A question of scruples
Out of context: Reply #37
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I just thought I'd provide an update for those who offered their thoughts and opinions on this dilemma which I faced... The project was cancelled on Friday, much to my immense relief.
I read all the opinions and advice offered here with interest but the advice that really stuck out to me was that of Andy Ross. It wasn't the most politely worded or sympathetic, but it was honest and direct and confirmed the 'other voice' in my head that said "in spite of all valid concerns about this situation, you have committed to delivering a test piece now, so knuckle down and do it".
I did just that. The 'room' I created looked great, and the machinery I created to go in the room looked less than my personal best but easily sufficient as a working demonstration of the art directors concept, and great considering I had only three days to create it. Again, Andy Ross' advice pursuaded me to just push it out and stop being a perfectionist under such circumstances.
The end-client has commented that he loves the work I did for the test piece, but having seen the art director's concept, on the page, in full visual glory he restated his initial doubts about the concept being too complex, clever, and detracting from the presentation of product.
So he has asked me to provide an invoice for the balance on the test piece and has cancelled this elaborate campaign concept in favour of a more simplistic product shoot. Thank God because we just didn;t have enough time left to do it anymore... soemthing my client was reluctant to acknowledge.
I have to say that I am incredibly relieved about this. When I met my client's client it was abundantly obvious to me that he had huge reservations about the campaign concept proposal. That was an added pressure for me becuase I've known all along the guy just wanted to hire some models, shoot some product and stick a logo on there. My client however was determined to push ahead in the hope that he could swing the end-client round to his idea with the test piece I was preparing. I personally couldn't see this happening as it was the idea that the end-client didn't like, my style of work had already met with his approval.
I'm going to be paid in full for my test piece, and I am now free to get on with all the other things I have on my schedule for the next two months without having the horrible dread of a huge amount of work to do with not enough time left to acheive it.
Its so difficult when working alone to make the right decision about what to take on and what to pass up. At the point I agreed to get involved with this it all sounded like a done-deal - my client spoke very confidently that the concept was already signed off but in fact it was far from signed off. Then when I met the end-client I realised the art director was being way too optimistic. It was too late though, I was on board, and because of that I have had to pass up a major label music campaign, an ad campaign for Visa to run globally for six months, various pieces of editorial illustration, a logo/masthead design for a new magazine, and the chance to prepare and exhibit my large format drawings in a really ace gallery.
Ho hum, you take your chances. I'm just glad to be free of the nightmare.
Thanks for your opinions advice and input.
- I am really glad it turned out well for you. that must have been really stressful.********
- Hope you<re feeling better too
;c)******** - It was stressful, but I have come out on top. If i had bailed out, I would be in a bad place now.********
- I am really glad it turned out well for you. that must have been really stressful.