It’s a sad fact. Most freelancers and entrepreneurs have silly job titles.
People have a terrible tendency to get carried away with their new-found power, and end up making fools of themselves. Make sure you’re not one of them – read on!
The Job Title Blacklist For The Self-Employed
1. “Creative Director”
Let’s be honest. This one sounds awesome, doesn’t it? When someone cute asks you what you do for a living, there’s no other job title that makes you sound so powerful and mysterious. I mean, you’re Creative – with a capital C! And you’re a Director! Directors drive fast cars and have private jets, right? What could be better?
The real problem is this. If you work for yourself and you haven’t been doing it for very long, you are probably not a Creative Director. Creative Directors direct other people. More often than not, they shout a lot, work terrible hours for no extra pay, chain-drink espressos and call their closest friends things like “f*ck face”. This may sound like you, but you have to stop using the title. When people realise you’re a one-person start-up, they will laugh at you.
2. “A Creative”
Anyone who says they are “a creative” needs a good talking to. My neighbour’s cat craps in my garden in “a creative” way. It smiles at me as it does it. Please do not place yourself in the same category.
Yes, you might take on lots of tasks from multiple disciplines, or you might find the notion of “pigeon-holing” yourself frightful. But try harder. Calling yourself “a creative” doesn’t say anything about what you do. My accountant is “a creative”. He makes my tax bill disappear in the most artful way.
There is a much better job title out there somewhere that doesn’t make you sound like such a prat.
3. Anything with the word “Executive” in
If you’re using “Art Executive” or anything like that, please stop now. Leave those sorts of titles to people who have to wear a tie to work. If you do wear a tie, then that’s fine. You probably already have a name plaque with your title on anyway.
4. “Art Director”
The hippy version of Creative Director. See number 1 above, but replace “powerful” with “broke”, and “mysterious” with “dependent on dope”.
5. “Studio Manager”
This one is fine if you actually manage at least one person besides yourself. If not, don’t use it!
6. “Graphic Artist”
I can see where people are coming from with this one. It’s probably the least criminal of everything on this list. The main problem is that it belongs in a beautiful yet bygone era when people didn’t have to put up with computers. Those people graduated from the school of life to become your heroes, and you shouldn’t insult them by pretending you’re like they are.
“Graphic Artist” is also associated with comic book artists and, let’s face it, they’re probably much more talented than you. Oh – and if you are a comic book artist who currently uses “Graphic Artist”, I recommend you change it to “Comic Book Artist”. It’s an excellent craft and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
7. “Commercial Artist”
This one’s easy. If you sell paintings or sculptures, you are a “Commercial Artist”. If not, don’t use the title. I’d be happier if people dropped the “Commercial” bit from the title altogether. Art should be a creative exploration of the human condition. Explore it first – you can trick people into buying your crap later.
“Commercial Artist” was also used before the term “Graphic Designer” was widely known. It’s OK to modernise by using the new term now – it’s called progress.
8. Just “Director”
This one isn’t so bad. I even used it for a while. The problem is that it wasn’t what I did. Yes, I started a Limited Company (it was very limited at times), which automatically makes me a director, but what I actually do for a living is to develop web sites and applications. Anyone can be a director – it takes talent and hard work to be a specialist. Don’t sell yourself short.
9. “Entrepreneur”
You might be an entrepreneur, but it is not your job title.
Using it on your card says that you want to be thought of as a rich high-flier but you don’t want to tell people that you sell nappies on eBay for a living. There’s nothing wrong with selling nappies on eBay – if that’s what you do and you make money from it, be proud of it!
10. Just “Freelancer”
I love freelancers. They’re independent, creative souls who are always up for a laugh. But for goodness sake, tell people what type of freelancer you are. If you hand me a card that says “Freelancer”, I don’t know whether you’re a Freelance Interior Designer or a Freelance Hit Man. You might like the sense of mystery it adds, but you’re not doing yourself any favours.
11. “Senior” something or other
If you’re prefixing your regular position with the word, “Senior” (such as Senior Designer) and you don’t have anyone in your company or office who’s your Junior, stop it straight away. Unless you’re 104 years old, you don’t want to be using the word “Senior” in your title if you’re self-employed.
12. “Princess of Power” or “Master of The Universe”
Now we’re getting on to the silly ones.
If you’ve made up some stupid title derived from fantasy or sci-fi, what were you thinking? Those titles were fine when you worked for someone else, and if you could get away with it back then, great! After all, it was someone else’s company’s reputation you were ruining.
This time it’s your rep you have to build and protect. And if you can’t take yourself at least a little seriously, how do you expect your prospective clients to? It’s OK to have a laugh – really it is. But don’t take the piss out of yourself.
