Educating Project Manager
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- e-wo
A Russian media team wants to contract me for web design gigs. They're rather nice, but their idea of professional and current design is not up to speed, and I'm unsure of how to address this / educate them.
In discussing an orthodontics site, I referenced the following template to talk about acceptable tones in medical industry design. It isn't groundbreaking, but I find it reasonably current and professional:
http://themefuse.com/demo/html/M…The project manager is unimpressed. He is stuck on the idea that sites must look "next generation," and approximate 3d elements, using a rounded, sleek, "mac-like" interface. He then references this as an example:
http://files.dingfleet.com/KCp9This man is not domineering, but I'm concerned about working with anyone who's this far out of touch with current design.
How would you recommend I broach the idea that he should be trusting and following my lead? What are my duties, and subsequent tactics, for educating him?
- e-wo0
I should note that I prefer not working contracted through teams such as these, but I'm not feeling at liberty to be picky about income this season.
- lvl_130
because you said "wants to contract me for web design gigs", i'm assuming you haven't started/accepted anything yet, correct?
if this is the case, RUN AWAY FAST!
no seriously. leave before the shit hit's the ever-changing comp fan
- lvl_130
ah, well we posted at the same time. if anything, let them know that you are the designer, and it's in their best interest to let you do your job.
this can all be stated in a very civil manner that they should respect and adhere to in the future. if not, THEN RUN!
- mg330
This reminds me of the time I called out Eric Jordan on Flashkit.com for the design of that LasikPlus site back in 2000 or 2001. It was full of tiny pixel fonts, futuristic design - all sorts of visual effects that probably weren't easy for people with eye problems to see. Got a nice email from him about having to do what the client asks for, etc. etc.
LOL - I just pulled up some threads from flashkit.com from 2002 where people were discussing the fact that the 2Advanced designed site lasted about a year after Lasik realized that it wasn't serving their target market. Oh memories...
- marychain0
The two sites you referenced don't really seem all that different do they? Shiny, glossy bits with faux dimension (drop shadows & gradients).
I'm not trying to be sarcastic, but not sure if I see much difference.
- unless they're insisting it have a "metal" look...for an orthodontics site...that's pretty retarded.marychain
- e-wo0
One of the two looks like a spaceship console from desktop wallpaper circa 1997. That's the difference to me.
- Amicus0
Neither of them are particularly mindblowing.
Do what they want, take their money and go looking for better clients. :)
- agreedKiko
- This is the road to insanity, sounds simple at first, but once you get going...attentionspan
- Yep, I did this once and when it turns out a mess they blame youqTime
- animatedgif0
Don't like the look of either of them, both just look like shitty template sites.
I'd rather have something that's just simple and professional typography. And no photos other than ones of the actual clinic and staff, fuck stupid stock photo shit.
- e-wo0
bump
- qTime0
You should write a brief including creative direction and get them to sign it off.
If you take their creative direction you can do your best but then your run the risk of it turning into a mess and the client blaming you for their mistakes.
Best lay down the law early on then decide to take it on or not.
- agreed. nip this wanna-be art director in his budskiChrista