Web Graphics - do it yourself / farm it out - where's the line?

[xsync]

How much of the graphics component are successful webmasters handling themselves? Where's the line between the stuff webmasters should do themselves, and the stuff they should farm out for efficiency sake? When a client asks for some extravagent photorealistic text graphic that will take considerable time to do, do you farm it out or do it yourself (considering you have the requisite skills)? When a client asks for some complex composites of some photos, do you take the time to do the Photoshop work, or farm it out?

Obviously there will be those on either end of the spectrum here - graphics fiends that know Photoshop like the back of their hands and do everything themselves, and on the other end those that hate the stuff and do as little as possible. I want to know about the majority in the middle. How much of this stuff are you all really doing and how much are you farming out? What's the happy medium?

And finally, how do you find someone to farm the stuff out to?

[georgeek]

Unless it is simple I farm it out and use Elance. Once you find someone there who does a great job, in budget and on time - then you can stick with them. I do the same for copy that is not easy (for me) to write too.

[basecan]

Hi I'm new to Webmasterworld.
I have been checking out Elance and it is a great site. I have already posted my E-Commerce WebDesign project. Do you have any preferred providers? I am really looking for someone who knows useability and SEO in particular?

Thanks,
Rob

[georgeek]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld basecan!

Do you have any preferred providers? I am really looking for someone who knows useability and SEO in particular?

Not with those skills because I do that sort of thing myself -sorry. When you are selecting someone for the first time though make sure they can give you at least five recent references that you can email or phone for confirmation of the quality of the work.

[mivox]

Look through the bidders' portfolios, and contact past clients... We can't give out any specific provider recommendations on the boards. ;)