A Semi Rant of Thoughts

I have done a lot of work in production in the last three years of my life, it seems to be going crazier and crazier. I would say in the last year I have learned a few things that have really helped me out. Most of it through frustration and lack of communication, but useful tips for myself and maybe you. Here's some points I have learned that I think can help in working with all companies involved (yourself, your business and whoever)

- Determine Your Budget I find with a lot of groups I work with that they don't determine their budget, they just have a mentality of how cheap they can get something is the best. If you're trying to communicate to the masses or targeting specific people groups or if you're simply trying to do brand recognition, take time to spend what you need to in order to get what you want. That said...

- Hold Your Cards Close To Your Chest I HAD a habit of wanting to tell people all of my latest and greatest ideas, well because I have SO many (please note the sarcasm). I have learned from bad experiences and from others experiences that it's important to hold your cards close to your chest and play them when you need to. You show you're whole hand, people will take advantage of you and they do. Play conservative but be ready to take a risk.

- Alot Time For Your Project Too often people will phone up and say, "Hey look I know your busy but my project is superior to all others, take care of me." Well maybe people don't say those exact words, but they communicate it. With planning your budget for the project, plan for time. Find out how long it takes for a designer to put together a draft process and final copy, find out what the turn around is for a promotional DVD, take the time to find out what time you need to complete your project.

All that said and I leave you with this...

- Fast Good Cheap I live by this rule in production. If you want it fast and cheap, it won't be good. If you want it good and cheap, it won't be fast. If you want it fast and good, it won't be cheap.

When looking to work on a project for a client or when you're looking to find someone to work on a project for you, think some of this over. You'll be more then happy you did and I'm sure your creative person will be too.

Have a great day! Matt