Talent vs Ego - One Designer’s Rant
Sep 13th, 07 | 7 remarks
If there’s one thing that gets under my skin, it’s an an egomaniac. Particularly when it’s someone in the design industry. Now, I’d like to think I’m a good designer but I certainly don’t claim to be among the leaders. I also strive to know my field and stay current with changing technologies, but I don’t profess an endless knowledge.
I believe in humility. I believe it’s better to undersell myself and look good when I deliver, than oversell and look like an ass if I fall short.
Maybe clients look for certain buzz words on a designer’s site, and maybe I’m being naive, but when I see an About page with pretentious words like “whose creative vision is complemented by the talents of his intellect”, I can only roll my eyes.
Do clients really buy into this junk? I don’t see guys like Zeldman, Clarke or Cedarholm writing bios like that. And even if they did… they have accomplishments to back it up! Each of them pioneered, at least in part, design as we know it.
I think, if you’re really smart, and you really have talent, you don’t need to TALK about how smart or talented you are! It will show in your work, in the assured way you carry yourself, and in the friendly, easy way you relate to clients.
In case you were wondering, I’m speaking of a local competitor (with whom I thankfully have only a brief history). This individual has an extremely high opinion of himself, and no problem reveling in it. Of course, Mr. Incredible has the right to promote his services to the best of his abilities just like anyone else, but in my world, vanity = ignorance. Talking about how fabulous you are doesn’t actually make it so. Funny thing is, he doesn’t even have a portfolio. Not that mine is anything to brag about, but that’s just it - I DON’T. (In fact I even concede that it needs work.)
So I begin to wonder - if you were shopping for a designer, what would prompt you to hire? Buzz words, or simply a feeling of flexible enthusiasm? How do you feel about designers/developers/artists who oversell? Personally, I’d be much less inclined to contract someone hung up on himself, than I would someone willing to jump through hoops for me… regardless of their portfolio.
Thanks Charity, but haven’t you heard? I have a huge ego!
It’s so big that I have to get my clients to pay for an extra First Class airline seat just to sit it on. Mind you, it can get me into trouble. Only the other day I was jet-settingaround the world and my ego got drunk and started to make trouble with the cabin crew. Fortunately my prvate security staff stepped in and calmed the situation down, otherwise my ego would have got me in big trouble.
The lesson in all this? Next time I’ll take my private jet! :D
Andy
Sep 13, 07 | 4:31 pmOh thank goodness for those private security people! I don’t have any security staff myself, but I probably should have a censor! ;)
p.s. I’m about halfway through your book Transcending CSS, and already I’ve picked up some great tips! If it weren’t for books like yours (and Amazon) I would never have learned half as much as I have. Nice work and thanks for the comment Andy!
Sep 13, 07 | 5:22 pmWhat I find most amusing is when a designer exploits him or herself and then the portfolio section of their website is non-existent… and gives the distinct impression that it will never exist. Umm, is it just me, or is something wrong with this picture? Perhaps their work can’t sell for them, hence the overcompensation of fancy words.
Sep 13, 07 | 8:43 pmWhat you say is so true. The funniest thing is when you read “Award winning designer …blah blah..” and then look at the portfolio and think what on earth have you managed to win an award for. What I can’t stand is when a designer or blogger pretends to be an expert in everything, its just not real.
Sep 14, 07 | 3:55 amJoci and Tara - SO TRUE! It’s like that old saying, “If you’re gonna talk the talk, then walk the walk.”
I’m one of those people who knows a little bit about a lot of things, but not a lot about any ONE thing. Or at least I don’t feel like I do. I have tremendous respect for anyone who’s a real expert in their field, but when it’s obvious that someone is only trying to front as an expert, or has some kind of superiority complex - that’s when I get annoyed and dismiss them as anyone worth listening to. :p
Sep 14, 07 | 9:07 amThe quality of your work should speak for itself and I think your stuff is beautiful.
Sep 16, 07 | 3:53 amThanks Caledonia. Appreciate the compliment. :)
Sep 16, 07 | 8:55 am