13. “Chief Coffee Monkey” or similar
I actually met someone who used this. He’s a really talented illustrator. He showed me his portfolio and I was blown away. I asked for his card. When I read it, I just felt sick. By choosing to give himself such a demeaning title, he was undervaluing his work and ruining his name – I told him to change it. He now uses the title “Illustrator” and has a D&AD award. Enough said.
What We Can Learn From Plumbers
My plumber has an excellent business card.
It says “Phil Jones” on the top line. Underneath that is his job title: “Plumber”. It’s great because it tells me everything I need to know about what he does. He doesn’t try to dress up his chosen line of work by calling himself a “Strategic Pipeline Analyst” or an “Aqueous Substance Manager”. He does what it says on the tin.
So What Should I Call Myself, Then?
It’s simple, folks.
Your job title isn’t the place to be creative. If you craft beautiful logos, kern type all day and your best friend is a certain lady called Helvetica, you’re most likely a Graphic Designer. (You are also tragically sad – get some real friends!)
If you design for the web, you are a Web Designer. If you code for the web, you are a Web Developer. If you craft crisp, concise, colourful copy, you are a Writer. If you run a commercial blog, you are a Blogger. If you sell photographs, you are a Photographer. If you really do manage a studio, then you probably are a Studio Manager, in which case you are only an inflated sense of self-importance and an Audi TT away from becoming a Creative Director.
You should see a pattern emerging. Your job title is whatever job you do.
But Nick, I do several of those things!
So you’re multi-talented, are you? Bit special, eh? That’s great! But take my advice – pick just one title to use. I made the mistake of not really knowing what to call myself for years (because I’m a bit special too) and it really got in the way.
When people asked me what I did, I used to pause and think, “which hat am I wearing today?”. Then I’d splutter something out without really committing to it, and leave the impression that I didn’t really care about my work. Now I’m more confident about what I do. What title do I use now? Read my about page.
I promise you – if you choose one job title and stick to it, you will create more opportunities, communicate more effectively, focus your mind, and win more work in your field. Choose whichever one you’re best at, or want to make the most money with, or want to establish yourself as an expert in. But just pick one!
The way you brand yourself is important. Pick one title and stick with it. Then, if you are also a mean guitarist or a keen blogger, you can put that stuff in the about page on your website or the “interests” category at the foot of your CV.
What Title Do You Use?
What about you? Have you ever used the job titles above? What title do you use now? Did I miss any of the worst ones? Or are they not so bad after all? Add your comments below, and thanks for taking part!
Action Points
1. Think about the title you use. Does it communicate what you do as simply as our trusty plumber?
2. If your title doesn’t fit, bin it. Then choose a new one. Don’t use the title of your heroes just because you want to be like them. Your title is personal – choose it yourself, make it simple and keep it focussed on what you actually do.
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January 21st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Well said. Never be clever; be clear.
We had a run-in with what titles to use way back. Owner? Operator? Yuck. Entrepreneur? Sure, I am one, but that’s not what I do. (Also, up here, an entrepreneur runs a construction business - I build sentences, not buildings.)
Writer? Well, okay, yes, that fits. Creative writer? Ugh, I think of Danielle Steele novels. Freelancer? Yes, I freelance.
Freelance writer?
Well, YAH. That’s what I am and what I do. Keep it Simple, Stupid
January 21st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Thanks James - glad you’re one of the ones who agrees! “Never be clever; be clear” is a great mantra. I might adopt that myself…
January 21st, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I chose to blend clarity and creativity in my Title. It says the two main things I do web design and graphics without sounding pretentious. I’d love to hear an argument against it. I’m not attached to it. Let me know what you think. My current title is listed below. The Graphic Geek part may be a bit to silly.
Sean Hodge
Freelance Web Designer and Graphic Geek
I have some similar issues with wearing so many hats. This year I’m stepping up my writing game so I may need to add writing into my title. Half of my income will likely come from writing this year (Guest Blogging, My own Blogs, etc.).
You’ve given me alot to think about thanks. Maybe something simple like
Sean Hodge
Writing, Graphics, and Web Design
I’ll be redoing my portfolio site in the next month. So, this topic is timely. Thanks.
January 26th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Great post and very to the point. Making a good impression is so important, and when it comes to your title you don’t want something goofy or something that could be seen as untrue.
I’ve been seeing your ad on several popular blogs lately and I finally came on over to check it out - I’m glad I did. I’ve subscribed.
January 27th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Thank you for writing this. Now I don’t have to.
