At What Point Can You Call Yourself a Writer, Designer, Etc.?
You know what? I’m a bit miffed. It seems everyone around me is taking advantage of the increasing affordability of dSLRs. That isn’t bad in itself, but apparently after snapping a few (uninspiring) photos and uploading them on a website, these eager snappers are now calling themselves photographers.
To be clear, I’m not threatened at all, primarily because I’m a writer and designer. It just seems that with all these new wannbe-photogs sprouting up, it’s harder for clients to locate—and hire—the real deal. It’s also irritating to stumble upon the online portfolios of these people, and wonder why they are marketing themselves as photographers. They don’t even display a grasp of the fundamentals, like the rule of thirds!
My point is that maybe every aspiring freelancer should follow a certain set of qualifications, requirements if you will, that they must fulfill before calling themselves a writer, designer, photographer, etc. The computer makes it easier to do more things than ever, and many people think that this gives them the “right” to market themselves as specialists within a certain field.
I consider myself a writer because I:
Have been paid for my writing. I’ve been hired by a company as a writer, and numerous clients have paid me for essays, articles, and ad-driven copy.
Have been referred as a writer. I’m thankful that some clients, apparently pleased with my performance, have recommended me to their friends and acquaintances.
Have been hired because of my previous work. I’m also thankful that some clients have hired me based on the strength of my portfolio.
Admittedly, what I write here is very subjective. It depends largely on the perception of other people, which shouldn’t be the sole guide of how we develop our careers as freelancers. Yet I do know that I can only call myself a writer so long as “significant” personalities (again, a subjective term) actually consider me a writer.
I really wouldn’t want to dictate how other people should act, but I really wish that all these newbie photographers were less eager about claiming some sort of expertise in photography. That isn’t even the worst case I’ve encountered. One online personality even started claiming expertise in Linux—after only one session of using the OS.
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POSTED IN: Ramblings of a Freelancer
3 opinions for At What Point Can You Call Yourself a Writer, Designer, Etc.?
Luis Cruz
Oct 7, 2008 at 6:40 pm
The three items you pointed out make you a professional writer, designer, or whatever title you wish to have.
I think, in a sense, this blog (among others) is what makes you a writer. You are continually writing and looking for ways to improve your writing.
Of course, being paid for doing something helps you keep doing it, but I don’t think that’s the key to being a writer, photographer, designer, or anything else. I know some amateur photographers who would put some so-called professionals to shame. What makes them (the amateurs) photographers is that they embody the spirit of amateurism - they do what they do and try to improve themselves simply because they love what they’re doing.
Maximizing an Idea for Future Creativity
Oct 10, 2008 at 7:54 am
[…] you’ve been following my last few posts, you’ll notice that I’ve written about calling yourself a specialist. Discussing that, specifically how you present yourself to potential clients, led me to reconsider […]
Rico
Oct 12, 2008 at 7:13 pm
A very good point Luis, because you also dwell on the passion and devotion of a freelancer for his craft. I think this criterion is even better than what I wrote about! :)
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