I'm in a bit of a tricky situation with this outside Graphic Designer we use at work. He has been doing ALL of my company's design work for 20 years, quite frankly, he sucks. Now that myself and another have taken on the roll we are making changes. He is a very nice person, talks some good talk but his work lacks depth, doesn't pop and is just tired and safe. Which I think he is.
We were given a directive for 2009 that we as a company were not going to change, he was to stay. Fine. I kind of feel bad because as a relatively new person to a design position I don't know (feel) if I have the right to play art director. Though he is working for us. He has tons of exeperience but his work just doesn't do it for me and many others.
People who know me, know that though I'm well spoken, I say stuff blatantly and I am almost to the point of telling him that all of this isn't good enough.
We internally are in serious discussions of not using him next year. I hope that happens.
Strange spot to be in.