Page 19 - Art Attack Gr 9 LB SKU1007

Becoming a professional designer

Often the question is asked, “Can a designer make enough money to earn a living?” What do you
think? Give your opinion and remember to substantiate it .........................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................

The answer is yes, provided the designer does not only produce the work that pleases him or her.
Designers are employed to fulfil others needs. They need to fulfil the brief given to them by their client
in order to solve a particular problem, fulfil a “want” or increase sales. Give a brief definition of a brief:
........................................................................................
........................................................................................
........................................................................................
........................................................................................
What type of designs does the general public enjoy?
........................................................................................
........................................................................................
........................................................................................

If the designer cannot compromise and do the designs
that the majority of people enjoy then he or she must
not expect success to come easily and quickly. In most
professions, it takes time for the beginner to build up a
client base and reach the top. Success does not come
overnight. Unless you are very lucky, you will have lean
years as you work your way to the top. If you want to
become one of South Africa’s major designers then you
will have to be passionate, dedicated and hardworking.

A designer’s education lasts a lifetime. You learn all the
time! At times you will hear people say that after your
training at a university or college you may find it difficult
to make a living- that’s not true! South Africa is full of
opportunity for designers. You can start your own
agency or business, you could freelance or you could Successful South African furniture designer
be hired by one of the numerous design companies. Haldane Martin in his design studio
Just check out the endless lists of design jobs on the © 2008 Haldane Martin
Internet these days! The design industry is growing every day in our country. They say that the design
industry now makes up 40% of South Africa’s GDP- we have started to export creativity! Some
industrial design companies in South Africa have a turn over that runs into billions of dollars as they
serve internal clients. Complete the following definitions:

Target market: ..........................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
Specifications: .........................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
Functionality: ...........................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
Aesthetic quality: ......................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
Innovation: ................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
Concept: ...................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................

Artifact Publications and Training 2015 13