Big ideas for startups and nonprofits

Industrialist Thomas J. Watson said “Good design is good business.” The evidence of this philosophy was the hiring of the iconic American graphic designer Paul Rand to bring visual creativity and branding to IBM’s corporate culture, products and services. This was the 1950s and this was a big idea.

Today, any business and nonprofit that wants to be competitive with their big ideas must have a plan that includes a great logo and branding. Technology has expanded the roles of a graphic designer. It is important for businesses and nonprofits to know, what type of graphic designer do I need for my big ideas?

Aiga.org says “Graphic design is a part of your daily life. From humble things like gum wrappers to huge things like billboards to the T-shirt you’re wearing, graphic design informs, persuades, organizes, stimulates, locates, identifies, attracts attention and provides pleasure.”

So, small business owners, do you want a graphic designer that fits the AIGA definition or something else?

Designers: Are you a graphic design educator that values the connection of art/design history and human behavior? Are you a practitioner that has some marketing experience with some education? Are you a DIY desktop publisher? Did you cross over from another profession? Are you a hybrid? This will give businesses and nonprofits a snapshot into how our creative field is changing.