This one goes out to Rossdad, who taught me not to sweat things. And to my good friend Dave F., who sweats all the time.

It’s amazing how your perspective can change.

When I was in school, I thought what made a good design was merely one thing: a good designer. Now I realize the truth is much larger than that. Projects are a collaboration between all those involved, and cannot succeed without everyone doing their part, or one person being the Incredible Hulk and doing everyone’s part (or at least scaring them off with the green and the gamma rays and all). Sure, a great designer can make the best of a bad situation and turn it into a great result, but even that isn’t a skill of a “talented designer”, it’s the skill of a talented Designer (capital D).

What’s the difference between a designer and a Designer? You earn a capital “D” when you can see the bigger picture and work within it. When you learn not just how to create something that you were taught in school, but to work in the professional role of a Designer. Create something that’s not just interesting-looking or functional, but that works for the client and meets the project’s goals. Can design the amazing within scope and budget. Tracks their time and keeps other members of the team in mind. Fills in the gaps when others come up short. Can sell the client on good ideas. Only suggests things that they can make happen. AND, can balance all of these things with other projects. Sounds boring, but it’s not. It’s what makes you successful.

Sure, it helps to be a good designer to be a good Designer, but it’s time to start looking at the bigger picture.

Oh, and don’t use Papyrus or Impact. Ever.

Did you see the monster post I wrote below? You should check it out. I’m redesigning the site, and all that is a way to look at not just making it look nice, but thinking of a better way to make this and other webcomic sites work. Check it out, won’t you? HERE »

In other news, here’s an interview I did with the Art Directors’ Club of Metropolitan Washington. Check that out too! HERE »

Welcome to week 2 of “advice time”! While I’m out of town, Jimmy the Murderdog has volunteered to answer some questions. All these questions were asked through the official SystemComic Twitter account, which Jimmy often answers personally. Thanks to all who wrote in, and I’ll see you on the 18th! Meanwhile, enjoy comics this Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Thanks to Systemic David for sending in this one. I know he asked one of the questions we answered last week, but it was such a good answer I wanted to make sure it saw the light of day!

Welcome to week 2 of “advice time”! While I’m out of town, Jimmy the Murderdog has volunteered to answer some questions. All these questions were asked through the official SystemComic Twitter account, which Jimmy often answers personally. Thanks to all who wrote in, and I’ll see you on the 18th! Meanwhile, enjoy comics this Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Today’s question comes from Systemic VenomV who asked through Twitter. Also props to Systemic Maggie who asked a similar question. Let’s face it, when it’s about Jimmy, it’s probably best to stick to what you know. Weaponry (and possibly grooming).

Welcome to week 2 of “advice time”! While I’m out of town, Jimmy the Murderdog has volunteered to answer some questions. All these questions were asked through the official SystemComic Twitter account, which Jimmy often answers personally. Thanks to all who wrote in, and I’ll see you on the 18th! Meanwhile, enjoy comics this Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Today’s question brought to you by Systemic Kevin of Caf-Fiends. Thanks!

Today starts 2 weeks of strips that I’m posting in advance. I asked what questions people had on Twitter and this week are the responses.

Even though Marty Fn’ Day has chosen a rather smart-assed question, I’ve chosen to give it a real answer. If you want more of Marty being a smart-ass, check out his nerd news blog Blast-o-Rama or our work together with Super Art Fight. In fact, we have a show coming up in Baltimore on January 23rd!

Today starts 2 weeks of strips that I’m posting in advance. I asked what questions people had on Twitter and this week are the responses.

When Vincent Connare designed Comic Sans for Microsoft in 1994, he had good intentions. He wanted a comic book styled font that could be available to the masses. What he didn’t want is for that font to be used freakin’ everywhere. There’s a right and a wrong time to use every font. Learn it. Use it. And don’t use Papyrus.

Today starts 2 weeks of strips that I’m posting in advance. I asked what questions people had on Twitter and this week are the responses.

Thanks to Systemic David “Infendo” Cole for sending in this one! I used to do work with Infendo’s podcast, and it is still a great source for all news Nintendo.

Consider this the first of TWO comics to go up today, to make up for the NO comics on Friday!  This is the first in the “ask a designer” series.  Hopefully, you guys will actually ask more questions, and I’ll be glad to answer them.