Within the last 30 years visual communication has evolved dramatically - even the diction has changed.
Knowledge of this trade was expressed in terms of lineart, halftones and pmt, now being replaced with bitmap, pixels and files.
Along with the terminology, the mechanics of graphic reproduction evolved as well.
I fondly remember working in a darkroom where pmt's were created by laying your image into a vacuum frame and 'shooting' it through a lens which would transfer the image onto photosensitive paper.
This paper was sent through a processor which developed the image on the paper creating what was known as a pmt (photo mechanical transfer).
The pmt was then taken to a light table where it was gathered along with text for laying out a proof.
The text was created using a typesetting machine - about the size of a fridge laying on it's side.
Text was produced on photosensitive typesetting paper which also had to be developed through a processor.
Both typesetting paper and pmt's needed to be run through a waxer - a machine which would put a small film of wax along the back side of the developed paper.
These waxed pieces of paper bearing images and text were then arranged on a sheet of card stock to form the layout.
For colour breaks, sheets of clear acetate were layered on top of the layout card and images that represented different colours were adhered to the respective layers.
This time consuming process was required for a client's final proof.
Once approved, the artwork would find it's way back into the darkroom where it was loaded into the vacuum frame and shot - this time onto photosensitive negative film.
Lineart was simple while photos required superimposing a dot pattern by using 'halftone screens' which were place on top of the film negative during exposure.
Exposed film then required a 3 bath developing process...
developer, stop bath and fixer.
Once dry, the final film would be taken to a light table where it was 'stripped' into position to burn plates for the printing process.
  Nowadays...
one simply sits behind a computer, scans documents, types up text and creates a layout for proofs and final print-ready files.
  However, with all of this technology one thing has remained the same - the creative process.
Certainly just about anyone with a computer can create documents for print and web nowadays - which seems a little humbling for the trained graphic artist, but not to be discouraged.
If anything, this new technology will bring out the best in the designer.
As everybody runs around using too many fonts, poor symmetry, photoshop effects, and colors that don't contrast...
it makes way for the true designer to shine on projects that matter.
The client that chooses to create their own marketing brochure is probably the same client that gives designers a headache.
They tend to be ungrateful, unimaginative and undecided...
not good qualities for a business to be successful.
The client that is willing to pay for the services of a graphic designer is one that understands the difference between design and layout.
They tend to appreciate the creative process and put value in it as they realize it is best to do what you do best and let others do the rest.
  In summation, I urge graphic designers to find their inspiration and let it flourish.
Don't succumb to the desperation created by the current technological conditions.
Embrace the technology and know full well that your designs will stand up against this onslaught of 'do-it-yourselfers'.