Welcome to my very first blog post! I’ve been thinking about where to start, and instead of diving straight into tutorials or design tips, I wanted to talk about something a lot of people struggle with:
What is the creative field, really — and where does graphic design fit within it?
Aren’t creative people supposed to be able to do all creative things?
As a graphic and web designer in Southeast Missouri, I see this confusion all the time. If you’re “artistic,” people assume you can do everything: illustrate a comic book, paint a mural, design a logo, run a Cricut empire, build a website, photograph a wedding, and magically fix the office printer. But that’s not how creativity works. Creativity isn’t a skill you “have or don’t have,” and it’s definitely not one-size-fits-all.
It’s complex — a mix of strengths, instincts, and skills.
Understanding those different areas helps small business owners, DIY creators, and even other designers figure out who does what… and why it matters.
To make it simple, here are the six archetypes I’ll use to explain the creative ecosystem in a way that makes sense:
1. Artistic Skill
The Classic “Artist”
This is the classic kind of creativity everyone pictures first — the ability to draw, paint, illustrate, or create visuals by hand. So if you’ve ever asked me to draw a comic book character… now you know why I gently redirect you to someone who lives in this zone.
Careers that align:
- Illustrators
- Mural artists
- Character designers
- Tattoo artists
- Painters & sculptors
2. Technical Skill
The Digital Builders
This is digital creativity — working with software, tools, and tech. Think Photoshop, WordPress, Elementor, video editing, and animation. This is one of my strongest areas, especially when it comes to building clean, functional websites for small businesses (and occasionally teaching someone a cool new Illustrator shortcut).
Careers that align:
- Graphic designers
- Web designers
- UI/UX designers
- Motion designers
- Video editors
3. Craftsmanship
The Makers
Hands-on creativity: DIY, Etsy shops, quilting, woodworking, Cricut creations… In rural communities, this category is HUGE.
If you’ve been to a Southeast Missouri craft fair, you’ve seen this talent firsthand. I credit a lot of my creative drive to my mother — the Crafty Queen of SEMO (as I now officially deem her via internet). She’s sold everything from her infamous tie purses to goat’s milk soap. Love you, Mom.
Careers that align:
- Crafters/makers
- Jewelry designers
- Textile artists
- Printmakers
- Floral designers
4. Problem-Solving
The Fixers & Organizers
My personal favorite. This is the type of creativity that solves problems, organizes chaos, and builds structure. Not everyone realizes that web design is more problem-solving than “artsiness,” but it absolutely is. This is where I’m naturally wired. Call it compulsion… but when I see a problem, I have to organize it.
Careers that align:
- Web designers
- UX strategists
- Brand strategists
- Product designers
- Industrial designers
5. Concept & Strategy
The Big-Picture Thinkers
Purpose, meaning, messaging, audience — this is the strategic side of creativity. It’s what keeps branding consistent and websites effective. It’s also a huge part of how I design for small business owners.
Careers that align:
- Brand designers
- Art directors
- Copywriters
- Content strategists
- Marketing designers
6. Communication
The Translators
This is the ability to explain ideas, present work, collaborate, and understand people. Great design isn’t just visuals — it’s empathy mixed with clarity. And honestly? In client-facing work, this category matters more than people realize.
Careers that align:
- Brand consultants
- Client-facing designers
- Photographers
- Design instructors
- Social media designers
So Where Do I Fall on the Spectrum?
A mix of technical skill, problem-solving, strategy, and communication. I’m not necessarily a traditional fine artist (although I do enjoy painting from photos) and I won’t pretend to be. I’m the designer who:
- Cleans up chaotic brand files
- Builds websites that actually work
- Organizes structure and messaging
- Creates visuals that feel like you
- Helps small businesses show up online confidently
That’s my zone! And it’s where I bring the most value.
Why This Matters for You
If you’ve ever wondered:
- “Do I need a graphic designer or can I DIY this?”
- “Why does one creative charge $50 and another charges $500?”
- “What type of creative am I?”
This breakdown should help explain all of it. DIY Canva creators fit on the spectrum. Crafters fit. Designers fit. Artists fit. No one is “less creative” — they’re just strong in different categories. When you hire a creative who’s really in their zone, you’re paying for their strengths — and that always pays off in the long run.
Understanding this creative ecosystem helps you:
- Hire the right person for the right job
- Stop comparing yourself to totally different creative types
- See all creative work as a series of different strengths — not a hierarchy or catch-all
- Understand why your business may need one kind of creative over another
