Something I have noticed as the clock continues to tic and the lines around my eyes become more defined, is the way that I handle and react to written dialogue. The cliche about age and wisdom takes on a new meaning as I no longer feel like I need to be “right” or have the conclusive answer to the topic at hand. The piss-and-vinegar has dried up and I am more in-tuned and focused on finding a solution to the problem, rather than adding to it.

One thing I can be sure of is that the more you close yourself to criticism and the more you take yourself serious, the more others will not. Don’t get me wrong, if something seems out-of-place or makes no sense to you, challenge it, don’t be afraid to be wrong… there are plenty of experts willing to explain. Asking the questions or challenging a point-of-view will also spark others to explore it and possibly have alternative, (in some cases) better views or solutions.

No matter how much static you create, if you aren’t aiming it in the right direction, it is only noise. Make it be heard.

The point of this post isn’t to debunk anything that I have read, nor jump on any bandwagons of ideas that I have absorbed over the years… rather, it is a “real time” personal exploration of what distinguishes the differences. Generally when I am “forced” to fill out some form or online depiction of my portfolio persona, the first thing that comes to mind is “graphic designer”. I never fail to hesitate thinking “if I generalize myself as a graphic designer”, ” does that in-turn limit others perception of my capabilities?” I am then forced to analyze whom the information is intended for and then alter my input based on that.

The plain truth is, I am versed in multiple design mediums (Flash, web, print, branding, etc…). Even though I haven’t found myself using Flash for quite some time, I can nonetheless build a site or presentation using Flash. Most of the “design” work that I do (based on hours alone), is related to web site design (mostly development). But I can’t use “web site designer” for everything either, that’s way too specific, especially if you’re looking for someone to design you a logo.

Lately, with the rise in popularity of the buzz term “user-experience” designer or UX, that seems to be the direction a lot are going. Though once again, it’s too generalized. It would seem that if your designing for the web, user-experience would be included.

I completely understand the need for having various titles for all facets of the graphic design industry. It’s obvious there are schools that are teaching these specific fields and some web designers don’t have the slightest clue what a print designer does, and vice versa.

Update

As I am cross-referencing my facts, I ran across Jason Santa Maria’s post regarding the same issue. It seems this is a common topic and obviously the lines are still blurred.

Conclusion: As I sit here attempting to talk myself into settling on one term, I realize it’s not going to happen. The lines are too blurred and that is the whole reason it has not been decided on as of yet. I am interested in what you, as a designer or spectator, think of the subject and would like your input.