It’s a heated debate. Are creative services, such as copywriting or graphic art, a talent or a commodity? On the one hand, business writing is a staple and can be purchased, like milk, through various locations. On the other hand, the talent behind a creative’s work must still support an income where time and talent are factors and the more developed the skill, the more valuable the time. You could look at it like a set designer or musician; the skill set is not simply learned academically, but also through mentoring and environment, as well as talent and popularity.
It doesn’t seem to matter what side I take when I post, the comments always indicate support of the other perspective. I write on the importance of a strong brand identity and the role a creative plays in helping a client develop one, and the comments will be along the lines of, “Well, I do that with VistaPrint.”
I do work with a company that has a rockin’ logo and gave $30 bucks for it.
On the other hand, I know I work with the best graphic artist around because I’ve seen him in action while he creates directly from his client’s persona and his personal genius, and he won’t design you a logo for $30 bucks. You won’t find a template of his stuff on VistaPrint, either. What he gives his clients and ours, however, is definitely what cannot be found elsewhere and is gladly paid well for.
If I write on how the importance of great communication with a client adds to a price benefit for both a client and creative because of the decreased level of revision, I get snotty comments about how copywriting is all related to talent.
So is creative work a commodity, or talent? In reality, they are both.
Talent is very important, and if you ask me, I’ll tell you it’s one of the most important factors. I realize you can learn skill in a classroom, but I also know that many who have gone to class to build a career like mine, suck at it. There are marketing departments speckled all over corporate America missing the mark big time with their campaigns, and the degree doesn’t matter – the skill, willingness to learn (flexibility), and talent all play a part in the success or failure of a thing.
But if you’re highly skilled and talented and have no discipline or connections that bring holistic solutions to your clients regarding their needs, talent alone won’t be enough to get your head above water within any industry, let alone the creative.
You may however, with little other necessary creative talent within your niche, be able to put together your own somewhat OK business card.
So where do you stand on it? Tell us about it and share it with our readers below.
This is a pretty good topic for conversation. Its interesting to think of creative work in both lights. It depends on the context and purpose I think. Great post!
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Thanks for your comments, Vernon. I hope it gets some wheels turning : )
Wow! Excellent post. Thanks for sharing. This is an issue most talked about today and we have to do something about it.
I believe talent alone won’t do it you still need connections to get yourself going in this world.
Absolutely. Thanks for stopping by Carol.
I think too many people buy the lowest priced out-sourced content they can and then wonder why their site failed. You are correct that words mean something and should be given ample thought. I don’t think money is ever wasted on a good copywriter.
Thanks Nick, and thank you Fred, glad you chimed in. Here’s to great content, the writers that deliver it – and the understanding in the marketplace it represents.
SEO contents are the best way to reach millions of people all over the world. I have to say that it is important to get the service of the best copywriter in town, so that your products may be properly promoted and your customers may be informed of the great benefits it can offer.