January 28th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Great article. I think the one that I would include is the title ‘Consultant.’ It is often too vague and I have to end up asking more questions, just because I have no idea of what type of consulting and individual actually does. Simply put, if you consult on small business you are a, ‘Small Business Consultant.” If you help people find and build their personnel, for their business, then to me you are a ‘Human Resources Consultant.’ I have encountered, Non-Profit Consultants, Financial Services Consultants, Insurance and Securities Consultants and so many more, and they all introduce themselves as a consultant. Simply stating you are a consultant doesn’t tell me anything, other than you likely are a project manager at heart and you like sharing all the information in your head with others, as a service of course. If you are going to have the title consultant at least display some sort of information on exactly what you consult on. Something like;
Private Consultant, Financial Services
Consultant, Marketing and Communication
I don’t know, it’s just a thought.
My current titles are; e-Marketing Consultant, for my e-Marketing group and Executive Director at a non-profit, which was given to me, when I accepted the position, and it is somewhat fitting. I manage a team of 5 other directors and 9 managers, for the organization, and it is at the executive level.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I am an Art Director and have no problem in saying so.
I applied for the position of Art Director and was given a business card with Art Director printed on it.
I agree with much of what is said in this article (especially the issue of people calling themselves “creatives”). However, I work in a network agency and it does not bother me to be called an Art Director and it certainly does not confuse anyone or anything.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:36 am
@Sean: I’d be inclined to drop the “Graphic Geek”. It’s a bit of a fuzzy title that could be interpreted in several ways, and comes dangerously close to #13. I’d stick with Freelance Web Designer.
@Tay: Thanks for the compliment and for subscribing. It’s great to have you on board!
@jdawkinsati: Yes, “Consultant” can be a funny one. As long as you use it like “Freelancer” by adding your field of expertise, there’s nothing wrong with it. You’re spot on with Executive Director too - if that’s what you actually do then of course, use it and enjoy it! Thanks for chiming in.
@Matt: Absolutely nothing wrong with “Art Director” - you work in an agency doing that job and of course it’s right to use it. It’s the people who work for themselves and use the title to sound more important than they actually are that worry me! Thanks for adding your thoughts.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Nice post, however I do have a certain fondness for the early days of Apple when people were allowed to choose their own job titles. There was one person whose title was Chief Obfuscation Elucidator.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
@Tony: “Chief Obfuscation Elucidator” - that’s brilliant! As much as it pains me, I’d have to file it away somewhere between #12 and #13, probably in its own category: 12.5 The General Smart Arse Title
The “Princess of Power” title at #12 was actually inspired by a friend, who put it forward for her own position in a similarly liberal company that claimed to operate a “flexible” job title policy. Needless to say, they just weren’t that flexible.
January 28th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I would be happy to use something ealse instead of GRAPHIC ARTIST, but I dont’t think English offers a good alternative.
In here we call this job GRAFIK, and I think it’s good, pretty universal.
I think that’s what they call it in Germania as well.
January 30th, 2008 at 12:44 am
I’ve been an Art Director in NYC for many years and a Creative Director for 5 years. I think you have your head far, far up your ass if you think I should be called anything other than what I AND MANY OTHERS get paid to do. When I freelance — I use the the same title because that’s what they’re paying me for. Clearly you know nothing about the creative profession and should do a little research before writing such a misguided article.
January 30th, 2008 at 2:27 am
@Noah: My goodness! In defense of the article, I read it to mean that the title ‘Creative Director’, while perfectly appropriate for someone of your position and experience, is a tad pretentious for a one-man operation based in the spare bedroom. In other words, it is in deference to your title, not contempt. That said, I’d like to add, and I do so with all due respect, that you seem to be exactly the kind of person who calls his friends “f**k face”.
January 30th, 2008 at 5:41 am
How bout ‘Senior Executive of Creative Direction’?
Most redundant title ever?
January 30th, 2008 at 7:57 am
@Noah: It sounds to me like all that Directing is taking its toll on your stress levels. I’ll say it again - there is absolutely nothing wrong with calling yourself a CD or AD if that’s what you do. My beef is with people who call themselves that just to elevate their status.
This is particularly common in the UK with Freelance Graphic Designers. I have worked with freelance Creative Directors and Art Directors, respect many of them, fully understand that a Freelance CD is a valid job title and know exactly what the job entails - if your portfolio, abilities, and daily work reflect such a title, then yes, use and enjoy it. If not, don’t. I hope you can now see that my fight isn’t with you.
@Bill: Thanks for your support! Nice to see that you’ve interpreted the article the way I intended. It wasn’t meant as a stab at any one job title; rather a simple warning to the thousands of freelancers using titles that don’t fit.
@Warren: I’ve yet to see that one! There’s still time…
January 30th, 2008 at 10:23 am
@ Nick - Man… check *you* out! Your blog only has 10 posts - it’s that new - and you’ve already pissed someone off. *sigh* I seem to piss someone off every second Tuesday and that without even trying. The more I apologize, the worse the situation gets. I have to practice witty repartee.
