Have you ever created the world’s next best application, to have it be 100% bug-free, 100% intuitive, but it’s missing that nice visual appeal?  Have you created an ASP.NET web application, but you needed a web designer to give it some snazz?  Have you created a WPF or Silverlight application, but you needed a WPF designer guru, or Blend expert, to punch up the program?  Have you created an MFC application, only to need a couple more icons to go on your toolbars.

If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then you’re not alone.

Larger companies can afford to have a programming team and a graphics team on their payroll.  As a start-up, entrepreneur, hobbyist, or small company, we don’t have that luxury.  Personally, I’ve experienced all of the above scenarios:  I can write code, but I cannot draw my way out of a colouring book.

So the question is:  where do programmers find visual designers?

There are some companies which can create great-looking themes for WPF. One such company is Nukeation with their Reuxables products.  This will allow you to create a non-standard looking interface, but it’s not a big change from an ordinary program.

Some companies can provide user interface consulting. Again, Nukeation can do this too.  If you have the money, this is not a bad route to take.  Here’s a case study for Frog Design that designed a very attractive business solution.

But how can a lowly programmer end up with something like this?

When Josh Smith created Podder, he initially got Grant Hinkson to design a slick user interface for him, but I think he already had a working relationship with him.  Following that, he held a contest for people to submit skins for this creation.  Not many programmers can hold contests, but it’s not a bad approach.

So I’m asking (because I really want to know):

As a programmer, what do you do when you need graphics, design, or other visual elements?

As a graphic designer, how do you find web or WPF jobs?

Does the world need a classified-type place for programmers and designers to meet and find jobs?  Will programmers find it useful to find artists?  Will graphic designers use it to find paying jobs?

Or does it already exist?

What do you think?