Being a freelance graphic designer before the introduction of the computer in the 1980’s did have some very special but short-lived benefits. Once the computer came into the picture, it required replacing manual skills with challenging programs that put many other industries out of business as well. Type houses disappeared. Photostats were unnecessary. Rapidograph pens, X-acto knives, press type and many other products suffered the same fate of extinction. But while it lasted, pre-computer freelancing did have its perks.
The cherry on top of the ice cream sundae would be when there was a client who paid immediately, invoice supplied and check put in hand. With clients like that, it was not a bad life being a freelance graphic designer in the 1980’s. At best, it was an easy week of work, with comfortable transportation, a 5-hour workday with a leisurely hour for lunch. And to top it off, a check for $500, $1014 in 2010 dollars, at the end of the week, free and clear. As an independent contractor, which freelancers are, no taxes are supposed to be subtracted from payment.
But the financial aspect of freelancing did give rise to new skills required in bookkeeping or tax accounting, saving receipts for deductions, and knowing which tax form to fill out with each client. One freelancer was told to claim ‘99’ deductions by their client. This resulted in the freelance being charged an IRS penalty of $500.
Some clients even wanted to charge taxes on the freelancers pay check claiming that the work was a 'product' and not a 'service'. The financial/bookkeeping aspect of this career could either make or break the freelance graphic designer in the 1980’s. If one were extremely well organized, wrote invoices, had them signed by clients, kept copies of checks, had proof of all expenses and income receipts, staying close to their accountant as well as paying quarterly taxes, half the battle was won.
But with the advent of the computer, the freelance NY graphic designer in the 1980’s was on the deck of a sinking ship and soon to become a dinosaur. ‘Production’ replaced craftsmanship and all the manual skills that were highly sought after before the introduction of the computer were unnecessary.
After the introduction of the computer, new terms came to the fore; ‘inventory’ or 'legacy files' of 'stock images' were born. They increased in geometric proportions and evolved into ‘banks’, which in turn themselves multiplied. The NY graphic design industry after the introduction of the computer became viral in more ways than one. But for a time, life as a freelance graphic designer, BC in the 1980’s was not a bad life at all.
NEXT: Future articles will focus on being a NY Graphic Designer, AD, AFTER the conversion of the industry to computers (Apples, of course) and otherwise known as the DIGITAL age.
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