I think a lot of graphic designers’ work goes un-credited and they become anonymous and bitter. And that’s why they drink. And that’s also why they cry. — Chip Kidd

 
It’s nice to see that even great designers struggle with obtaining credit for their work. But in my observation, it’s the writer who gets left off of the credit list a large majority of the time.

I was recently fortunate enough to get my 20•33 wine packaging design not only in CMYK Magazine, but on the cover as well. Getting in CMYK was my dream as a student. And here it finally happened 10 years after graduating from college. (The design still qualified for CMYK because my designer was a student at the time.)

My happiness, however, turned to frustration when I noticed my name missing from the credits. My designer and her instructor received the full credit. While my designer definitely deserves recognition, I was once again reminded of the backseat most copywriters take when receiving credit for projects. It’s unfortunate and, in my opinion, unacceptable.

I’ve always hated claiming ownership of a project. It’s definitely a team effort to me. But to help you understand this copywriter’s frustration, the original concept, identity and creative direction was mine — not just the words. By pushing my designer, we were able to create great packaging that happened to find its way to the cover of a magazine. The instructor, in fact, got very easy credit on this one. Oh, and to throw salt in my wounds, there’s a typo in the credits list. “Designer E.”

This isn’t just an issue with my 20•33 project. No packaging designs in CMYK feature a copywriter’s name. This tells me their submission form probably never had a spot for “copywriter.” This is a huge miss for a student magazine that should be preaching the value of collaboration. Smart design takes a strong concept and vision — something great copywriters bring to the table. I can only imagine there are many copywriters upset after seeing their un-credited work in CMYK, or other publications — especially students looking to break into the business.

So designers, and the rest of the ad world, please remember your copywriters. They are, quite possibly, the ones who helped come up with the brilliant design in the first place. And while you’re at it, thank those who have helped you along the way. Like all the great copyeditors and project managers who save my ass time and time again. Stepping off my soapbox.