The New Year is a time for setting goals; for bettering ourselves and getting closer to that ‘ideal person’ we hope to become. I’m nowhere near that mythical ‘ideal person,’ but for the first time in my life, I truly feel I’ve become the person I want to be. I wake up each morning happy with the goal I’m working towards, and feeling like I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do in life. I’m lucky to have this opportunity, for as you know, many people around the world are struck by such poverty that they’re never able to pursue their dreams.
There’s still things about myself, however, that I’d like to change. My stomach seems to know no boundaries, expanding past my waistband to inch ever closer to its own dreams—one of which seems to be the dream of someday becoming the new mascot for Pillsbury. I know, however, that if I ate at home more often, and ate at restaurants less often, I’d not only save money, but I’d also lose some of this weight.
A “leading” Australian online logo design company recently announced they’re outsourcing all logo designs to the Philippines from now on.
Terrific, right?
“Unfortunately we were getting squeezed by online global competitors in the U.S. and U.K. that outsource their logo design services to the cheapest offshore bidder, to places like India and Russia. This has driven prices to a new low of $50 USD and under.” says Impact Art Director Lara Johnson.
“In the end it was a case of if you can’t beat em’ join em’.”
I’m happy Filipinos are getting jobs, but reading their press release makes me feel a little sick inside. It’s like they’re apologizing for hiring Filipinos, when what they should be apologizing for is using Filipinos as cheap labor.
“[…]We have generally found Filipino Designers have a better education (degree qualified) are more likely to commit long term to a role and have outstanding creativity and design skill. No to mention their English is near perfect [sic]. All of these aspects make the Philippines a stand out in terms of quality design outsourcing.”
All of this is true, but if Filipinos are as qualified and as talented as your Australian employees were, why aren’t you paying them the same, Impact?
As someone who’s passionate about both design and the Philippines, I want to see Filipinos charging what they’re worth. Filipinos should be paid more, and designers from around the world shouldn’t be losing their jobs to the underpaid and overworked. I know many talented Filipino designers, more talented than myself and perhaps even you, who earn 1/10th what they would in other countries. Are you talented? Don’t sell yourself short.
Nothing makes me happier than going to an art gallery here in the Philippines and seeing a piece of art I could never even hope to afford. It makes me giddy with optimism.
Come on Filipino designers, make me giddy with optimism too.
