Design Collaboration = You Saying Yes
We all know those annoying commercials from Capital One that are about other companies saying NO when they’ll say YES! Designers should really look at this closely and take something away from these ridiculous commercials. Designers need to find more ways to say YES!
I am not the only one thinking this way. Carl over at Tapp-d recently wrote in his post, “The Generalist/Specialist Relationship” about how designers can do exactly that. This is what he had to say about his own business, PowderKeg Graphic Design…
My design philosophy is to see a project from start to finish through a variety of mediums. Through strategic partnerships I also have a greater variety of sources to work with, although I am a Generalist in my design work, I include Specialists to bring out the highest quality of work. Communicating the project needs and creating a consistent vision is never a problem because we work together as professionals and friends.
Recently my business partner and I joined a group that includes print designers, web designers, illustrators, printers and even individuals dealing with marketing and sales. We are working together on projects and sourcing out projects to each other we either aren’t able to tackle or just don’t have the time for. Each of us has clearly stated our backgrounds, allowing us to tap into areas that we might not have otherwise been able to. So when a client comes along and wants something that we do not have a strong background in, we no longer have to say no.
We can say YES!
By working together as a tightly knit group we are able to bring in more projects and broaden our client base. My partner and I have already seen an increase in the amount of work we deal with and we have only been part of a design collaboration group for about a month.
The group is not only about bringing in more projects. The group is also about having a place for support, a sounding board for ideas, and a source of inspiration when that creative block just won’t budge.
It’s important the group is made up of individuals you trust and can depend on when crunch time comes for a big project. The idea is to ease some the burdens of working in freelance or owning your own design business. Having the right people in your group can do exactly that.
More designers should work together so they can reach their common goals. With competition becoming fierce in the design community, wouldn’t you rather say yes to the next client that comes knocking at your door? I know we sure will!
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