A comic strip site I stumbled which displays types of clients designers tend to meet. I myself have met many during my presentations with clients. Does this ever happen to you?

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Technorati Tags: design, business, personal, internet

As a graphic designer, I have passion and love with what I do. I was inspired by many designers I read and kept up to-date on websites, articles, blogs & design forums. We, as designers create solutions; how a design is perceived and influenced by consumer choices. Graphic design is not only an art; but it is actually a visual communication for commercial success. Up to this day, many of us are ignorant of an issue that is harassing the design industry; it is being ravaged of its value.

Most of us have studied for it and have worked to understand the processes and the psychology of designs. Design itself reflects an image, the value of products & services. Think about the products you buy or the stores that you shop at. Have you ever hesitated on a purchase because of the way it looked?

I have observed many designers underestimating industry prices and giving clients rights as they want just to ensure they secure the project. Even on freelancer forums & sites where designers “bid” the best price for projects/ jobs like $50 for logo design or $100 website. Why does this happen? Desperation! I cannot imagine how you can get an original logo designed which truly reflects your corporate image with such a flimsy logo design fee. I think this gives a clouded view to the design buyers who shape their budgets around a faux value.

I sincerely believe that there are a few factors why we are experiencing this disastrous event. In the first instant, now is the dawn of the computer age where design softwares used by unprofessional people think that as long as they can use Photoshop to manipulate pictures or layout a design with no effort, creating a so-called good design, instantaneously makes them think they are a designer. Wrong! The programs we use are tools just as a builder with their hammer and nails to build a great structure. You wouldn’t want your 12-year old to build your house just because he knows how to use a hammer and nails. It is not about knowing- but understanding. In design itself, we have design rationales, colour theory, typography, elements and most importantly - concept.

Why does design now viewed as a commodity rather than a service? It is not! My professional view is that there is a lack of education and exposure especially fresh graduates from design schools, not knowing that what they charged is a meager sum just to secure projects. Ridiculous! I, myself as a designer was not aware of this until I looked further into this matter and understood that many do not understand the value of designs. A lot of sites offer cheap solutions especially to those that are underselling the industry. How are our clients supposed to know the true value of our services if all they see are these freelance type sites and low-balling designers?

I would greatly appreciate if we all could make a stand and create awareness that designs have got specific values. I would not sit and let the industry crumble to dust with this mortification. I am proud to be a qualified graphic designer.

I would gladly hope to hear a few feedbacks on this matter.

Thank you.

Technorati Tags: design, marketing, business, personal

It was about last week when I got a call from Dino, the proprietor of Imperial International Hotel, requesting me to have a ‘free trial’ stay in one of the rooms.

How lucky was I?!?

The main entrance. (The signage looks so plain.) -picture courtesy of Julian

 

I arrived late, around 8pm at Imperial International Hotel situated in Warisan Square in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, a modern city - looking astonishingly amazed at the hotel’s contemporary designs but somehow couldnt help noticing the carpets resembling “Kuih Lapis” as quoted by Nancy.

The big boss and I having our little discussion. -picture courtesy of Nancy.

 

 

One important thing you should do before sleeping at night…..

*Test your beds!

 

I find the place rather impressive for a 4-star hotel. Unfortunately, only one floor was in commission at that time while the other floors were still under construction which would be up pretty much soon.

I manage to get the same deluxe room as Julian which was pretty cool but i didn’t get a good view, just a small view of Api-api centre. (how sad!)

But still, I had a 32″ LCD tv (currently with 4 local channels; Astro coming soon!)

The hotel features:

• 208 rooms in total, and currently only 50 are open to guests, while the rest are still under construction
• Eateries: 2 bars; Sun and Moon Bar, and a restaurant called ‘The Roof Restaurant’ (it is on top of the roof of course!)
• State-Of-The-Art Audio & Video Equipments
• They have an Atrium on the 8th floor, 2 Meeting Rooms & a Business Centre
• 24 hours Room Service
• Broadband Internet Access
• Located 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport
• Conveniently close to restaurants, popular entertainment venues and local attractions

Imperial International Hotel is currently open to walk in guests.

Current promotion rate till further notice is at RM130 only!

This would be a fantastic chance for you to enjoy a wonderful stay in Imperial International Hotel.

Do drop in any replies if you’ve manage to try it out!
Contact Info:

Imperial International Hotel
D-G-28, Block D, Warisan Square
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Tel: +60 88 522888
Fax: +60 88 522999

It’s 2.36am and I’m currently in the process of finalizing my flash
interactive portfolio which I will be uploading it to the net soon.
It contains my previous client works, also my drawings & designs
reflecting myself - for your viewing pleasure!

What do you think of this design page?

Any thoughts, positive or negative are very welcome.

Technorati Tags: design, internet, personal

Sleepyheads like myself live in perpetual envy of those who can just wake up without an alarm clock. In fact, my university roommate woke up every morning without his alarm going off once. WikiHow explains how you can join this elite group by training yourself to set a mental alarm.

Although I don’t think I could ever ditch the alarm clock altogether, I would love to wake up pleasantly each morning moments before my alarm blasted me into reality. Do any of you posses this incredible skill? What tips can you share with us?
How to Wake Up Without an Alarm Clock [WikiHow]

Technorati Tags: self help, personal