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If you use cracked software, for business or even for a hobby, its going to seriously hurt the industry later on. The industry that we're aspiring to get in to. You're ruining our futures. I like to think of it this way-

Software is expensive so it prevents any schmoe from whipping up an awful design, and taking business away from us. If it was available to teens, then it would be available to anyone. Then no one would see the use in hiring a web/graphic designer. Therefore, no business for us, just because people think that they can make a good site (when they seriously cant).

The problem when teens group together in a 'designer' forum, is that they begin to set a standard amongst themselves of what's good. This is probably just some GFX layout thats been done millions of times before, and pointless effects. Probably grabbed from a tutorial. So in a years time or so, when they're entering the web design field, they think that they know how to do all this stuff. They've been taught what's the standard (according to their fellow buddies on the site they visit regularly). They attempt to sell these GFX layouts. Think about it, a dentist's site with a grungy/tech layout.

Part of being a designer is being able to adapt. Knowing what will truly sell. How would you like it if you spent a year or two of hard work saving up for programs and doing things the right way, only to find that little sh*ts come in with cracked versions and steal business away from you. Whats worse is they might be giving the client a horrible design (probably thinking that its great because all their GFX buddies said it was). Then to try and sell, they try and be the 'walmart' of web/graphic design. Then those clients later will want those same low fees when doing business with a professional designer.

Dont go thinking you know everything. Get an unbiased review of your work. Speak with real designers. Chances are, they'll tell you that wont sell. Reason why, is because your style may be acceptable for anime layouts/whatever, but thats the tiniest portion compared to the bigger fish that wont accept it.

Before you even think about starting your own web/graphic design business, think about it like this-

Are you just some kid who can do flashy stuff with a cracked version of photoshop? Are you that kid who just learnt html in school and think they can do anything? (maybe not even from school). Sure, you can do business for your uncle or whatever. But eventually you're going to run out of relatives. And you'll have to find business. And your clients will also have neices or nephews/whatever that think they can do all this stuff. So they wont want to hire you. Then it'll be hard to prove why you're better than some kid, or the client themself. But then you realise, you're that kid.

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i say we ban sigs at this forum.... but then i gues gc wud loose like half of its members haha. god what has the world come to.

im loving this topic.

some (just) sig makers think that sig making is desiging. when i strongly believe it is nothing. if someone wants to make it in the worl of graphic design and they only make sigs... then ur gonna get let down....BIG TIME.
its stupid the way these kids like have a new sig everything day... why not use the time u spend making sigs to a larger piece... and get more respect... AND you grow...as a designer.