I’m impressed. I feel like I should bow, or something.
January 30th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Thanks, James. I never aim to piss anyone off either! (It’s just a lovely side-effect of having lots of interested readers already.)
I’m really happy that PTO is striking up a conversation already, and want to thank everyone who’s contributed so far. I normally welcome alternate points of view, but if you are going to flame me, do make sure your criticisms are well-founded. I’m a big softie really, but I’ll bite back if wrongly accused.
Besides, I wish I drove an Audi TT too.
January 30th, 2008 at 10:53 am
I want a Pontiac Solstice. Could I have a fancy, meaningless title if I have a Solstice?
January 30th, 2008 at 11:07 am
@James – That’s a pretty car. Sure - I’m certain they could arrange a “Vacuous Living” package that comes with a choice of phony titles you could adopt, some photos of your fake supermodel girlfriend, a gym membership you’ll never use, and an expensive tie with your coat of arms on.
I’m actually quite surprised that no car manufacturer’s already thought to offer it!
I was seriously considering moving to California from the UK just so I could buy one of Tesla’s new cars. Then I could put, “Nick Cernis, Environmentalist” on my card. That’s really living the dream, that is.
January 30th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Oh swweeeet. Hm, nothing by halves for you, eh?
January 30th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I think anyone that leads graphic design projects for their clients especially brand development work or campaign work has the right to call themselves AD’s. It’s not about money, nor is it about respect. It just is, if you do the work you earned the title. Now that being said I have no problem calling myself that or calling myself a designer just the same most of what you have up here is fine by me although it differs from country to country.
January 30th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
and let there be light..
January 30th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
I completely disagree - I feel that the creative professional needs to set themselves apart from the pack - and show that they are creative. In fact, I think it’s a BIG mistake to use the term “freelance” to describe oneself. When addressing audiences of design professionals and/or students I always tell them:
“‘Freelance’ is a nasty little word. It seems to imply an individual doesn’t have a ‘real’ job, can’t get a job, isn’t truly professional in their field, and is willing to work for ‘free.’”
January 30th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
@ Jeff - If you are truly walking around saying that, then thank you. Thank you so much. You just made my earning a living that much harder by perpetuating false assumptions and prejudices.
Congratulations. A winning solution.
January 30th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
As a designer with nearly 30 years of independent experience, the word “freelance” has been a negative in many situations. In telling people I “work independently,” “have my own design firm,” “run my own company,” etc. I am taken much more seriously as a business person and welcomed by the larger corporate clients that seemed to shun me previously.
January 30th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
30 years ago, that may have been true. Today? No. It’s time to put some respect into freelancing and award those who are able to maintain and run a full business on their own. I work independently, have my own writing business, run my own affairs, and am taking seriously because I do a good job and have a strong reputation for quality.
And I am a freelancer - and proud of it. Just because freelance starts with an F doesn’t mean it’s a four-letter word.
January 30th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Yea but the word freelancer does not imply the work you do just that you do work. Its awkward, its best described to other professionals and creative directors and not companies.
January 30th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
@ Joseph - Personally, I use freelance writer. On its own, freelancer is vague.
January 30th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
This discussion is timely — my next post is about the use of the dreaded “F” word. Stay tuned…
January 30th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Not guilty!!! I put stars!!! Looking forward to it, Nick.
January 31st, 2008 at 4:06 am
@J Fisher,
Wether you use ‘freelance’ or ‘independent’ I don’t think matters too much. If you don’t like the word ‘freelance’ then use something else, or drop it all-together. But I don’t think it’s a good idea to make a one-man band sound like some big agency.
I think the way you separate yourself from the crowd doesn’t come from your title, but from how you present yourself, deal with clients, and ultimately the quality of your work. But I do think being overly vague could lose you work if your title misleads or just simply doesn’t explain anything about what you do.
I think as with many things, the issue of what title you use comes down to what you feel comfortable using with your clients, and what you think will most effectively communicate what you do to new clients.
@Nick
Thanks for the interesting post, it was enough to make me have a re-think about how to describe work. The debate is also raging on the freelanceswitch forum.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I can’t call myself a graphic designer? Cripes, what have I been doing for the last 20 years then? Sorry Nick, I have to disagree. Bad enough James doesn’t take the title “artist” seriously, now this? ‘Tis a sad, sad day indeed.
By the way, anyone want fries with that?
January 31st, 2008 at 2:17 pm
@ Harry - You, my friend, are a web designer. Not a graphic designer. Much better.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:29 pm
@James: Dammit, Jim, I’m a miracle worker, not a web designer!
How’s that for a title?
