Why not? Glad you asked. Here’s an example…

PROSPECTIVE CLIENT: “Pat, I need a logo for my business. Can you help me?”

ME: “Sure I can help you. What’s the name of your business and what ideas did you have in mind for your logo?”

Prospective client tells me the name of their business and how they want the logo to look. I let them know that the logo they want can be done and I give them my price and other info.

PROSPECTIVE CLIENT: “The logo is just X, Y, Z. It’s just…”

When a person says “it’s just” as a preface to whatever job they say they want done, that’s their way of minimizing what you do as a professional. It’s a way for them to minimize what you do and get the lowest price possible.

It’s one thing to want to save money and get a certain service, but downplaying what people do is not only inconsiderate, but it’s obtuse. Unfortunately there are people who feel way too comfortable responding to artists and creative professionals this way. No one’s profession or business should be minimized.

Imagine telling a mechanic that “it’s just an alternator” or telling a plumber that “it’s just a toilet.”

If someone has to preface with “it’s just” then it sounds like the job should be easy enough for them to do on their own. No need to speak with a professional. Might as well go the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) route.

Artists/creatives who run a business are professionals too and should be approached/treated as such. If you don’t really value what they do and don’t think much of their skills and talent, then what’s the point of asking for help? Artists already have an uphill battle with trying to make a living doing what we love. The pervasiveness of the “starving artist” is too prevalent in society and the oversimplification of what we do just makes it worse.

I obviously can’t speak for every artist out there, but I know I’m not fond of people telling me “it’s just…” I know there are many artists, whether they are graphic designers, web designers, illustrators, painters, etc. who know exactly what I’m saying and feel the same way. Thank god not everyone responds so obtusely when talking business. The solution would be more respect for people’s craft and more research on what is entailed in the service needed. Getting more familiar with pricing would help too. We (artists/creatives) been put our 10,000 hours or more to master our craft. Some of us went to school and got certified as well. With all of that being said, put some respeck on arts and crafts.