Filed under: JPA Business Relations
From the hardships of painting the Sistine Chapel to blogs sampling Photoshop Disasters; just how contradictory is the relationship between the designer and client? When does the line become drawn and what are the simple ways to avoid crossing it?
“I’ve already grown a goiter from this torture, hunched up here like a cat in Lombardy… Because I’m stuck like this, my thoughts are crazy, perfidious tripe… My painting is dead. Defend it for me, Giovanni, protect my honor…”
“When the Author Was Painting the Vault of the Sistine Chapel”
a letter from Michelangelo to Giovanni da Pistoia, 1509
As an employer, account representative and fellow designer, I’ve watched and fought on both sides of this battle. I have used the collaborative efforts of clients, colleagues and market research to build a primary shortlist of common discrepancies among designers and their clients. Though, accepted as common practice, far too often are these elements of a professional relationship overlooked.
◘ primary client concerns
Clients approach designers often with the lack of personal experience in graphic design and publishing. They often acknowledge their need, express eagerness and above all have predetermined what they can afford long before they think about color, layout or functionality.
Most will have already consulted other designers and are understandably combing the market to avoid red flags such as the lack of availability, attentiveness and talent. But what all clients eventually fear most is being trampled by an overly ambitious designer ego or being taken over by their designer. A role reversal that leads them to feel they are taking the back seat to their own identity.
◘…best practices
To avoid succumbing to the client’s B-list, a good designer will keep pace in the conversation, psychology, understanding and well being of their client. In all circumstances, the initial meeting should start as a gesture rather than any formality of the job.
Get to know each other’s backgrounds, personality and how both parties can benefit from each other professionally. Rushing for details may lead to multiple misinterpretations and eventual failure to hit a solid home run on the first design.
To maintain integrity, the most important quality a designer can offer is honesty. It’s ok to involve a seemingly negative element such as availability to the table and still keep a positive atmosphere. Timeframe, cost of service and above all, best business practices should be made readily available at all times to ensure trust and well planned executions for tough obstacles.
◘ primary designer concerns
When approached by a client, a designer may begin sifting through their schedule to verify availability, but their subconscious is begging for the answer to “Does this client have all their ducks in a row?”
The ratio of how much time is spent in design versus content by the designer is undoubtedly outweighed by the content management. They are often put thru more strains than may appear and when asked, have dealt with “every catastrophe in the history of all that is graphic design.” A predetermined design concept can be completely scrapped with a fair amount of content alterations.
Though seemingly exaggerated, the stress and knowledge from past experiences are as real as any profession. When a designer subconsciously wears a badge of discomfort on their sleeve, it is thru the experience of lost time, material and money.
◘…best practices
To avoid this monochromatic portrayal, even the darkest of designers can be shown the light by a well organized effort on behalf of the client. The designer will not expect to have their work laid out for them with the greatest of ease, but they will look for how much pride a client has in their work.
They like to see that their clients have more than the design requirements, but important details such as dedication. Well written, and well proofed content. How dependable they are. Even the most humble designers can feel inundated by excessive indecision.
Essentially, designer feels that when a client approaches them to fulfill a need the ability to sell themselves and their project, the designer can build from that momentum and in turn sell the client to the world.
“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.”
-Michelangelo
There may never be an end to minor toils and frustrations of any practice including design. The solution may only be just a simple humble approach to reveal the longevity of a relationship. Not to mention greatly reducing stress and offering a well deserved sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
Filed under: JPA Business Relations
“Tools for Graphic Designers”; the slogan that couldn’t be explained better for the products provided by Galaxy Gauge, manufacturers of precision graphic and scientific scales and instruments. In my opinion, “Quality Customer Care” should also be their slogan.
Recently, I was in need of a minimum, 18” typesetter scale to replace one that I’ve used for over ten years. A gift from my father that he used in his early engineering days. I started with a random online search for graphic design scales and stumbled upon Galaxy Gauge. Immediately, I was drawn to their flexible transparent design scales that had the measurement tools I was in need of. What I didn’t expect was the vast array of other scales and charts their tools included.
