Although computers have liberated the artist from the drudgery and expense of the cut and paste days with their toxic chemicals, monstrous type costs, and supplies overhead, they have also ushered in an age where everyone thinks they can set type, regardless of their training. Technology has also quickened the pace of deadline pressure, and eroded the budgets accordingly. People want things now, they think everything can be done at the push of a button.

It is much harder to be paid what you are worth under these circumstances. Further, there is a myth that artists have a fun job all day long. Nothing could be further from the truth! In addition to having to justify every move and decision we make repeatedly, today’s graphic designer has to know how to do everything from estimating, selling, and copywriting, proofreading to layout, design, prepress, photography, typesetting, and print production management.

I moved away from a steady diet of deadlines after 5 pm when I had my first child. I need to be a mom and come home after work, not work till 3 am at the drop of a hat. Now I have a 40 hr job with web design, writing, project management and graphics mixed together. It may not be the hottest creative I ever did, but it is less stressful and I can have a life.

I sometimes miss the freedom of the freelance days, but I don’t miss the cash flow nightmares. I can do art and design all day and not have to do sales and accounting half the time.