Why do some people assume Graphic Design is easy?

I'm a Graphic designer and I work for a small design company in NYC. Though we are small, we have high class clients such as Pandora and PayPal. I'm often asked by friends to design things for them such as logo's, flyers etc.. When I give them my price they say it's too high, even though I am giving them a discount due to our friendship. They try to low ball me on prices or want things for free. I won't design something for $20-$40 that I get payed $200-$300 to do at my job. I asked my old college Professor who helped me get my job (He's close friends with my Boss). When he heard the prices I was charging, he said it's way too low. Some people who aren't in our field don't see the time and effort that goes into our designs. They think we have a magic wand or snap our fingers 3 times and the design is done. With so many designers and so many designs out there it takes a lot of research, creative thinking and problem solving to come up with something original and unique. When I try to explain it to them, some of them don't understand. Not all my friends are like this, but the majority.

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PoetryNEmotion · F

My son took Graphic Arts Design in college for two semesters. It was very challenging. I have some idea of what he did. He even did co-op and worked as a main designer when just finishing high school at age 17. He even designed products for clients in Japan! I think you should charge more. Friends have to understand that you work hard and you need to be paid. You are worth it. Keep that in mind. Say it to them. Then let them decide. You will have a promising career. Too bad your friends do not appreciate you more.

kidflash · 31-35, M

@PoetryNEmotion Thank you for the advice, and sharing your sons story. He sounds very talented. Especially if he designed for clients in Japan. I will start having more value for my time and work.

decemberween · 22-25, F

this is pissing me off so bad just by reading it
i honestly hope that your friends and everyone you know/everyone in the world will start realising how much work people have to put into doing this kind of job

kidflash · 31-35, M

@decemberween Thank you, and so true. Creative job's are really difficult. A lot of time and effort.

SW-User

Those people must be moving boxes at Walmart. That's why they think every other job is as easy as theirs.

kidflash · 31-35, M

@SW-User Yeah bro, I try to tell them it's not the same. The creative process is hard work.

Sarabee · 41-45

Is it like art classes🤔

kidflash · 31-35, M

@Sarabee lol, no. Its a lot more work.

Sarabee · 41-45

@kidflash art with math yuck

DDonde · 31-35, M

It's like this with music too. Some people don't understand the amount of work that goes into creative stuff.

kidflash · 31-35, M

@DDonde Most def bro, all they see is the finish product, and not the time and effort that went into it.

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