So, I’ve started literally the biggest project I’ve ever undertaken. It requires five logos/branding, print material and a possible website. Each of the logos requires research, references, customer communication and a to-do list. I’ve started my design process on one logo and started research on another, and that material alone was to much to keep organized. I have sheets of notebook paper absolutely filled as well as link after link saved in my e-mail. I knew I had to do something to get organized, not just with this project but to ensure that my other workflow won’t suffer because of this project.

Enter: The Behance Action Method….

I started looking for a project management tool that could help me keep all of my project information in one place, as well as help me manage multiple projects at one time. Before I took the plunge to digital, I’ve been using the Behance Action Book, which has an area for customer info, project info, action steps, backburner ideas and a dotted grid to sketch out any rough ideas. It has worked fantastic for me, in fact all of my logo projects from 2008 and 2009 were managed by the Action Method.

What is the Action Method?

It’s a really organized system created to manage your project steps, thoughts and processes. You can arrange your steps by color to mark the importance of each one. The backburner is a place for you to record ideas you currently have but don’t have the time to pursue… which I have way too many of. If I’m working on a project and have a great idea for it, but I know the customer won’t dig it I’ll place it on the backburner to be used at a later date… which I’ve done and it saved a lot of time and research. You can view the actual process HERE.

If the Action Book works, why go digital?

Simple, my page in the action book transferred over to multiple notebook pages and e-mails, I was still able to use the system but there was just too much for the system to handle accurately. So when I began to research project management systems, my first though was to head to Behance. Lucky for me, they’ve transferred the entire process into a website and even more lucky for me, it’s FREE. I’m not sure what the limitations are between the free one and the membership, as of right now it seems fully functional. If I do run into any issues, I will surely upgrade.

How does the site work?

You create your project, you can include any customer information needed. Once your project is in place, then you start adding action steps. You can assign a color to each step to mark the importance.

When you click on an action step you have the choice to change the color, delegate the duty by e-mail (great if your working on a team), set a due date, and track time. Once you’ve completed the step, you mark the checkbox and it goes to your completed box.

One of my favorite features is the references and discussion tabs, in which I’ve been utilizing to the fullest extent for this project. I’ve filled each logo design with links from sites, anything that went with my idea or inspired me, just so I could keep for inspiration or as a reference for later on. In the discussion tab I’ve been copying in the customer directions or key points that have to do with the design. Both tabs help me keep on track and keep me from searching through the web or e-mails to find my references.

And if you want to view all of your links and info together, just head over to the “Project View” tab. In which you can easily access all needed areas of the site for your project, and best of all organize your actual projects using the Behance Energy Line system, which color coordinates your projects according to importance. Which is great for me because I have trouble sometimes differentiating between urgent and important.

The Cons:

I’m writing this because of my own freewill, so not only will I give it praise but I’m happy to say where it falls short. One of the biggest things about this site is the fact that you can download an iPhone application that is a complete function replicate. Having all of this info with you accessible on a phone is a huge thing, especially if you’re getting inspiration or backburner ideas when you’re away from your computer. I was bummed to see that they didn’t have a Blackberry app, but me being me, I e-mailed them to see if there was one in the works. Sure enough I was sent a beta. I know it’s just a beta right now, but it’s almost unusable there are so many bugs, and the interface is extremely dull, not to mention I can’t even type horizontally on the Storm. So, accessing it on my phone is pretty much out of the question for me as of now, I just hope the iPhone users are happy with their version and aren’t experiencing any of the same issues.

Secondly, I was hard at work on it last night adding in several new projects and I kept getting an error saying that the ’site could not connect, please check your Internet connection’… but I was on many other working websites at the same time. The good this is, I submitted it as a bug and I’ve been in contact with tech support today trying to get it figured out… tech support for a free program? Pretty cool.

Overall, I’m extremely happy with it and I would suggest it to anyone. Not just designers or marketing people, but to anyone with too much on their plate and in some need of some organization.

Instead of having a set post today I’m deciding to do a little rant. As many of you know, Dunlap Studios is not my full-time job. Though it sometimes seems like it is, I actually work an 8-5 away from it. My full-time is a large and small format printer with customers all over the nation, and at times all over the world. Sadly I’m not here to talk about my love for the job, or even the job itself for that matter. I want to talk about client/designer issues.

