"For the ambitious designer this is fatal"

In reading the first article in "How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul" the section on Communication is what caught my attention. At first I was offended when the article compared the sensitivity of a graphic designer to a that of a safe-cracker. Since a safe-cracker is using his "tactile sensitivity" and wit to crack a safe, rob a bank, break the law and decieve the people. I think this is a horribly negative and piss poor analogy to the field of graphic design. I like to think of a graphic designer as a problem solver using his/her creative expertise to provide a valuable service to their client. I was even further concerned with the article as I read on, "The designer who shows only signs of self-absorbtion and narrowness of focus isn't going to inspire his or her client... They are guilty of the worst crime a graphic designer can commit: they are revealing themselves to be self-centered and to have a narrow outlook. For the ambitious designer this is fatal." Self absorbtion and single-mindedness is poor social etiquette and is fatal for anyone. One of the first things taught in sales training is that the person who has spoken the majority of the conversation walks away feeling the best about it. One shouldn't be worried about "revealing" the fact that they are completely self absorbed they shouldn't feel that way in the first place! IT"S NOT ABOUT YOU! The first sentence of the paragraph is, "How does this help me become a better designer and get my work accepted?" When it really should be asking how can I better meet the needs of and provide a better service for my clients? A designer's genuine interest in the success of their client is what I think solidifies those business relationships. Robert H. Ennis provides the best piece of advice in his "Critical Thinking" article, "Care about the dignity and worth of every person". Not because it will get you ahead in the design world but because it's the begining of a recipe for good moral character. Character is the attribute that seperates us from the ruthless, stealing "safe-crackers" of the world and promotes a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

"People helping people, it's a beautiful thing." - Vince Vaughn, Wedding Crashers.