January 31st, 2008 at 2:58 pm
@Ben - Glad you found it handy. Cheers for hooking me up to the FS forum - I’ve been over and had a look at the discussion there too.
@James - Don’t get people started on Web Designers vs Graphic Designers! It’ll run another 400 comments before we even get our breath back…
@Harrison - You win!
There just isn’t a rule that works for everyone, eh! We could always fall back on the old adage, “you are what you eat”, in which case my card would currently read, “Nick Cernis, Low Fat Strawberry and Vanilla Yoghurt”.
As for ‘Miracle Worker’ – what a title, eh!
For those that missed it, my follow-up post on the F word is now up.
January 31st, 2008 at 3:16 pm
@Nick: Well, “Harrison McLeod, Miracle Worker” is much better than “Harrison McLeod, Grape Juice and English Muffin”.
January 31st, 2008 at 5:13 pm
What’s your take on the “Interaction Designer” title?
January 31st, 2008 at 5:51 pm
@ Tom, Web design, UI design is my take on interaction design.
January 31st, 2008 at 5:57 pm
@Joseph Maguire: Interaction Designers are not always just UI or web designers; (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interaction_design). Based on your reply, I might be inclined to consider a different title since widespread understanding of the Interaction Designer title is not well known.
January 31st, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Well what is your specialty? What do you want people to think you do based upon your title?
February 1st, 2008 at 9:20 am
@Tom: I think there will always be a need for new titles as roles change and evolve. I see nothing wrong with the host of new titles popping up like “Interaction Designer” or “Digital Designer”. If that’s what you do — use it! Thanks for your comment.
@Joseph: “What do you want people to think you do based upon your title”. You’ve hit the nail on the head there — that’s what it all comes down to. If you can communicate your job title effectively in 3 words or less, you’re probably on to a winner!
February 1st, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Check out http://www.brainsonfire.com for some very unique titles. (Go to the People, then Individuals links)
February 1st, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Hey great blog!
I do ads for a regional magazine in the USA, my job title is Art Director - Advertising.
Although I do not actually direct other people’s work, the distinction between Art Director & Graphic Designer, as I understand it, is that an Art Director decides what the ad should look like (comes up with the concept & possibly the general idea of the look) and the graphic designer literally makes it. I do both those things, so I requested the AD title. I think it sounds better and it makes it clear that I make the decisions, I’m not just creating someone else’s vision.
What do y’all think?
February 1st, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I was searching for information about \’Interior Commercial Design\’, and this your page (\’: If You’re Using These Job Titles, Stop Now! | Put Things Off\’) was in search results. Not sure why it appeared, but your site is still interesting to read
February 1st, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Now that’s what I call good SEO!
February 1st, 2008 at 9:14 pm
@Jessica: Thanks for the link — it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a bunch of made-up titles and thought, “Wow! Some of these are great!” Unfortunately I also thought, “Eh! What on Earth does that mean?” at many of them, which just goes to show that being creative with your job title is a tricky game to play. You’ve certainly opened my mind, though — thanks.
@SouthernBelle: It’s a tough one! I can understand why you’d want to be dubbed Art Director to portray your creativity, but don’t forget that Graphic Designers are often asked to come up with concepts too. (It’s the poor Artworkers that have to do exactly what they’re told). Both titles should leave your creativity fully in tact — use whatever suits you.
@Interiors: Search engines can be remarkable beasts! I suspect you’re a robot, but if not — sorry! I’m glad you enjoyed the read — thanks for dropping in.
@James: Yay! What do I win, what do I win? Do I win PR sweeties? I’m tired of staring my PageRank bar into filling up.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:10 pm
@Nick: heehee, I thought the same thing about that site - some sound cool, and others you’re just “Okay, but what do you *do*?”
I’m gonna stick with Art Director, it looks better on the CV.
; )
February 2nd, 2008 at 2:56 pm
What a cool blog, I found it by accident but am glad I did
February 3rd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I thought about this for a while but I do not see how I could choose one job title that would really explain what I do on the job. The official job title is Senior Security Analyst but I also develop departmental web applications, server as technical lead on several projects, and project manager on others. How about “Jack of All Trades”? ( Which means I am master of none ).
My previous title was Senior Advisor which no one outside my employer understood. I like Technial Lead although that still sounds vague.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:48 am
OMG THANK YOU. I was going through a bunch of Twitter profiles yesterday and today, and the terms people use to describe themselves are absolutely RIDICULOUS. One was an “Art Advocate Executive” (I forgot the middle world but he was an Art Executive of something), a whole bunch of people were “evangelists” (which just made me think BEHOLD THE HEALING POWER OF VISTAAAAAAA), and then you have all the advocates and activists and creatives who don’t actually live up to their names. I’m half-tempted to set up a Twitter account or miniblog to just categorise all the silly job titles, though I suspect that would get me more enemies than I need.
