The news these days seem to paint two very different pictures regarding the economy and business today. There are the gloom and doom reports of crisis in all industries and cuts affecting so many families. Then there are the reports of things looking up because government efforts are working – the light at the end of the tunnel, perhaps? If you try to be objective and look at the statistics, its definitely a shocking situation given the unemployment rates and various job data available. It’s no surprise that many companies immediately cut back on budgets, seemingly using the situation to their advantage – to trim the fat, so to speak.

The situation abroad is very similar, here in Italy many companies use the downturn as an opportunity to lay off those inefficient workers as employment laws here are very different than the USA.  So how does one get work done in this kind of situation where money and resources are cut, but the demands of creating innovative and quality work become even more crucial for the survival of businesses?  The answer is simple because the answer is always the same no matter what the situation.  Every business has to work smartly and efficiently to maximize their success.  Simple concept, but how does it translate especially for freelancers and marketing departments who are usually the first ones cut?

Well, I know that I have an advantage being in the technology and science industry…because it’s always growing. New technology will progress forward no matter what. I have found that the work exists even during bad times, but only the best survive as the standards are pushed up higher. I think quality, optimism, loyalty, respect, dedication and organization are paramount. Everyone has optimize so there is no wasted time, hence no wasted money.

As a freelancer I’ve learned a few things…

• Optimize and automate processes, doing things smarter and not just doing it, whether it’s in designing, coding, marketing my skills or looking for jobs.  I can’t waste my time ever or leisuring go about any of those tasks.
• As a home-based business I can actually offer cheaper rates than in-house personnel, so I leverage that point.
• Reframe skills and products to apply for more industries, branching out so that all my eggs are not in one basket.
• Reach worldwide, this should already be the case for freelancers but it’s even more important now to realize there are no boundaries.

For employers such as the many marketing departments I work for…

• Having a solid project plan helps freelancers work more efficiently, no need of redoing things as that often happens when a project is ill-defined.
• Reuse graphics or a certain ideas for multiple products so you can kill two birds with one stone!
• Employ multiple freelancers if necessary so you can optimize the time it takes to complete a project – choosing whoever is optimal for each task.

Posted on February 9, 2010 at 12:30 pm | About Business | No comments

I saw a great piece of typographic art on morenewmath and I am sure many similar declarations have been made with the same point in mind.  It made me chuckle and I sent it out to friends, as it applies to so many more aspects of life than just modern art per say.

“I could have done that…” is probably a statement you’ve heard before in many different situations.  There are also the famous variations such as “my kid could have done that” or “a 2 year old could have done that” and sadly it often comes up in museums and fine art shows.  People see a splatter of paint on a canvas or a couple scribbled lines and completely do not understand why someone would pay a million dollars for a simple or easily reproducible piece.  It happens in craft fairs as well, where the criticism of “I could have made that” often comes up.

Fundamentally, I think people misunderstand simplicity and do not see beyond the physical result of a product or piece of art.  Debates about defining art and what is art are regularly discussed in Art 101 sections of every college campus.  I don’t want to get into a discussion about fine art specifically, but rather the principle of understanding that there is more that lies beneath the surface and people should not be so quick to judge what they do not truly understand.

A common misconception is that simplicity is often easy.  No matter what medium you work in, it usually takes a lot of skill and experience to make something go smoothly and seemingly easily.  It seems that way to an outsider who has no idea what goes on behind the scenes.  How often have you tried something new that you thought would be easy, only to realize it takes a lot more effort and skill?  In all sorts of design, something might look clean and simple, but it took a lot of work and thought to get to that point.  When elements go together perfectly and nothing detracts from the composition – it does look like simplicity.  Perhaps simple means perfect sometimes?  The important point to remember is that simplicity does not equal less work or lack of skill.  I think it often means the opposite actually.

Of course, there are those who say that really they could have done this or that.  I remind them of a wise saying I’ve heard – actions speak louder than words – because executing and succeeding on a great idea is probably more difficult than coming up with the great idea itself.  Didn’t Thomas Jefferson say that success is 1% inspiration but 99% perspiration?  An idea is just an idea, if you don’t act upon it – there is nothing to show for it.

