silly question

[Tinkerbella197]

hey, i wasn't sure where to post this question, so i apologize if it does not pertain to the thread/category.

anyway, i have an odd question ... one that i feel i should know the answer to! i am new to the field; i retouch and restore photos. and although i took general courses in graphic design before i made retouching my concentration, i feel that referring to myself as a "graphic designer" is such a vague and somewhat misleading title. when i think "graphic design", i don't automatically think of photo restoration, as it's such a broad field. so my question is, what's my proper title?? when people ask, i tell them what i do -- i restore photos -- but it would be nice to provide them with a title, like maybe photo restoration specialist? but that is just something i made up, this very moment. so i thought who better to ask than you guys, since you're in the field .... what do you call yourselves??

[Scoopex]

Hey Tinkerbella,
I usually go with Digital Artist or Digital Retoucher, but I was once called a Digital Image Technician. Hope this helps

Scoopex

[TommyO]

Those sound nice.. and I would not limit your title either. You never know who you will meet or may want additional services.
So, I would combine them if you can, i.e.
Digital Retouching
Digital Restoration
Graphical Artist
or something you prefer.

[0lBaldy]

Just a few titles I have found at RetouchPRO Forums to Pick/Choose/Combine from: (/Restorations could be added to many of the Titles)

Photo Manipulation/Illustrative Artist/Restorations
Digital Plastic Surgeon
Digital Cosmetic Surgeon
Digital Artist
Digital Retoucher
Digital Image Technician
Creative Retoucher
Freelance Retoucher
Portrait and Beauty Retoucher
Hi End Retoucher
Hi End Beauty Retoucher
Hi End Fashion Retoucher
Hi End Jewelry Retoucher
Hi End Production Retoucher
Master Retoucher
Photographic Conservator
The present field to aspire might be the 3D Artist/Retoucher.

[Kraellin]

the simplest is 'restorer'. and you're right, graphic designer is a bit different. in actual fact we're closer to conservators than any of the normal graphics titles. even retoucher misses the mark a bit, since that implies fashion magazines, pimply high school photos and so on. 'digital conservatore' (or 'conservator' if you prefer the less pretentious spelling) would be very close. we are in the business or restoring, conserving. we bring things back from the dead and ruined. we actually almost belong more in the historical department than the graphics dept

[Tinkerbella197]

wow .. thanks guys .. very helpful! now the only problem is to chose a title from that extensive list!