Dragoon, you say?
dragoon [druh-goon]: 1. a member of a European military unit formerly composed of heavily armed mounted troops trained and armed to fight mounted or on foot.
Right about now you might be asking yourself ‘Graphics dragoon?’ Understandably so, it’s not a title that many display. Most people might tout themselves as a ‘graphics rockstar’ or a ‘graphics ninja.’ That’s not me, not by a long shot.
It was impressive when I first heard firms and agencies were looking for rock stars. Certainly rock stars are people with exceptional talent, whose influence changes the world - people like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, or Kilmister. These are people whose identity helped shape a generation of pop culture. We relate entire decades to these people; their work remains solid inspirations for generations.
That said, do you really want to have a rock star on your team? Most rock stars are massively unpredictable and have long standing histories of repeat substance abuse. They throw TVs out of hotel windows causing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars or property damage and endanger the lives of those around them. They are prima-donnas who are increasingly difficult to work with, prone to violent outbursts and extreme changes in mood. Now, who could possibly work effectively with someone like that on his or her team? How could you make promises to a client when your design team is prone to benders and hurling whisky bottles in fits of rage?
Ninjas are typically lethal forces that operate with extreme precision; they train for lifetimes in their craft and are unparalleled in their body of work. Their legend is so prolific that centuries after the Meiji restoration they are still the subject of envy and reverie.
Ninjas are mysterious and esoteric. They are notoriously silent and often difficult to get a hold of. They operate on their own schedule and have poor communication skills. Take a moment, can you come up with the name of one ninja? Without using Google? Brand recognition is not among their strengths.
So why a dragoon?
Dragoons are a versatile breed. They operate successfully under pressure with a wide range of tools at their disposal. They use teamwork to achieve goals and advance as technologies advance. They don’t get drunk and throw TVs out of windows. They don’t hide in the shadows.
You don't want a rock star or a ninja.
You need a dragoon.
It was impressive when I first heard firms and agencies were looking for rock stars. Certainly rock stars are people with exceptional talent, whose influence changes the world - people like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, or Kilmister. These are people whose identity helped shape a generation of pop culture. We relate entire decades to these people; their work remains solid inspirations for generations.
That said, do you really want to have a rock star on your team? Most rock stars are massively unpredictable and have long standing histories of repeat substance abuse. They throw TVs out of hotel windows causing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars or property damage and endanger the lives of those around them. They are prima-donnas who are increasingly difficult to work with, prone to violent outbursts and extreme changes in mood. Now, who could possibly work effectively with someone like that on his or her team? How could you make promises to a client when your design team is prone to benders and hurling whisky bottles in fits of rage?
Ninjas are typically lethal forces that operate with extreme precision; they train for lifetimes in their craft and are unparalleled in their body of work. Their legend is so prolific that centuries after the Meiji restoration they are still the subject of envy and reverie.
Ninjas are mysterious and esoteric. They are notoriously silent and often difficult to get a hold of. They operate on their own schedule and have poor communication skills. Take a moment, can you come up with the name of one ninja? Without using Google? Brand recognition is not among their strengths.
So why a dragoon?
Dragoons are a versatile breed. They operate successfully under pressure with a wide range of tools at their disposal. They use teamwork to achieve goals and advance as technologies advance. They don’t get drunk and throw TVs out of windows. They don’t hide in the shadows.
You don't want a rock star or a ninja.
You need a dragoon.