who gets credit?

[Hdesign]

This isn't the first time this issue has been raised and I'm confident it's not the last. It's a great question. Honestly, there is no single answer that is true for every project and every situation.

For example, the Dream Car of the Month is a rare opportunity that allows designers to present their thought process and ultimate vision for a particular vehicle based entirely on "What if...?" You can approach your choice of car from a practical and logical point of view or you can really push it. I typically take the title of the feature literally..."Dream Car" and try some crazy stuff. Opportunities like that are very, very rare. Is everyone going to like everything I do? No but at least you can see I'm not thinking with blinders on or playing it safe just to fit in. That's exactly why I chose a 71 Monte Carlo last time and a 73 Charger the time before. Basically, I put everything on the line. I have 100% risk and 100% credit. If PHR is satisfied by the subject and quality of work, they use it and I am compensated. You could say that they are my client.

For the most part however, I am commissioned by a builder or an owner. I answer to them almost always. They pay me and I value their business greatly. That isn't to say that I'm just a yes-man or a door mat, that's not in my nature anyway. My job is to use my professional training and experience to aid them to make the best decisions, similar to a consultant. I'm as involved as the owner or builder wants me to be from a decision making perspective. I have to read them very quickly. Regardless of what each tells me, I always, always add one or two versions that I'd like to see. They may love it or hate it but I like to be involved to the extent that my client feels comfortable. I would be selling my client short if I didn't offer some input.

As far as credit, I don't keep score. Frankly, I don't care. I'm hired to do the best I can with the budget I've been given and the knowledge of the owner's tastes and goals. As long as my signature stays on the art, I consider it free advertising. They can do whatever they want with it, it's theirs.


I hope this clarifies things from our perspective.

Chad-check's in the mail buddy!