Should I DIY or hire a professional? This is an age-old question that is asked in many industries, not just in the design field. While there are arguments for both sides, the benefits and drawbacks of each are based on the values of the client. There are two types of people- those who choose do-it-yourself and those who opt to hire a professional. Although there is an ever-increasing amount of DIY products being created every day, a professional is not so easily replaceable.
DIY vs a Pro.
No matter the genre, a professional has spent dedicated time and energy toward pursuing the expertise in which they hold. Whether through years of experience and/or earned degrees, the professional makes a concerted effort to constantly grow and improve their craft. Due to the constantly changing environment of technology and design, successful design professionals are always developing their work by staying up to date on software skills and the latest technological breakthroughs. However, because of this investment, professional designers do come with a higher price tag.
Do-it-yourself is a go-to for many who cannot afford the higher upfront cost of the design professional or may want more control without navigating the back-and-forth of working with a designer. Those who have some design experience and knowledge or an artistic background may be able to use such DIY platforms to create a functional design that will perform well enough. DIY does not always lend itself to less effort or frustration despite popular belief. Navigating some design programs can be challenging and time-consuming if the user is unfamiliar with its tools. Such platforms can also offer templates that speed up time but compromise uniqueness. Looking at both options in more detail is a better approach to making a decision.
DIY
The do-it-yourself spirit has been around since the dawn of humanity. The aspiration to create things ourselves has been a strong motivator for many to try out ideas independently. With this philosophy, however, there is a chance for both risk and reward. DIY can offer affordable options for businesses with a small budget, but can impact the brand negatively if not properly applied. Inexperience and lack of education may hinder a quality product turnout thus making a business appear to take shortcuts. For those who have difficulty expressing their style to another party, using DIY tools could help make the process easier with more autonomy.
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of deciding to tackle the project without an expert:
Benefits
- Upfront low cost
- Time efficient depending upon experience and platform
- Autonomy in choosing brand identity
Drawbacks
- Naivety of design principles and expertise
- Increased possibility of poor outcome or product
- Not time efficient if the user is inexperienced in the platform
- Templates or designs similar to others decrease brand uniqueness
- Silo design with little to no shared advice or knowledge
Pro
As long as there have been do-it-yourself workers, there have been professionals. Professionals can ease the mind of the business owner by taking on the responsibility of the design work and offering a quality product that is based on knowledge and experience. They know and understand how to design for success. Professionals offer unique designs that fit the brand avoiding the risk of repeated appearance. Some clients, though, may find it challenging to communicate with a designer about the style that they feel best represents their business.
Here are the positives and negatives of working with a professional designer:
Benefits
- Long-term return on investment
- Dependable knowledge and expertise in the field
- Increased possibility of quality outcome or product
- Brand uniqueness translated through custom design work
- Professional advice and knowledge-sharing
Drawbacks
- Upfront mid-high cost
- Time-consuming process depending on the project and hired professional
- Possible challenge of effective communication of brand identity to another party
Making the best decision.
The question really comes down to value. What matters most to the business? Which direction is worth the risk? Only the business can make that decision for itself. Weighing the pros and cons of each path to make an informed decision is the best way to go about the selection. Considering which direction will maximize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of the company is essential. If a small company does not have a large budget and has an artistic person who could use a DIY design program to create the necessary work, then that is the best choice for the business. On the contrary, if a small company lacks the skill and wants to stand out from the competitors with unique branding, finding a professional to create the design work is in their best interest. It’s important to take time and think through the most beneficial approach for the company.
Conclusion
DIY does not replace the expert. While many programs are designed to empower the do-it-yourself entrepreneur, there may be better courses of action. DIY can create designs that are not unique (if using templates), are of poor quality due to lack of knowledge and experience, or are frustrating to navigate if the user is inexperienced. Professional design may not be a go-to for small budgets and short time frames. Considering the values of the company and the best way to utilize the strengths and weaknesses of the business need to come first. Finally, analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of both paths can help a business decide the best way to approach design work for its brand.
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