Clients From Hell.

This post is literally about, Clients From Hell. I stumbled across this website whilst seeking some advice on editorials and the development process in any work dictated from a clientel basis.

Poster courtesy of Ireland's creative community; http://sharpsuits.net/.

A Creative Catharsis; http://sharpsuits.net/

It would seem that the battle between designer and client is as of yet, never ending. I've learnt some very important lessons, the easy way really, through speaking to professionals with hands on experience and research via resourceful blogs. Broken down into a couple of main points, here's what i've gathered regarding what to avoid and what to go for;

1. Freelance doesn't mean free...people happy to be paid in exposure or peanuts will most likely make a mockery of you, base designs on your, the client, personal taste and completely ignore the intended target market. Invest in a caring, professional graphic designer and you're much more likely to get careful research, resourceful ideas and bundles of energy to go with it. Someone run ragged with no incentive will not want to play ball and smile about it.
2. C'mon, be realistic...in relation to time scale, quality, quantity and relevance you really do get what you pay for with design. Realistically you can't have everything and even if you find an Illustrator with superpowers who doesn't need to leave their desk for a week one of two things is bound to happen. It's either going to be produced in record timing and be complete codswallop OR in compliance with ticking all said boxes, cost an absolute fortune.
3. Utilise your designer...in short, client and designer alike should never, even accidentally, take the other party as stupid (unless you've got hard evidence). Clients often fall into the trap of telling their designer exactly what to do instead of exactly what they want, forgetting that they're paying a person to make something wonderful of their idea, not a monkey to sling it on photoshop. Patronising someone who probably has much more knowledge and experience in a field you're asking for help in, isn't smart. You'll end up burning money and getting tied up in circles...although on the other, our lovely manner designer will of course understand that said client won't always know exactly what he wants in the first place, and be happy to work through the kinks.

The line is fine but not one to be overstepped often or misunderstood.

So You Want To Be An Illustrator Huh?

Interview from jason holley on Vimeo.  
 

Vimeo isn't the most productive site on the planet, usually one more for procrastination in my opinion but then I came across Jason Holley's channel. Created for the Icon 6 conference, the video above named 'The Interview' along with several other videos are a collection of short, true stories replicating the life of a working illustrator. Not only are they a joy to watch but with such wit staining a very 'close-to-the-bone' topic for many aspiring illustrators and graphic designers alike, this series is a reassuring visual projection. You're not the only one terrified of the future, technology and art directors.

Brain Pickings; How To Aquire Knowledge.

"Ask! When you ask, you have to be humble. You have to admit you don’t know! But what’s so terrible about that?"   - James. T. Mangan

A few weeks ago I stumbled across a website called Brain Pickings, a vast pool of creative sources, ideas, knowledge and inspiration. Maria Popova (writer for Wired UK, The Atlantic) runs the site supported by readers and guest contributers. Every topic imaginable has been covered with the aim of enriching people's lives, bringing to light what matters in the world and why you could (or should) be interested in it.

A particular article stood out for me, one that is tackled daily by me and most probably, all of you. Concerning ambition, influence and a thirst for self-improvement, twisted with philosophy and served up on a bed of enthusiasm; you've got James T. Mangans' You Can Do Anything!.

The article featured on Brain Pickings (you can view it here.) uses a section from the book (as it's almost impossible to find a physical copy and even the link I supplied is fussy about letting you view the pages if you're not in America ) titled 14 Ways to Aquite Knowledge. ' A blueprint to intellectual growth' the passage in question highlights the power of curiosity, the art of listening and observation, success and striving for it. Basically, the things we've been advised by the people who know something about anything.

Although not mentioned in this particular extract, one of the most important elements of the book focuses on 'the art of the deadline', something I feel could use a little more practice from this end.

Practice, don't be afraid to question, never stop wondering, desire, experiment, always read and listen...most of the time.