I will call your bullshit and raise you a fallacy. ;) But seriously, I think that pigeon-holing yourself into one skill set is the WORST thing you can do. If nothing else, you should at least attempt to learn code so that you might be able to produce reasonable, efficient designs that the coders can easily implement.
But it goes much farther than that.
Someone (on the internet) once said "programming is the new literacy."
I am both an artist and a programer. I am not very good at either, but I find having a knowledge of both is extremely empowering. I DO NOT believe that you are born an artist or programmer. Sure, you might be born with a slightly better brain than the next person, but anyone with an IQ above 70 can learn to program and/or draw. Learning both is not time wasted, but time invested. Being a good programmer can actually save you time as a designer.
I know, it's wonderful when you can do both, but I think it shouldn't be forced on everyone. Not everyone is a specialist, and not everyone is a generalist. Forcing one, or the other, is harmful. :)
Wow, what a way to say I'm not good at either but it doesn't really matter in the end. Really? So you say you're not good at either but having knowledge empowers you? In what way? It gives you the ability to point out people better at those skills than you? I think you should focus on one until you feel you are good at it and then move on to the other.
Yes, anyone with an IQ above 70 can learn just about anything. Doesn't mean they will be good enough at it for a career. You make sound as if those abilities are not challenging or difficult in any way and anybody can do it. If that's what you are saying then I have to seriously disagree.
Good point about being a good programmer can save you time as a designer, but it can work the other way as well.
I only said am not very good at either - but competent enough at both to do them professionally, I think (and I have). Only trying to be humble ;) Anyways - Like the comment below, I don't believe anyone should be "forced" to do something, but at the same time no one should be closed-minded about learning new things.
The one thing I have learned from working in both areas is that in the beginning you improve very rapidly, but at some point only hard work drives you closer to perfection. I would advise anyone with an open mind to at least try learning something they are not good at. Not a requirement by any means, but I do not think anyone would regret trying.
But it goes much farther than that.
Someone (on the internet) once said "programming is the new literacy."
I am both an artist and a programer. I am not very good at either, but I find having a knowledge of both is extremely empowering. I DO NOT believe that you are born an artist or programmer. Sure, you might be born with a slightly better brain than the next person, but anyone with an IQ above 70 can learn to program and/or draw. Learning both is not time wasted, but time invested. Being a good programmer can actually save you time as a designer.