Graphic design represents ideas and values. A design is not in itself the idea, but the expression of it. Design points to something greater than itself. In most cases design serves as an ambassador, not as the self-expression of the designer, but as the expression of a business or organization to its audience. The value of a design is in how and what it communicates.
If your business or organization is a worthy enterprise, shouldn’t it be represented by something that is equally worthy?
If you were to choose an ambassador to represent your interests to the world, wouldn’t it behoove you to choose someone who will represent you accurately and deliver your message clearly; someone who cares how you’re presented and how people respond to you? You’re not going to simply drive by and pick someone off the street corner to do that. You’re going to carefully select from qualified candidates.
If your design assets represent your interests, why wouldn’t you want them to be as carefully chosen?
If a business is worth establishing and customers are worth pursuing, why not make the appropriate investment? You should be concerned that your graphic assets are serving your interests and representing your enterprise in the best way possible. A worthy enterprise deserves the investment in and the cost of a worthy ambassador.
Very true Avalyn. I would go further and generalize to design overall, not just graphic design. If we look at the most successful companies in any business, they are the ones who invested the most in design and consider it as a core, strategic business competency.