I want to focus on the “stupid” client. Don’t stop reading yet, this post is just as much for the customer as it is for the designer. This little rant is going to focus on the main issues that arise between the client and the designer, and most importantly how they can be avoided by using two key factors: communication and respect.

Communication-

Communication is the first topic I want to touch on because it’s what brought this post on. At work today I had a call transferred to my phone, the account rep told me that it was a “stupid customer” and that he was a real jerk. The customer had an issue with his design and needed to speak with a designer. The funny thing is, when I answered the phone I found something completely different. First, there is no such thing as a “stupid” customer. And, no, I didn’t bold that for sarcasm.

There is no such thing as a stupid customer, there are only uneducated customers. The client told me “I don’t know why my design won’t work, I don’t know what DPI is and I don’t have the budget to re-do this order”. The account rep told the customer that his file was wrong, told him that the resolution was wrong and requested that he provide new artwork. He had no idea what any of this meant, or how to create the new artwork. The account rep did her job, she told him our file specifications; but, when he didn’t understand her demands he was deemed stupid and sent to me.

Designers- It’s your job to educate the customer. If they don’t understand web standards or color values, it’s not their fault. It’s your job to explain the issues so the customer understands it. It will not only prevent future issues, but your client relationship will grow because of your ability to work with and not for the client.

I right now have an order for a customer that wants two logos, one that they can use on a business card and one they can use on their website. They’re not ’stupid’ for not understanding logo files and formats, they’re uneducated. If the customer knew what they were doing, and knew how to do your job, they’d be doing it.

Customers- Communication is key for you. The better you explain your vision and what you’re wanting, the better results you’ll get. The most common comment I get at work from clients is: “… you choose, you’re the designer” and (big surprise) the first proof is normally followed by “… not feeling it”.

Designers cannot choose your favorite color and style without being told it. Designers cannot represent your company if they don’t know what you do. The more the designer has to guess, the more time it will take and the more you will be paying. So, it’s in your best interest to know what you want and to be thorough with the designer.

Respect-

The biggest factor out of any working relationship is respect. Keep in mind, respect does not mean “like”. There are several people that I respect, but I do not like. You don’t need to like someone to work with them, but it’s essential that you respect them. You don’t even have to respect them fully as a person, just respect them for the role they play in your relationship.

Designers- Your clients are your bosses. They pay your bills, they put food on your table… I guess my main point is, they pay you to do what you love. Do you treat them as that?

You work for them, act like it. Don’t ignore phone calls, don’t ignore e-mails, don’t waste their time or money. Otherwise, just like any other job, you’ll be replaced. Give it your all and treat them as they should be treated, as your employer.

And, as I’m about to rant about… WORK FOR MONEY! You can’t respect anyone without respecting yourself, and a respectable worker would not work for free. Spec work is for designers that can’t get real work. Let me restate that: If you think you’re work is worth something, than expect something. The customer (who is most likely uneducated in design, and does not understand talent or standards) is not the judge of your value, you are.

Customers- (Rant begin here:) I’ve spoken more elaborately about this in a past post, but I would like to touch up on it again. Not because I like to sound like a broken record, but mainly because it sickens me and I don’t see it changing any time soon.

Just as my first topic, this topic was also chosen because of something that happened today. I’ve been talking to an organization about doing a project and as they were narrowing down their design options they sent me an e-mail. A designer offered to do it for 3/4’s of the initial budget, and the client wanted to know if I could beat that. I let him know that I’m not willing to bargain, I am a professional, and this is my job. To my surprise his next response was to send him the invoice.

Customers, you do not have the right to tell a designer what you will pay. You do not have the right to “test the waters” or “try before you buy”. If you want to see a designers skills, check the portfolio (that’s what it’s for).

If you are working with an established designer, then you should be paying them as an established designer. It doesn’t matter how many offers you’ve received, or how much you’re planning on spending. What other profession would allow you to determine their value or bargain with you on the price? A designer creates his or her rate based on the quality of their work, if you cannot afford it or if you do not agree with it, go somewhere else.

If you don’t have the money, save. Simple as that. Don’t cheap out on the visual aspects of your brand, and don’t offend a creative professional by trying to get him or her to work for less than they’re worth. They worked hard to get where they are, you don’t have the right to take that away from them.