Some of these measurements include:
Image by Galaxy Gauge: www.galaxygauge.com
Screen Densities
Screen Finder
29-Dimensional Typography Form
Sans and Serif Type Sizes
Proof and Markup Reference Chart
Fraction-to-Decimal Conversions
Leading and Line Spacing Chart
Stroke Rule Size Chart
Bullet Size Chart (Square and Round)
Inch and Metric Scale (Fractional and Decimal)
PICAS/POINTS Scales and Conversions
90 Deg Angled Compass
Circle and Corner Scale
Photoshop Spec References
I’m still baffled how well this scale looks and feels. The material is incredibly clean, designed for durability and flexibility. The printed units and graphics are impeccable and legible even on a chart of this size. Measuring approximately 18 ¾ inches by 4 ¼ inches, this scale fits quite comfortably to the side of my desk, always ready when I need it.
Some of you are probably questioning why I am writing about this company. No, I have no affiliations with them. No, I wasn’t paid to sponsor them. And no, I’m not receiving kick-backs or free products from them… The courtesy of this article came from the attention to customer care that Galaxy Gauge provides.
Within a day or so of placing my order with Galaxy Gauge, I received a confirmation email from a representative of the company, NOT an auto-response email. This was satisfying to know that there wasn’t so computer controlling a robot that eliminated the human element from the transaction. Another couple of days went by, and without even a concern on my end, I received another email from the representative stating an apology for a delayed order due to a rather exceptional reason. After stating his apology, the representative offered a few pieces of bonus material as an appreciation of my patience.
This act of loyalty and attention to detail is what inspired me to offer this article of appreciation to benefit my professional peers. It is without question, I’ll continue to purchase the products I need with Galaxy Gauge and would recommend their products and services to friends and collogues alike.
Filed under: JPA Business Relations, Photography, Publication Design, Web Design
Eating healthy has never been so convenient, educational and affordable to Metro Detroiters. A familiar entrepreneur to Detroit ventures into a successful new business delivering fresh produce to the public on a weekly basis.
Produce delivered direct from the distributor, making your fruits and vegetable fresher and more affordable than you’d find it at your local grocer. We found this to be an intriguing and fresh concept that hasn’t been seen since the milk man.
Fresh Picks Produce
www.freshpicksproduce.com
Mark Jerant, CEO
ASSIGNMENT
Mark first approached us with a concept (drawn on a cocktail napkin) that seemed so radical, but quickly grew with highly successful potential. We’ve helped clients expand their business for years by offering full branding, identity, websites and ad campaigns, but never with such a swift necessary turnover.
SERVICE
Two weeks of dedication, organization, collaboration and many other motivational verbs led to a multitude of products. Stationary, business cards, website, marketing material, recipe cards, product branding, invoices, etc… The business took off rapidly with the number of customers growing by the day and Mark was right on schedule making deliveries within another couple of weeks.
OUTCOME
The 2009 season was as big of a success for Mark and Fresh Picks Produce as it was for us to help him establish his footprint in local industry. We have already begun the process of expanding his website and marketing materials during the winter off-season, leading into a strong start in the spring of 2010.
Filed under: Publication Design
The daunting task of online form applications have been left to web developers for years. In the internet and extranet environments, this method still remains the industry titan.
Since the release of Adobe Acrobat Professional 9, new breakthroughs in PDF applications have made compelling arguments in data organization.
Envision the paperwork on your desk, with a multitude of chicken scratch memos and other illegible materials. Now imagine a digital application that not only turns the illegible, legible with endless security, database management and workflow capabilities.
Motor City Auto Consultants
www.MCautoconsultants.com
J Lambrecht, CEO
MISSION:
Manage endless amounts of vehicle transaction paperwork with high security traffic flow that must be met with visual branding needs. Files must also meet database requirements simultaneously at multiple locations and compute moderate calculations.
