In the pursuit of being a famous designer and making the big bucks, many designers (and firms for that matter) often forget about the bigger picture. They do the work, get paid, and then wait with salivating tongues for the next project they can bill. But we need to concentrate on being more than just a design firm, more than just another cold vendor. (more…)

When we think of “good design” the obvious comes to mind - BMW, Nike, Target (lately), etc. High end products with massive marketing budgets that demand the most impressive design money can buy. People will pay more money for things that are designed well, because they equate that with quality, and rightly so. Good quality design, be it the product or the marketing, will increase consumer trust in a brand or product. But what about the other kind of “good design” - design for good. (more…)

I had a conversation with a colleague today in which he told me a story of a recent run-in he had with a vendor. The vendor felt that my colleague - their client - was insignificant enough to completely dismiss and treat like they were worthless compared to their other clients with deeper pockets. It really started me thinking about client relationships and how complicated they can be. (more…)

While there are many great benefits from working with a larger design firm or agency, it’s sometimes necessary for smaller businesses (with smaller pockets) to opt for a more practical solution to their visual communication needs. Just because you don’t have the budget for a larger firm doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of creative. This is where smaller studios or freelancers can really shine. Most are well rounded and can handle a variety of tasks, while those that specialize usually have a network of contractors they can call upon when the project requires. Due to smaller numbers and lack of complicated hierarchy, there is often a better working relationship that fosters more open collaboration between creatives and clients. Here are some other benefits to working with a smaller design studio: (more…)