While being a Graphic Designer, I have been required to take on many different roles. I imagine many other designers have found themselves in similar situations.
For instance while being a designer I have had to play the IT person, feeling around aimlessly in the dark. This is one field I wish I knew. My tactics are much more hit or miss than applied strategies.
Another role I find myself in sometimes is web developer. Now, I love web design and consider myself a Web Designer, but when it comes to just hand coding, some serious architecture building, ruby and php I again find myself guessing. This field is so massive in itself, it takes a master to be able to do both design and development. Usually the two fields find themselves satisfied with friendly collaboration.
I have also been asked to design products. Product design consists of strong drawing skills with a touch of engineering.
I have also found myself behind the lens, whether it be moving or still. The most confusing part of this is that within these two fields there are many others. Such as prop designers, production artists and more.
Lastly, I find myself wearing the hat of the Illustrator or Flash Designer. I have a steady hand in both of these, because I need to in my field. However, my belief is that for the optimal solution to a project, an experienced Illustrator and Flash Designer should be consulted if animation or illustration is an integral part of the job.
Bottom line is we designers have to know a little bit (or a lot) of everything to be most useful to our client/employer. Although it would take a lifetime, if not more, to settle into all of these wonderful professions.
