The Creative Process, Know when to say no.
It seems to be more and more common to self diagnose issues, weather its because of the time it takes to have a professional do the work or because information is so accessible.
The problem with this self diagnosis is that people are generally not experienced enough to make informed decisions with the information they find.
Most people will go to a doctor and trust they know what they are talking about. Many serious illnesses have common characteristics and a simple Google can easily lead you astray. It would be strange to Google your illness head over to the Hospital and give them a printed report with your symptoms.
A doctor would never work this way, They have to figure out the cause them selves.
Case in point more and more clients have a better understanding of the web and how it works. That a lot of clients still don’t have all the information and typically have learned from frustration or have been pushed into that by necessity.
I have been been given client requirements numerous times and told that “This has to be done!”, without any regard to its implications. Due to rushed time lines or a lack of understanding the Get-er-done mentality is dangerous.
There is always a struggle to meet deadlines, manage the client, manage the developer/designer and in the end I feel that a good project manager knows when to say no.
A good designer or developer should also have a good and clear understanding of the project goals before work gets underway and they should feel comfortable saying no.
Nothing kills the creative process faster than confusion and unnecessary revisions.
The ability to say no is probably more important than saying yes. Saying no means you have an opinion or a reason so make sure you sell it. At the same time, to say yes make sure the client can sell you the reason why. Make them look at the implications before you cave in and say yes.
In the end you will end up with a better product, it wont be mottled with bits of last minute changes.
Some of the best working relationships I have had stem from the back and fourth communication (arguments) trying to remove or add features.
Take pride in the fact that you were hired to solve a problem, If you feel that you were hired to execute some one else’s solutions then you are only the tool and not the skill behind it.
Communication
You cannot not communicate… but you can not communicate accurately!
By Paul Watzlawick’s First Axiom of Communication
My favorite podcasts
photo by M. Keefe
During the day If I’m not listening to music, then I’m probably listening to a Podcast.
Since there is no shortage of podcasts out there I will share a few of my favorites in no particular order.
Science:
This American Life
Radio Lab
Life:
The Moth
The Unknown Studio
Proof is in the pudding
When you finish school what is the next step?
Well if you are some of the lucky few who have that nailed down, you might have some contacts or relationships already established, you might partner up with friends and go out on your own. Regardless you will have little to show for professional work and your individual resumes will be lacking any real experience.
What are you supposed to do?
When you are looking to purchase new electronics you are not so concerned with what is in common with each model but more or less with what is over and above on not included.
A resume is a glorified list of achievements with any weakness left out, the only way to test out what is on paper is to see it in action. This brings me to the portfolio. Your portfolio is a culmination and execution of your work, your processes and shows your strengths. To the rite eye also reveals your weaknesses.
I don’t have any work to show.
Design the package before you work on the fine print. Get your portfolio nailed down before you work on the formalities of a resume. Many times you can talk through the details of your resume during an interview. Your portfolio should be the bait and your communication skills should be the hook.
Many potential employers will be looking for three or more years of experience in one particular area but what does three years really mean?
I could be doing the same thing wrong or poorly for three years. A number does not show your progress or drive to improve and succeed; your portfolio over time will do this for you.
If you don’t have a lot to show in your portfolio create the work, find something you are passionate about and think needs a change. Do the work, do the research and make something. For them or for your self, the portfolio does not have to show your paid work or real clients.
Some people will think that because the project was not “real” that it some how looses impact. Truth is all you lost was the experience in dealing with a client. You still executed your own process and creative thinking to solve the problem.
Just be ready to speak to those angles.
Human Solutions
Don’t force conventions on people. Instead make your software general so everyone can find their own solution. Give people just enough to solve their own problems their own way. And then get out of the way.