I originally titled this piece: A conversation is so much more profitable when you listen - while that is definitely true, I wanted to broaden the application to not only profits, but business development in general which includes improving relationships, personal directives and a happier working environment.
When I started this blog, I was under the impression it would be simple to just jot down some ideas into articles, whenever and however I felt inclined - that was then. Now I realize that blogging is quite a commitment, mentally and physically. I realize this most after being so completely and utterly occupied with growing my business over the last several months. The last 24 hours I looked at my task list and I had crossed every deliverable minus 2 items: Interactive design proposal and developing a small flash quiz game. One day I hope to get to those (they’re outstanding by 3 weeks)
For my son’s second birthday I thought to make him a rocking toy in the form of a motorbike. I love woodworking, grew up with my dad in the workshop tinkering with small and large wood projects, and now that I’m a papa, I thought I’d relive the joy of sawdust and slivers.
It’s been four’ish weeks since my last post because I have found little free time to contribute to this blog. It’s a shame because I have dozens of topics I want to discuss, but neither the time, nor the energy, to explore them on here. Between a grueling exercise regimen, and intense deadlines, as well as my sons 2nd birthday (for which i made a cool rocking motorbike with my new jigsaw - more to come) the days weren’t long enough. However, I needed a moment, just a few seconds to get something off my chest: There will be a time when you work for an agency, deal with a client who will bring your production down to your knees because of a poor relationship between client and vendor. it is vital to remember that while the client looks to you for your expertise to design and develop their initiative, you rely on them for data, direction and dough (umm that’s payment). And to do this you might have to show your client some tough love.
If you know what Bootcamp is, you may sympathize with my lack of posts recently. As my 34th birthday approached, I decided, although reluctantly, to get back into shape and into a regular exercise routine that I haven’t experienced since I played rep Rugby so many years ago. Bootcamp was the solution. It’s a rigorous workout regime using nothing but weights, a yoga mat, and gravity. We work on core, cardio, strength training. And while I am finding parts like cardio manageable, it’s the core workouts that have KILLED me. Yesterday, I spent the entire day on the couch, unable to get up or straighten my legs without loud yelps of pain… I felt so decrepit. The schedule is grueling, 4 weeks, 5 days a week, 6am every morning - but today, on my fifth day, I feel semi-normal again, and excited to be sitting at my desk again.
If you need a kick in the ass, Bootcamp is the way to go. It’ll make any tough guy cry - I guarantee it. Once I have wiped away the tears, I’ll get back to posting.
Thank you Jacob Cass of Just Creative Design for this great article on the top 100 Best, Cool, Most Popular Professional Fonts (In English). These are based on sales figures, historical value, and aesthetic qualities. Topping the list are Helvetica, Garamond and Frutiger. My favourite, DIN, comes in at 20th.
Notably, there are 2 articles that I found equally interesting and informative:
Anyone in the creative industry, whether it be a writer, artist or even musician has, at one time or another, lost their train of inspiration. It’s like a funk, with an infusion of anxiety. And ironically, it seems to usually hit when a deadline looms. Unfortunately, like the common cold, there is no cure, no magic pill. Even with all the experiences I’ve been through, I assumed I was finally immune, but last week I was cock design blocked. So instead of lamenting, I decided to monitor my progress with electrodes and clipboard toting nurses, hot ones of course. And sure enough I came up with my latest blog post: Designers block needs your attention (originally called: take viagara if your designs are not so hot).
I work from my home office, a wonderful scenario for a self employed designer, especially now that I’ve made my space a very comfortable work environment. Recently I built myself a new desk and wanted to show it off. It’s a simple yet solid work table made of a cedar frame and a pine top. Making the table was simple, here’s how I did it.
After the 10 plus years of creative dealings in a mish mash of industries and a potpourri of project types, I’ve learned that every client is completely different. Even a single client can be different based on who runs the account and at what point in time you are involved. So to manage every project the same way is cutting a corner that doesn’t save you time nor money, but costs you dearly in the long run. Let me clarify: I’m not referring to the processes of your day to day operations, or even the project process as a whole; in fact those things make your business much more efficient empowering the designer to spend more time on being creative. What I’m specifically referring to is that every project needs a custom approach. Which means a custom fitted Design Brief. But it’s not so much the writing of the Design Brief that makes it so valuable, it’s how you acquire the information that populates the brief that will set your creative approach apart from your design competition.
I recently incorporated Front Creative, and after refining the logo, I decided I was ready to apply it to print in the form of my business cards. While I would have loved to have customized my cards beyond the traditional 3.5 x 2 frameset, I had to be frugal and minimize all those extras like custom di’s and embossing. In fact, the cards I made were done so economically that I’d calculate I paid 11.3 cents a card. I ordered 500 “green” cards from clubcard in Vancouver, paid $160… they threw in an extra 1000 overprinted cards for another $10 and I ended up with 1500 cards for 170 bucks.
Not much time these days to thoughtfully compose any posts so I’m sharing some of the poster designs I’ve come across over the past couple of weeks that I use as a source of inspiration.
I don’t usually show these sorts of videos, but it was way too relevant to NOT post. Watch as this client has a bale-istic blow up while the ad agency he has hired refuses to use starbursts and bullet points in the campaign.
If a well compiled and designed CV gets your foot in the door, then a hot portfolio wins you the contract or job. Without it, you’re SOL because it describes to a client/employer who you are as a designer. It is more than a collection of work, your portfolio describes your work ethic, your style, and your ability to exploit your strengths. Like the CV, you’ll need to spend some time selecting current and relevant pieces, as well as strategizing the execution.
After reading Getting your foot in the door on David Airey’s Blog I wanted to follow up with a bit more insight and offer my 2 bits. The reality, as David put it, is that a hiring agency is investing time, effort and money into a an arduous process, so while you may think you’re right for the job, they need to see it at first glance. If you blow the CV, you’re not getting a second chance - so calculate your approach and execute with precision.
Everymorning, at about 8:05 AM. I grab my son, who’s nearly 2, and we perch in front of the TV for our morning fix of Pocoyo before breakfast. And while I am not big on kids cartoons and shows, I have to admit, as a designer and parent, i LOVE Pocoyo. The creative concept from design to messaging is well thought out and appeals to a very broad audience. Pocoyo is a Spanish preschool animated cartoon series where a little boy dressed in blue engages the audience in a variety of situations. His curiosity encourages him to learn new words, new manners and new activities. But the best element of this is the simplicity - a 3D environment within all white world with no backgrounds. The minimalist style is not only appealing, it allows the viewer to focus on the lessons at hand.
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