Last week I had the opportunity to review some student's portfolio's for the AIGA/OC. It has been a while since I have been involved in the design community in such a way. It was very rewarding. I saw a couple of student's who reminded me of when I was in their shoes, 25 years ago.

I asked each student what they were passionate about. Most knew right away. When asked, I shared a bit about my history, how I struggled to find a niche, or a specialty. I remember how scary it was to break away as a designer for everyone, and focus on a specific industry, or specialty. I shared how, with a specialty comes expert status. You dig real deep. You have to immerse yourself in that industry culture. You have to be one of them, speak their language and know who their customers are. With that specialty, you gain a unique attribute that can be very valuable to the industry.

We are not here to make pretty pictures, but to create value for our clients. We are "COMMERCIAL" artists. The result has to create an effect on the bottom line. When that result is proven, there is no question about cost. 

That was for the students.

How are you digging deep?As a professional in your industry, complacency is easy to fall in to. How are you digging deep to create the value your company and industry needs to lead and succeed?

READY TO DIG DEEP FOR YOUR COMPANY?