1. Doing Business as a Designer:
The Price Wars
(Slide-u-mentary Version - made in google docs)
By Jae Xavier of KnowledgeCity.com
Blog: jaexavier.wordpress.com
Twitter: twitter.com/jaexavier

2. Before the Internet
A topic that is frequently mentioned in the design industry is
the “price wars” game. And too often, the economy is almost
always mentioned.
Before the age of the internet and of powerful computers
with ingenious software, the design industry had very fewer
amateurs. The industry was driven by those who sought design
related education. Only a few entered this industry through
raw talent or self study.

3. Today
Today, anybody can be a designer. All it takes is curiosity.
8 years ago, YouTube launched. Now everyone is a
videographer and motion graphics guru.
10 years ago, blogs started to become popular. Now everyone
is a journalist and an author.
12 years ago, Deviant Art was launched. Now everyone is a
designer and an artist.

4. The Amateur
Amateurs are everywhere: software is easily accessible,
websites are the publishing platforms, and curiosity is the
motivator. Very few evolve into professionals.
What’s the difference between an amateur who bids on price
versus a professional?

5. The Professional
Professional designers solve problems where amateurs cannot
because they have a sustainable competitive advantage.
Amateur designers do business with amateur clients.
Professionals do business with professional clients.
Its not wrong being an amateur, but its wrong for a
professional to regress back into “amateurhood”.
Where do you see yourself?

6. Want to know more?
Resources:
KnowledgeCity.com – Concepts of Marketing: Course Length is
1hr. and 17min., costs $4.99, and is taught by professor who’s
was an instructor in advertising at the Art Institute of Tampa
and was also a director marketing.
Doing Business as a Designer: Getting Started