Graphic design is a skill—a craft honed through years of training, practice, and refinement. It’s not just about making something look pretty; it’s about creating visual solutions that communicate, persuade, and achieve specific goals. Yet, far too often, wannabe designers armed with Adobe Creative Suite and inflated confidence decide they’re suddenly experts. The result? Design disasters that miss the mark, damage brands, and fail to serve their intended purpose.
We’ve all met someone who thinks they are a great graphic designer because they want to be, because they think it is easy.
The Wannabe Designer Problem
Wannabe designers, typically untrained in the nuances of graphic design, approach projects with a “what looks cool” mindset. They lack the foundational understanding of design principles like typography, composition, and color theory. They don’t know how to interpret a design brief, respect brand guidelines, or think critically about the audience and function of their work.
Instead, they slap together visuals based on personal taste, often ignoring crucial elements like:
Audience Relevance
Who is the design for? Wannabes often design for themselves, not the end-user.
Brand Consistency
Brand colors, typography, and tone are disregarded in favor of flashy, mismatched aesthetics.
Usability
Whether it’s a logo, flyer, or website, design must serve a purpose. Wannabe designers rarely think about how their work will be used or how it fits into a broader strategy.
Why Graphic Design Is Not “Easy”
Professional graphic design requires:
A Trained Eye
Skilled designers spend years learning how to balance elements, create hierarchy, and direct attention where it’s needed.
Problem-Solving Skills
Design is about solving problems, not just decorating. Professionals listen to briefs and craft solutions that align with business objectives.
Understanding of Tools
Having Adobe Creative Suite doesn’t make you a designer—just like owning a scalpel doesn’t make you a surgeon.
Good design is functional. It conveys messages clearly, respects the audience’s intelligence, and aligns with the client’s goals. Untrained wannabes don’t understand this, leading to designs that fail spectacularly.
The Ego Problem
Wannabe designers often let their egos drive their work. They’re more concerned with impressing others (or themselves) than creating something that fulfills its purpose. A trained designer, on the other hand, leaves their ego at the door. They listen to feedback, adapt to client needs, and understand that design is a collaborative process.
Why Trained Designers Are Worth Every Penny
Hiring a professional designer might cost more upfront, but it’s an investment that pays off. Trained designers:
- Deliver Results: They listen to your brief and create designs that meet your objectives.
- Save Time: They know how to execute ideas efficiently, avoiding endless revisions.
- Protect Your Brand: They ensure that every piece of work aligns with your brand’s identity and strategy.
- Think Strategically: Professionals understand how design fits into broader marketing and communication goals.
It is easy to have all the gear and no idea
Just having the software, doesn’t make you a pro.
Don’t Undervalue Graphic Design
Graphic design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about impact. A poorly designed flyer won’t attract customers. A confusing website will drive users away. A mismatched logo will erode trust. Wannabe designers, no matter how enthusiastic, lack the expertise to deliver designs that truly work.
So, the next time you think about “saving money” by asking a friend or dabbling in design yourself, think again. Hire a professional. Your brand, your audience, and your bottom line will thank you.