SOLUTION:
Secure PDF Form Documents
The method was simple. We started with the design of the documents to match the layout of the current company profile. We pulled the logos and stationary we designed for the client on separate contracts to model the forms to a similar layout. This offers less confusion in the traffic flow of both web and fax environments for the company.
When the designs of the forms were approved by the client, Adobe Acrobat Pro stepped up and made the programming a breeze. In a few simple steps we were well on our way to completing the forms on a record deadline.
The result was phenomenal for the client. The final product met above and beyond the expectation of the client, particularly the secure digital signature options, which led immediately to additional orders.
For more information about Adobe applications, visit www.adobe.com.
A new era for headline debuts; James Canning of CANNING Communications launches his official website focusing on the consulting services of public relations.
CANNING Communications
www.canningcommunications.com
James Canning, PR Consultant
PROFILE:
“Before opening his firm, James spent four years of his career with the City of Detroit Mayor’s Office. He served as lead spokesperson for the mayor and numerous city departments, and was called upon regularly to handle the many pressure-cooker crisis situations that occurred. James also was the go-to media strategist for major economic development projects, policy initiatives, and city-wide campaigns.
Prior to his service with Michigan’s largest municipality, he worked at the prestigious Detroit-based public relations agency Berg Muirhead and Associates. James, hired as an account manager during his final semester of college, spearheaded daily communications initiatives for Faygo Beverages, Pfizer, 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit, and The Bloomfield Township Public Library.
James has received two Renaissance Awards from the International Association of Business Communicators Detroit Chapter. The Michigan Chronicle also honored him with their “Young History Maker” award.”
BEHIND THE SCENES:
Freelance designer Jayme Sloan was called in to head the design phase of the new website. Jayme approached the client with the emphasis to design a site that met all of Canning’s criteria and add her professional touch. Her attempt was a success and within a week of minimal tweaks, the design was finished.
At the development desk, Jay Pelc was offered new challenges. The framework went quick, the challenges resolved and the layout was operational within another couple of weeks.
However, unforeseen setbacks caused the delay of the launch by a few more weeks as nameserver issues between two third-party vendors caused a few new puzzles. After a multitude of trials and errors, the issues were resolved and new lessons were learned.
The client profile shown in this posting is a public excerpt of official content provided by the client. Copyright of it’s use belongs to the content author.blockquote>
Filed under: Photography
That’s right! We’ve ended another great summer wedding season! The dust never had time to settle on the camera, and smells of fresh linen paper meeting the scores of a digital press was refreshing.
My last wedding was for my cousin, Tamra. I had the pleasure to photoshoot her ceremony on rather short notice. Fourteen hours to be exact. The night before, I made sure to have the batteries charged, the media cards cleared and the lenses cleaned. I arrived at the church in record timing with more than enough time to spare and set up the angles I needed. Even with the short notice, the day was a great success.
Even though the 2009 summer wedding season was exhausting, we’re not settling down just yet. We’re offering outstanding deals on winter and early spring photography. 40% OFF ALL PHOTO PACKAGES! This includes engagement pictures, wedding days, and for you newlyweds and parents, family portraits are also included!
We decided to offer this deal on account of a hectic 2009 year. This special will run January 9th through March 28th, 2010. Set up a free appointment with one of our photographers to get a quote for your special day and we’ll be sure to surprise you with a great photography package.
more weding samples | non wedding samples
Filed under: JPA Business Relations
jay pelc + associates (JPA) has joined forces with Jayme Sloan Graphic Design in an exciting new business venture. Jay Pelc and Jayme Sloan met through a mutual acquaintance and began involving each other in their careers immediately.
Jayme brings a new level of talent to JPA that has yet to be offered. Her design skills in personal invitations to website design are exemplary in quality and efficient in turn around. She understands and capitalizes the vision of JPA and accommodates the needs of her clientele while offering originality.
More information on the joint venture will be available soon. To see examples of Jayme Sloan’s work, visit her BLOG for up-to-date material.