Happy New Year! As most blogs right now are speculating what will become of 2009, I’d like to take a moment to be grateful for 2008. Unlike the news reports that have been playing all day long, I don’t have any complaints about 2008 in the world of Dunlap Studios. This is the first year for Dunlap Studios, and I just wanted to reflect on what a great year it’s been.

My first and major achievement in 2008 was starting Dunlap Studios. I knew nothing when I started other than how to design…. I soon learned there is much more to being a freelance designer than just design. I had to start my website, build a client base, handle bookkeeping and the hardest part… juggle family, my full-time and Dunlap Studios while making each one feel like the main priority.

I learned a lot and built a lot of incredible relationships. I’ve enjoyed every aspect of Dunlap Studios so far and I’m excited for 2009 and the years to come. Here’s a look at my biggest achievements this year, most of them have been posted before but hopefully they’re new to some of you.

Featured At iStockphoto

When I first started Dunlap Studios I created some unique promotional material. I was unsure about the kind of clients I wanted to attract and I hadn’t really put too much thought into personal branding.

My first promotional flyer was kind of a glamorous modeling style… kind of weird. I was happy with how it looked but I instantly knew it was a bad representation of me, therefore it was never printed. Though, I didn’t want it to go to waste, so I submitted it to iStockphoto into their design section.

Later that week I was notified that it was considered a spotlight design, and I was featured as the spotlight designer. It only lasted a few days, but a great start for a Dunlap Studios.

Runner Up At Don’t Panic

When I first started Dunlap Studios I began to compete in a lot of competitions for several reasons. (1) To get noticed (2) To build my portfolio and (3) Of course… money isn’t a bad insentive.

One of the first competitions I participated in was at Don’t Panic for the European company 3 Mobile. I didn’t win, but I was extremely happy to place. There were a lot of great pieces created for this competition, so I was really honored that mine was one of the few considered.

Winner of the InkFruit Rock On! Competition

I was excited to win this because it was cool to see my shirt for sale on InkFruit’s site. I not only won some cash but I was also sent 5 shirts. I gave some to my family, but I still have a few if any of you are interested.

Featured at Power To The Poster

This was a cool project to be apart of. I had found Power To The Poster while surfing the web one day. I read through what the organization was about and checked out the artwork… immediately I wanted to participate. Luckily I had a project over the American healthcare system due for my illustration class so I was able to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.

Not only was my poster accepted and featured on the site, but it was also featured in a month long exhibit in Lincoln, Nebraska. If you want a copy of the poster just go to the site, download and print it out.

Featured at Freelance Pulse

This October I was the first artist to have my portfolio showcased at Freelance Pulse. Freelance Pulse is a great website to help freelance workers find jobs in their fields.

Designer In The Spotlight at Just Creative Design

This is my most recent achievment, and the one I’m most happy about. I am subscribed to Just Creative Design and I read Jacob’s every post, so I was extremely happy to be featured on the site. Not to mention, my site hits went up like 600% for a week after the he posted it. If any of you haven’t read the interview yet, please feel free to do it.

Thank you all for an incredible year! I’ve really got to work on some awesome projects this year and I’ve gotten to work with some awesome clients. I hope to work with you all again in 2009!

The topic of “speck work” has been all over the design boards, blogs and forums for quite some time now, so it may seem like I’m beating a dead horse. Though the topic has been covered everywhere, I still would like to put my opinion and voice out. Why? Because, I want to have a personally written piece that I can reference when I’m approached by clients requesting speculative work, which is daily.

Why Dunlap Studios is against spec work:

It’s Unprofessional.

This is where the old phrase “You get what you pay for” comes in. If a designer is willing to create something without charging anything, it’s most likely not worth anything. Your designs, whether it’s your logo or your business card, are what people know you as. If your logo looks sub-par, then you look sub-par. The way your company brands and markets itself is a reflection of the company itself.

Without any design consultations, briefs or research, the design would be based on style alone rather than strategic thinking, planning and personalizing. Though you may end up with a decent looking logo in the end, it would not be the best possible solution because it’s lacking a professional approach.

