The devaluation of art
“…I would call the so-called ‘decline’, a DEVALUATION of art/illustration–in the business world view. They forcibly lowered its uniqueness by making bottom line decisions. Everything changes, but this went from viable career to borderline occupation. They don’t want a partner, they want a temporary Creative. Calling it ‘mere illustration’ is its own devaluation of the uniqueness that an illustrator brings to a project. Now, it is true that illustrators are sometimes ignorant of the whole marketing picture. They’ve been trained to think only of image solving, but it’s historically accurate to say that the advent of both computer programs, access to stock art and the generation of young art directors who never stared at a blank sheet of paper for an idea all coincided with the end of illustration-as-career.
Those of us who HAVE survived DID expand our horizons and learn digital work, blended in more with designers who don’t draw and made what we could out of the bad economy. I’ve always called myself a designer/illustrator. To beat on illustrators who didn’t adapt is foolish. They’re like farmers that didn’t cause the drought. It isn’t unrealistic. It’s tragic.
Those of us who have survived have been realistic and pragmatic about moving into the flow of production with more knowledge of paper, printing, design, client demands, market demands, trends and the changing face of newness.
I have been hired more as a art director than a painter. I’d go for full time jobs but that has become a disappearing trend too. TEMPS. That’s what it has come to. I don’t mind as long as I’m compensated. In the meantime I develop more connections, learn new skills and expand capabilities. I have skills that come from successful experiences, why throw them away? It’s all added value in a marketplace that continually seeks to get it faster and cheaper.
Scott, I’m of the opinion that it takes a ’second wind’ at this point to become part of these future projects. Clients don’t like to be ‘educated’ but that is what its going to take. Value is knowing what solid deign can do to increase, refresh and expand brands.”
-Mark Anderson