Filed under: Web Design
www.bookiesbar.com
WHY DO WE EVEN BOTHER?
Web and digital marketing is more than proved itself as the largest and still expanding medium for information distribution for nearly two decades. This provides your current and potential customers with limitless definition of your company’s identity, status in the market, and many other details with the least amount of effort from you or your wallet.
Our society may never see the end of an era of print technology. However, during the latest “Global-Green” environmental trend, we are using print media to further direct the public to web media. This has played the largest role in the growth of web development for the past several years.
In today’s economy, solutions to best fit your marketing needs while keeping your budget reasonable have never been more available. Domain names and farmed hosting companies have become the nickel and dime of your marketing budget. This allows for more spending in areas of functionality, design and interaction with your public.
OK, NOW WHAT?
Your new web development project should always start with a wish list of desired function for your website. Try answering the following questions with as much detail as possible:
- What information do I want to offer my public?
- What information do I want from my public?
- Am I providing a service or a product?
- Is the cost my service/product subject to negotiation?
- Which method of communication do I prefer to have with my public?
- What level of emphasis on my business identity am I aiming for?
- How much can I afford to budget on the development?
POWER OF NEGOTIATION
While all of these questions are essential, the one that weighs most on your mind may be your budget. Starting a budget should not be as complicated as negotiating the budget. Determine how much you can possibly spend and then reduce it by at least one-quarter. This is an effective way to set reasonable goals so you don’t spend more than what you can afford.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Moving forward with your new budget plan starts with consulting a web designer/developer and comb through options to fit your web plan. Keep an open mind as you may be faced with deciding which options are necessities and which are merely fantasies.
RAISING THE RED FLAGS
Really take the time to think of what you classify as a deal-breaker for the project. This is where that extra one-quarter cut from your budget comes in handy. Ask your developer for a breakdown of costs and reason behind higher priced options that may involve intensive development or time to complete.
LESS BITTER, MORE SWEET
Now that your plan has been broken down, draw up a contract between you and your developer. Consider variables with an expectation of circumstances that are out of your control. Unexpected delays in the time-line or cost may cause bitterness in your relationship with your designer. Be sure to include the following with marginal consideration:
- Options you agree to include in the website.
- Time-line of which you will deliver content and materials of your business.
- Time-line of which your designer will build your website.
- Final cost to complete the project as well as any deposits.
- Copyright ownership of all materials.
GO BABY, GO
Once you are pleased with the contract between you and your designer, you can deploy the project. Most designers will ask for a deposit to secure the contract. The deposit is a percentage of the contract that will incorporate the costs of registering your domain names and farmed hosting, if needed. This may also cover any sub-contract fees for extensive development.
DON’T ROCK THE BOAT
The rest of the project will be history in the making. When you believe in your product, others will too. Stick to baby steps and simple minded methods, never rush to achieve serenity in your new investments. To ensure the quality of your spending and relationship with your designer, consider the following tips while executing a web and digital marketing plan:
- If your company is facing economic setbacks, keep in mind, your lack of marketing will reflect your status in the public market. One of the biggest mistakes in a failing economy is underestimating the potential to keep your public’s view of your company positive and current. This can be done with promotional sales, or statements letting your public know you’re still standing and even willing to help with their financial woes by offering reasonable pricing and services.
- Developers are professionals who understand the basic needs of every company’s presence on the internet, such as attraction, navigation and feedback. It is your responsibility to train the developers about the in’s and out’s of your company. This will allow them to design your website with the knowledge you bring to the table. Respect their creative process as much as you’d expect them to respect your knowledge of your profession. Collaboration between the expertise of you and your developer will ultimately result in a multi-functional work of art.
- Work closely with your developer by making yourself available if they have questions or concerns. Keep in touch with the progression of your website and offer extensive feedback during the production stages. A developer would rather have constructive criticism during the creative process than encounter delays with something that will not appeal to you or your public.