That said: I’ve been struggling with this issue. Describing myself takes me a while. I feel like I am more than my job title, that trying to pin me down to what I do is missing out on who I am. I HATE using job titles as a way to promote yourself on social networks. For career things, sure, but if you want to be known as a person - be known for more than your job.
I am (and was) any of the following:
Webmistress (this was given to me in 2001 when I made a fan website for a TV channel. The crew called me that and it stuck till now.)
Creative Industries student (well, it is what my degree is in, but then I have to launch into a long explanation of what the Creative Industries are)
Volunteer (that’s what I do more than study, lol)
Conference hopper (my hobby!)
Alternative education & youth advocate/activist (is what I do besides being a student, but it sounds pretentious!)
Creative person (haha. I like all sorts of creativity. Can’t really pin me down.)
Creative generalist (name of a blog I follow, fits me pretty well)
any suggestions?
February 4th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
@Khurt - Your industry is particularly tricky and riddled in its own set of mysteries. Looking at the qualifications, experience and the description on your website, “Senior Security Analyst” sounds about right to me if you’ve got people working under you. Otherwise I’d be tempted to drop the “Senior”. Tech jobs are usually complex by nature — no title will completely clarify or define what you do. Complex job titles are the reason you guys are hired in the first place!
@Tiara - Yep, a person is certainly more than their job title. It’s important to realise that the role of a title isn’t to tell people what a wonderful person you are or explain your varied hobbies and interests. It should simply communicate on a very basic level what you do for a living.
One way to approach it is to think about where your main sources of income are generated and base your title on that. Or you can do it on a time basis — what do you spend the majority of your working life doing (disregarding income)?
There’s no way you can express your raison d’etre in a simple job title — don’t try to. If people want to know more, they can check your about page or ask for your CV. Social networks are particularly tricky in this sense as you’ve only got a small space to sell yourself. I sometimes put a link to my website’s about page rather than listing a job title — try it out yourself!
February 5th, 2008 at 9:19 am
My business card shows my name, with ‘creative design’ below it.
I’m a graphic designer, but don’t want to alienate myself from those potential clients who are looking for similar services. If I don’t feel confident enough to complete the creative project, I have contacts I refer people to.
One of the main aims of my card is to have people visit my website, where they can find out a lot more information about me, and what I do.
February 5th, 2008 at 9:23 am
@David - Yes, I’ve seen a few people treat themselves as companies in this way. Instead of listing a job title, they list the services they offer. It’s a pretty effective strategy that avoids the whole kerfuffle of trying to pick a title!
February 5th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Great post Nick, and great site, just found it through freelanceswitch.com.
I’m a web designer and developer, but since design is a lot sexier than development, I just stick with that.
Nick, what’s your opinion on the personal business name vs. creative business name for freelancers who work alone, ie Tommy Day or something made up like ___Design?
February 5th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Thanks Tommy.
Yes, being a designer is considered sexier than being a developer. Of course, most people realise developers make more money! (The don’t always, but I’m happy to let people think that!)
Regarding business names vs. your own name, I recommend this: if you have a unique or interesting name, use it. Otherwise, find a word or name that you like the sound of and work under that. I still think “Build” is one of the neatest names for a graphic design company ever. (It’s a nightmare from a search engine optimisation angle, but who cares? Most of their clients already know them.)
February 6th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Cool thanks for the advice, Nick!
February 8th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
In some sense I agree, one should indeed be clear with their job title, I do not believe that there is no place for creativity in said title, quite a few of my clients were won through my plain refusal to be fit molds like that. If every creative individual out there merely referred to themselves as a creative individual, I would not be very enthused about hiring one of them, as that only shows me that my options are only people who are too afraid to bend rules. Using creativity in coming up with a title for ones practice also provides the benefit of being able to profile a potential designer/illustrator/developer etc. by their ability to use that creativity in an effective and stylish manner. You can tell a bad designer from a good one quite easily simply but judging the effectiveness their work has on your own “i want that” mechanism.
February 9th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
So no “Master and Commander” then either I guess.
February 11th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
My title is “Marketing Coordinator” my actual job consists of little marketing and many many other things.
I think my new title should be “Girl who will do things you don’t want to do.”
wait…thats a little long-winded…any suggestions? Hah.
also, kudos to Nick for using the word kerfuffle. made my day that much better.