So perhaps there are cases where you could have created that art collage or sewed that shirt or designed that layout.  I commend those who get out there and do things themselves (I’m a huge do-it-yourself person!) and have no issues with those who choose that path.  Go right ahead, I say!  However, to those that criticize, bad mouth and talk for the benefit of their own ego, I think they need to stop patting themselves on the back for nothing.  Certainly everyone has the right to express their opinions, so they can talk all they want about how they could have done that, but in the end we all know that they didn’t do anything at all.

Reference reading:
Germaine.be – I Could Have Done That
Queens Journal – My Child Could Have Done This…

Posted on April 14, 2009 at 10:51 am | About Business | No comments

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of articles in the design world that discuss different topics in the process of what we do.  Interestingly enough, for me the discussions all boil down to a universal point about service – that the customer is always right.

Those of us in the design business provide professional services to various types of clients and when it comes to service we have to remember that it includes specifically customer service as well.  I’ve certainly met designers who seem to be  a bit full of themselves – the artiste in all of us – who do not seem to treat their clients like valued customers.  Almost in any industry we see this phenomenon where the service provider acts as if the client is lucky to have procured such genius talent.  I suppose it all depends on the status and expectations of both parties involved.

I am one who still believes in good old-fashioned customer service to all, no matter the status or position of the client.  You can be a mom and pop shop or a giant conglomerate, but I would expect a professional to always be a professional.  It is the same principle the other way around as well.  I happen to be a solo freelancer amongst the many giant advertising agencies that exist, but I am a design professional nevertheless who expects to be treated with respect, just as the client does.

Amongst designers there is often talk of how a client seems to pick the one design out of three that is the least aesthetically pleasing, effective or preferred by the designer.  Out of such discussions I always wonder why a designer would even present something less desired to the client.  Certainly there might be preferences in style, but every option presented should be a viable option.  Perhaps designers need to remember that they should spend more time on all their designs, not just the first one that they hope the client will choose.  I think designers miss the point of offering multiple options in design, if they are going to purposely slant their work towards a particular composition.

Some designers chuckle at their clients’ decisions, assuming them to be void of artistic appreciation or the like.  I feel it is the fault of the designers for not educating their clients about what they are presenting and why.  Your clients are not stupid or silly, you are just not doing your job and feeling content to pat yourself on the back for no reason instead.  Stop being so arrogant is what I say…

It is also important to note that a client needs to understand what services they are paying for.  Certainly the budget of a giant conglomerate might command a different product altogether, so a client need not compare directly to another project assuming that it is a comparison of quality.  We all know that you get what you pay for.

I do believe in the old adage of the customer is always right – if understood in the correct way.  Designers often face the situation of a client adamantly wanting something that seems contrary or detrimental to their goals for the project.  Often, I have found that the cause is usually bad communication.  As a designer, I often remind myself that the client has the full business knowledge of their field and has certain goals in mind.  My job is to provide solutions from my understanding of their goals given my skills and professional expertise.

When there is disagreement, it often helps to understand the reasons behind the conclusions founded.  Perhaps the designer needs to present more clearly the pros and cons of what is affected by a particular choice.  Or maybe the client needs to provide some insight on their business goals, thus helping in resolving a debate.  Communication is definitely key in truly understanding the issue at hand.  Ultimately the client has paid for a particular service and will expect it to be done the way they want.  Note that the professional always has the choice to pull out if they truly are at odds with the situation.  Maybe a request is considered unethical to the professional and they don’t want to be involved…

I believe the customer is always right when it comes to what they want – what path to take to come up with the solution is certainly up for discussion.  Put yourself into your consumer shoes for a minute and remember that every person has quirks and preferences, for whatever reason.  As long as the consequences are understood, it is their choice to walk that particular path.  It does not mean that it is the best choice for every situation, but it can be considering the constraints and particular needs of the situation  In the end, the customer is always right…

Reference reading:
The Customer Is Always Right, Well Sort of…
Ideasonideas.com – The customer is always right…
Top Five Reasons “The Customer is Always Right” is Wrong

Posted on April 7, 2009 at 10:44 am | About Business | No comments