How and why should you say “no” to a client? What are a designer’s blindspots when providing project estimates? And at what point should we stop calling ourselves “graphic designers” and just stick to the simplified term “designer”?

Seattle-based blog ChangeOrder is a factory of fresh ideas on all of these topics. Since late 2007, ChangeOrder’s quality articles have concentrated on the business & process of design. And although they’re a country away and a timezone apart from us, it’s as if ChangeOrder and Elbowruminations are long-lost cousins out here on the blogosphere…only ChangeOrder was gifted with the brains while we just got the geeky computer skills.

ChangeOrder’s David Sherwin produces thoughtful, useful entries covering all corners of the design industry, providing applicable insights for the designers who like business, and the businesspeople who like design. In response to the three questions posed in this article’s intro, ChangeOrder offers these tidbits:

On Saying No

“The only major failure you should face in the business of design? The failure to recognize that a client project is something you should decline. […] Yes, you need to pay rent. Yes, this work is not beneath you. Yes, the work will hopefully lead to better things….but like the old adage says, “Be careful what you’re good at.” Can you afford to promote yourself as an expert in one area and end up spending your time working in another?” [Read the rest of “On Saying No” here]

Designers Hate Estimating

In a three-part series, ChangeOrder provides some tips to help designers put together better, smarter quotes for their projects. CO suggests considering how the client will behave through the course of a project, and if that will influence your work. “Clients ask designers for references,” Sherwin writes, “But it’s not always a bad thing to check up on your clients and/or closely observe how they interact with their peers or other vendors. This kind of gut check should govern what kind of buffer or multiplier you apply to your project fee, or whether you wish to engage with them at all. Sometimes you need to say no gracefully.” [Read the rest of “Designers Hate Estimating” here: Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3]

Farewell, graphic designer. We’ll miss you.

The term “Graphic Designer” has been in use for as long as the profession has been alive, but ChangeOrder suggests we guide the term into early retirement.

“A ‘Graphic Designer’ today may be responsible for a range of graphic applications across various materials,” explains the blog, “But that’s not what we’re paid to do anymore. […] Designers can contribute insights and ideas that have ramifications far beyond some ink on a page, or colors on an LCD display.” [Read the rest of “Farewell, graphic designer” on ChangeOrder]

Graphic design has the advantage of being an even-footed occupant of two different worlds: the dollars-and-sense arena of business, and the unpredictable, imaginative, explosive world of art. While most work we feature here is that which fuses the two, there are some occasions when the utility of graphic design is overtaken by lush, unstoppable creativity.

Such is the work of designer Scott Hansen: whether acting as creator or curator, the pieces that Hansen posts are intricate, elaborate masterpieces. It’s a refreshing wind to anybody who is in need of a little inspiration — a little reminder that yes, graphic design is for artists, too.

Signal vs. Noise is the official blog by infamous web design company 37signals. Focusing on usability in web, software and product design, Signal vs. Noise (or “SVN,” as it is abbreviated) does a fantastic job extracting timeless design principles from ordinary life. While many design blogs simply gawk at the beautiful, SVN also aims to learn lessons.

5 Best Recent Posts from Signal Vs. Noise:

1. Screens Around Town
Signal vs. Noise excels at spotting examples of smart design in everyday life. One particularly interesting section is “Screens About Town,” a feature dedicated to applauding well-thought out interfaces online. Here is one of the most recent entries, concerning zip codes and sign-up forms.

2. Writing Better Help Wanted Ads
“Write an honest, thoughtful, clear ad and you’re more likely to hear from candidates with those qualities. Spout a lot of buzzwordy nonsense and you’ll attract people fluent in BS.”

3. But there’s only so many ways to do something, right?
“Whenever I run into designer’s block or just need visual design inspiration I turn to the world of wrist watches.”

4. Bike Sheds and C. Northcote Parkinson
During development meetings, “it’s easy to have pile-ons that don’t really accomplish much. Someone has to blow the whistle every once in a while and say, “Is this conversation really helping?” Calling out “Bike shed” is a quick way to do that.”

5. Shattered Still Life
A quick “look at this” post about a photographer that drops ceramic figurines onto a solid surface, then snaps their photograph the second they begin to break into a million pieces. Gorgeous photos, and an incredibly brilliant concept.