February 12th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
lol loved this post… currently I guess at my root core I’m a web designer
but I’ve been a:
graphic designer, flash designer, flash developer, interface designer, usability expert, Art director, Chief Visionary(my own made up crap title lol) and more recently Blogger/SEO/SEM/Online Marketer/Social Media Marketer/blah blah blah… oh ya and CEO of a 3 man company lol…
February 12th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
The trend appears to be that most people these days wear multiple hats. It’s so common, in fact, that most of the time it’s assumed that you are doing more than simply one aspect of web work under any given title. The important thing, and part of the point of the author’s post, is that you need to pick a title that demonstrates what you feel is the most important aspect of the work that you do. I wear TONS of hats, but my title reflects that, and to those who are familiar with the title in the industry knows what it communicates.
So if you’re doing what amounts to lots of web design work, but with little emphasis on web-based software development, then you are a Web Designer. You do design work for the web.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:33 am
very well said, this article says everything no more no less
February 14th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Ok from now I will be the Senior Creative Freelance Director. I was laughing so much after reading the article and yes some job titles can be more annoying than the owner.
I have yet to decide what to call myself
February 15th, 2008 at 4:30 am
Nick,
Wow, you sure found a lightning rod topic! I read about you in three or four different places and finally couldn’t resist checking in tonight.
Being at the bottom of this enormous and entertaining list of comments, where no one will read me, I don’t mind telling you that in the very long ago I nearly worked for a designer who called himself The Big Cheese. Yes, on his business card. (I checked to see if he put a comment in first, because he’s still around, although no longer linked-by-title to dairy.) He had a partner, so he wasn’t just trying to overinflate his position with that Big Cheese thing. Apparently she really was less cheesy.
(She did have an awful title, too, but his was so much more awful that only his has stuck with me all these years.)
How could I work for them, wondering if I’d have to be L’il Gouda?
Regards,
Kelly
February 15th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
*guilty as charged*
my current job titles: multimedia producer or partner of multimedia company, photographer, model, actress, and “creative sort”
thanks for your tips. i’m on it. simplifying my long list of job titles asap.
love your site design. i am so envious of the ability to create illustrator drawings like that. requires such skill and talent. found you through http://cssdrive.com. i was just featured there too. anyway, added your feed. i will look forward to exploring your site.
February 17th, 2008 at 10:22 am
@mark: Exactly. Use your work to make you shine — not your job title.
@Tom: Not unless you command a fleet of war ships!
@Jilli: “Marketing Coordinator” sounds about right to me. Kerfuffle is drastically under-used, in my opinion!
@Lipton: “Chief Visionary” made me laugh. I’m sure titles like that exist at Apple.
@Tom: Well said. I recommend that you read a book that’s getting some rave reviews right now called “One Person/Multiple Careers” by Marci Alboher. She’s given a name to people who wear many hats — she calls them a “slash” (because they’re a designer/something/something else”).
@Kelly: Big Cheese takes the biscuit, doesn’t it. I’m sure many folks think of themselves this way, but to actually put it on your card!
@Mostly Lisa: Thanks for stopping by and yes, it’s tough to pick just one when you’re multi-talented. It makes it much easier when you meet new people, though!
February 28th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Expert Marketing Consultant has worked well for me. = )
February 29th, 2008 at 3:52 am
guilty. i’m currently jobless looking for a job…and my calling card says graphic artist. but, what i’m really best at is photo manipulations. second to that is illustrations. can i call myself a photo manipulator or photo editing artist or just none at all(coz, like i said i’m jobless. in case you’re interested to know, i’m a new grad)?
and yes, i felt silly after reading this. but thanks for the wake up call.
February 29th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Haha,nice article!
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head!
March 5th, 2008 at 8:16 am
This is a brilliant entry!
My co-worker and I have been debating about job titles and such, thank goodness there are lots of people who are deeply concerned about finding the “right” title for your job experience.
I find it really sad to see a lot of people using the title “Graphic Artist” or “Graphic Designer”, they barely know what this title really means.
Someone told me my job is graphic designing. I say it’s called “Photo Enhancement Artist” or plainly Photo editor. Which is proper? Sometimes I am really cautious in even using this title.
March 10th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I LOVE IT MAN!
Sincerely
Corporate Creative
March 25th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I would like to be called “Skeletor” instead of the current “Project Manager”. I have wanted this title for as long as I have worked for the company I am in now.
The funny thing is that I think this says more about the company than it says about me? (no-one knows what they should do, and what they are responsible for. So the titles may as well be taken from He-Man)
Good post, keep up wrk
- Miika
April 27th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
There seems to be more replies to your post than the article itself.
Still an interesting article. You seem like a young designer, some of us here are twice your age and have had creative directors and art director jobs in the past and now running our own business. I don’t see anything wrong with keeping the title. Title is not so much who you manage at the moment but it reflects your past experiences.
As I said before experience in this field also comes with age and time. Your just starting off so I am sure just like all of us your also learning as well.