It is unprofessional as a customer to name the price you will pay for design, and only pay if the work is sufficient. If you’re naming a price because you don’t have enough money to splurge on branding, then your priorities are wrong. Check out this article at Branding Matters on branding on a budget. Your company’s image is an investment; the more you put in, the more you’ll get out.

The idea that you’ll decide which designer deserves payment is ridiculous. I can’t go to a restaurant and request 5 meals with the intent to only pay for 1. How could this possibly swing for designers? It takes 10-20 minutes to get your food at a restaurant, how long do you think it takes to create a logo? Which brings me to my next point…

It costs me money.

I would have to pay to participate in spec work. If I’m working on spec work instead of a paying job, I’m losing money out of my pocket. I am a father and husband, if I were to work on spec work I would be taking money away from my family and more importantly, taking time away from my family. If I’m going to be working rather than spending time with my wife and daughter, you better believe I’ll be getting paid in full.

It’s not normal business practice.

No other profession would accept this mentality, so why would you expect designers to? Dentists, Contractors, Engineers and all other professions require sufficient payment for their services. How is design any different? Most designers have gone to school, studied their software and have a portfolio to showcase their achievements. They have spent time, money and effort on learning their skills and trade, therefore they deserve to be paid for their work.

If you’ve reached the bottom of this post, hopefully you’ve changed your mind on how you’re selecting a designer. I would love the chance to work with you on a one-on-one personal basis catering to your company’s specific needs. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact me through my contact page or leave a comment below.

I always seem to be jumping on the bandwagon a little late for all of the popular web trends. I was way late to hop on the Myspace train and when I finally did Facebook began to rear it’s ugly face. I still don’t have a Facebook and though I pretend that I’m over the whole social networking thing, I hover over my wife’s shoulder asking her a million questions about it. I never really had an instant messaging program until now, and even now, my parents had Skype before I did.

When I first heard about Twitter, I wasn’t too interested. I thought it was a glorified chat-room that can be seen on your blog or website, nothing more. But, the more I look into it, the more and more useful it seems. After I started my twitter I really began to realize the potential it had, not only for me but for you as well. Learn how after the jump….

For those of you that don’t know what twitter is, here is a quick summary: Twitter was created for you to be able to update and keep in touch with family, friends and colleagues through several different ways. Your updates may be accessed through the twitter website, through instant messaging or even through text messages on your phone. Twitter not only displays text on your page but also any songs, videos or images you’d like to share.

How can Dunlap Studios benefit from Twitter?

I will be using my twitter to keep in contact with my friends and fellow designers. I will also be using it as resource for design. Twitter is able to be searched through search twitter, so if I run into any questions that I can’t answer, I’ll just turn to twitter. I also think that twitter will build closer relationships between me and my customers. Not only will they be able to speak to me whenever and wherever they want, but they will also be able to see how I interact with others.

How can yo, the designer, benefit from Twitter?

You get my opinion and advice whenever you need it. I think it’s important for graphic designers, or artists in general, to have a creative group to feed off of. I can’t tell you how many times I sit staring at my screen with designers block, all of us reach a point where we are starving for some much needed input. Hit me up on twitter with any questions and I’ll be sure to reply. You can also suggest any freebies or tutorials you may want. I am planning on releasing quite a few in the near future, so any ideas would be very much appreciated. I will also have a Twitterfeed set up, so everyone following me will be notified when I create a new post.

How can you, the customer, benefit from Twitter?

For one, it’s an extremely easy and quick way to get a hold of me. I’m usually pretty quick with e-mail, but nudging me by text message will ensure an immediate response. If you have any questions that aren’t in my FAQ, I’ll be glad to answer them in real-time through twitter. If you have an event or organization that you want promoted, I’d be glad to tweet about it to all of my followers.

And last, my most exciting reason, you’ll receive live project updates. The whole reason I looked into twitter in the first place, live updates for all of my customers. I will be sending text messages to my twitter about all of my current projects, keeping you up to date with your project in real-time. If you have a question about how it’s coming along, or want to know where I’m at, just go to my twitter and see how it’s going. I not only will be posting the play by play per project, but I’ll also be throwing up a couple screenshots here and there so you can actually see how the project is coming along. Can’t beat that!

Go ahead, check out what I’m tweeting about right now!

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