This post made me remember something I just saw about “Office Divas” and how they get some slack if they contribute to a companies bottom line. I think they should get smacked on *their* bottom line for being such BEE-AH-CHEZ, but apparently they are tolerated in certain circles and even admired (by weasels, I assume).

Just another perspective of what words are worth.

Respectfully,

That shed a bit of light on the topic for me. I’ve dealt with a variety of clients, designers and photographers… all of which have their own personalities… it really gets down to if it’s appropriate for the atmosphere your in and your clients your in charge of.

I personally don’t see anything wrong with being confident. Being arrogant however shows that you believe that you have become the best in your given element. Waiting for this type to change or accept alternative ideas is easily compared to waiting for a train that simply doesn’t come.

Not that people outside of design don’t do this as well, but ‚Ķ you get my point.

Having grown up with a pen and paper practically glued to my hand, my mind (and eye) has often wandered into the world of design, which I honestly did think was full of arrogant people. I’m glad to say after taking a closer look, my view has been completely reversed and I find myself wanting to know more and more about this industry.

I have come across some arrogant designers on my travels but for the most part, this industry seems to be in a catagory of it’s own, full of people who share their ideas rather than keeping them close to the chest for personal gain. Mr. Cameron Moll is a prime example in my book.

From the point of view of an outsider (I am very much an outsider at the moment) there is a subtle difference between being confident and taking pride in work you have produced, and being arrogant. It all depends on how the designer puts him/herself across. Screaming “Look at me, I’m amazing!” from the rooftops is a clear indication that someone’s been overfeeding their ego. The approach of “Here’s my latest work, I think it rules, but what do you think?” seems to work best.

Have I made a valid point? I don’t know, I shall leave it to you good people to decide.

Unfortunately, this leads to people thinking all arrogant people are talented and passionate.

It’s like assuming a Ferrari is a great car because the paint is red. Painting another car red won’t make it a Ferrari.

Buy a Farrari. Fire the red paint.

As for other examples of what I am talking about, I will be a little more general. First off, confidence is a very good thing as is sticking to your guns. This profession needs push-overs as much as it does arrogant pricks. I’m just pointing out that being a decent human being is also a very important part of being a good designer. We may know more about design and aesthetics than our clients, but we shouldn’t act like we are better people.

The other part of this post is directed at those designers that turn heated and interesting blog conversations into a forum for personal attacks. I’m not making it my mission to censor those people on this blog or anywhere else, I just wanted to make a point to encourage others to be a little more civil. It would also be nice to see some other blogs not celebrate those that are the worst offenders.

just kidding.