Like any business, graphic design has its share of good and bad clients. I’m currently discussing a project with a potential client, nothing is set in stone yet so lets call him “Bob”. To sum up a longer conversation with Bob, it went like this;

Q: Typically, what styles or logos do you prefer?
A: Stylish and simple, easy to remember.

Q: Logo concepts would you like?
A: One.

Q: Did you have a budget set for the project at all?
A: Andrew to tell you the truth I don’t even know how much a project like that should cost. Maybe you can provide me with some levels of pricing and the differences between a $500 or $2000 project. Thank you.

Good design expectations, straight to the point, straightforward and honest with the sometimes awkward subject of money. So far it’s been a pleasure dealing with Bob.

On the flip side of that coin, it was surprising to read a discussion fellow designer Mark Biegel had with a potential client. After missing a call while driving, Mark quickly called back to say “Sorry I missed your call, I was driving”.

Only to have said client say “Don’t ever ring me and say sorry, when I call you I expect you to answer! I have 2 other developers who could work for me so your lucky to get my business.”

Not surprisingly Mark declined the project and 3 months later the clients website is apparently still not started, guess that attitude isn’t working for him.

How about you?

Any stories for better or worse?

Graphic design is all about ideas, but for every great idea there is just as often something waiting in wings to squash it. Enter the new marketing director…

Created for the independent film group, Show Off!, each illustration depicts an idea personified ( give or take… ) in the form of a popular or infamous figure and their mortal enemy.

Originally in Portuguese, I’ve done my best to translate the captions but I speak precisely zero of it. Feel free to jump in if I’ve gotten something wrong.

Presenting an idea to the accountants.

The clients lawyers. Continue reading...

As with anything graphic design has it’s ups and downs. Some jobs are unique and interesting, some are not. A collegue and I were discussing jobs recently, one in particular that came to mind was a catalogue for a commercial supplier of sinks, baths, toilets etc.

Designing a decent size catalogue is usually a pretty decent job, I did have an awful time trying not to laugh however as he explained the 30 hours spent doing vector drawings in illustrator of urinals.

Glamorous.

I haven’t been lucky enough to land a job this interesting yet. A man can dream though, a man can dream.

Like any form of self employment, freelance graphic design has it’s pros and cons. More often than not pro #1 is managing your own time and working the hours that are most productive for you.

We’ve all had bouts of creative block, you can waste hours trying to force an idea with little progress. I often find myself wandering through the day only to turn out my best ideas at 1:00 in the morning. Hardly office hours.

Obviously some work has to get done during conventional hours, I doubt too many clients would be as excited as I am about a design idea if I were to call them at 1:00 in the morning for feedback. But hey, you’ve got to work when your muse is willing.

When’s your “9 to 5″?

Do you try and work to a conventional time table? Or are you a night owl like me?

Now I know everyone in the world has seen the movie Crocodile Dundee and that it’s the greatest movie ever. However I thought I’d take this opportunity to answer a few questions I’ve been asked more than once when speaking with people overseas.

Believe it or not…

• I have never ridden a Kangaroo.
• Nor has anyone else, and they do not have parking spots.
• I do not have a pet Koala.
• Wild Koalas, a.k.a. drop bears, do not dive from trees to attack people.
• Yes I like vegemite. No you probably won’t.

I have never used the following phrases;

• Lets throw another shrimp on the barbie.
• G’day Mate! ( without having a laugh … )
• She’ll be apples.

Good old television.

It’s disappointing I know, but TV and movies do exaggerate some times.
Oh well, until next time, hooroo*.

*Hooroo means see you later. No I’ve never said it.