This question might be slightly non-techy/dev, but I am sure many of you had a similar problem.

We code, write test-cases, put comments in source-code (!), put messages in svn commit, write comments in tracked issues. We create ERD/class/usecase/.. diagrams with whatever tool.

We might write user-manuals, wikis, guidelines,.. Not everyones cup of tea, but usually practice makes a good tech writer (I experienced that).

Now comes the point: Once in a while we need to supply system overview diagrams, drawings of architecure,.. that look appealing to non-technical people, and no, we dont have a marketing department with designers waiting for our input or a $$$$ design company doing our corporate design. If I try to do that, it a) takes forever b) I might not have the tools and c) looks like crap and not like something I want to see in a slideshow.

Whats your experience or recipe ? Is there something like RENT-A-DESIGNER ?

cheers