invited him back to the his studio the next day so he could see how the man would create a painting in the artist's style.

When the man arrived, the artist said, "You made an interesting remark back at my show. I've taken the liberty of setting up a fresh canvas for you, with a supply of brushes and paints. I'd be interested in seeing how you create a painting like mine."

The man walked over to the canvas, picked up a brush, and then paused.

"What's the problem?" the artist asked.

"I need something to copy."

Neil