April 27th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Sean — Whether they’re old or young, there’s nothing wrong with people using these titles if that’s what they do. It was simply a wake up call to those using the titles as a simple ego boost!
April 27th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I agree, good work, your articles are very interesting.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I’m not quite professional enough to be making money just yet, But as a creative person I do web design, web developement, illustration, DJ, and produce music. If I had a title it would probably be Instigator.. silly maybe.. But I’m an artist and instigating art, drama, design, etc., is pretty much what I do. Is that really horrible or just kinda bad?
April 30th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
@Fidel:
It’s TERRIBLE and once you start making money with it, you’ll realize why. In the mean time, you should probably decide what you really want to do; make money or be an “artist.” An “art instigator” is going to make a lot less than an art director. If you’re one of these quasi-bohemian, new-age, stick-to-my-artist-principles kind of neo-hippies trekking around the southwest or the Bay area, wondering when the next Burning Man party is going down, then you probably already know.
I have no respect for people who claim to be artist just because they choose to label themselves as such. Want to be an artist? Put the time and energy into learning and improving your craft. A set of x-acto knives and a penchant for innards does not one make a surgeon.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Wow. Tom… Please breathe. This is not something I have printed on business cards. Actually I have it on my myspace profile.. But.. Who cares really. It’s a myspace profile. I thought it would be humorous to put that as my occupation because at the time I was unemployed. I do not claim to be an artist. I am one. For the very reasons you gave. Most of my time is spent doing research to perfect my craft. I am a perfectionist.. So I have very little finished content. I do not claim to be an illustrator because I have CS3 and a shiny macbook pro. I do not claim to be an illustrator at all. I illustrate. In fact I’d like to illustrate why I am an instigator. You replied, seemingly very aggravated with my comment to boot. Hence I instigated. Please, do not take everything on the internet so seriously… and chill out!
April 30th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
@Fidel:
I apologize that my frustration has found an unintended target. I live in a place where I’m surrounded by wanna-bes that think their work (which usually consists of newspaper clippings and tempra paint on particle board) should be regarded at the highest levels of avant-garde design and bought by a savvy New Yorker for no less than a cool 100 large. …Please.
I appreciate those who educate themselves, seek valid criticism and improve their craft, and it sounds like you do.
If you want to keep the “instigator” title, don’t use it professionally. It might be useful in the context of an art concept (album, illustration, etc.) Just don’t run out and get cards with it.
Again, my apologies, carry on with the good work.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Fidel — you’re right to be relaxed about it. It doesn’t really matter what you call yourself in your personal life — there’s a definite distinction between hobbies that you’re passionate about and work you do to pay the bills.
Whilst I wouldn’t call yourself an “Instigator” as a job title, it’s pretty harmless to put it on a MySpace page! Just don’t expect anyone to have a clue what it means — I certainly wouldn’t!
April 30th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
@Tom
Thanks for the apology. It’s nice to know that people can still catch their breath and communicate intelligently without every correspondence escalating into a flame war. It’s good to remember that there actually are people on the other side of the monitor.
@Nick
Your right.. I don’t think too many people know what I mean or even the definition of the word on myspace. Most of the time I forget that the majority of people in the world didn’t have a college reading level in fourth grade. To me though its a bit silly to have a box for your occupation on myspace. For the most part it’s either friends or famous people. If you are the persons friend than you should know what your friends profession is, or they are a celebrity and you already know why you are browsing the page. I ignore that box on other peoples profiles and I assume people do the same for mine.. Cheers.
May 11th, 2008 at 5:48 am
Just stumbled on this - what a fantastic article.
I’ve been veering between ‘web designer’ and ‘web developer’ for years - but you know, I think your bit about ‘just pick one’ might have persuaded me to sort it out once and for all.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
This is a fantastic article. I have been unsure what to call myself ever since I started up in business last year. Can anyone help suggest s title for me?
I run a button badge business - for my work I create & change images and photo’s all the time. I also do web design for several sites on a non-profit basis.
My husband thinks I should give myself a posh title but I have just been putting: Carnie Pollock - Designer
Is this enough? Is it incorrect? Should it be something else?
May 16th, 2008 at 8:49 am
@Andy — I recommend Web Developer. I’ve found it gets me more work, and people tend to assume some design ability too. When I used “Web Designer”, I heard lots of, “oh — you should get into web development. You’d really be in demand then” or, “do you do coding too?”
@Carnie — Hooray for one inch badges! I love ‘em. I think Designer is perfectly apt based on what you’ve described. Feel free to narrow it down to Graphic Designer, since that sounds like your line of speciality and helps hone in on your field, but otherwise I wouldn’t go dressing up a title just because it sounds big!
May 16th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Thanks for those comments, that is really useful.