Gonink - Design & Print had an interesting post on the design industry yesterday.

There is a misconception that graphic design is a commodity based industry and we (designers) just make things "pretty" to sell. Trust me, if that were even close to the truth, Wal-Mart would be selling our designs on their shelves. But it truly takes time to develop a nice looking piece of material that meets the expectations of the client and puts them right where they need to be - in front of their audience. - Gonink - Design & Print - Its Not A Commodity

Very thought provoking, and very true. Graphic Design isn't a commodity that can bought like any other prepackaged, off the shelf product. It's not a product, but time, effort, and inspiration. It's something that has to be developed for a specific time and purpose. It's not a one-size-fits-all product, but a one off piece of art designed to hang over a specific mantle.