What's your process?
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- jslr
What comes first? Content or design?
I believe in content, but I've had exposure to a few clients recently that just haven't been able to deal with that, and I'm starting to wonder if it's just me.
The most recent sent 2/3rds of the required content, didn't respond to my requests for the rest, didn't look at the preliminary content doc I put together, and hasn't looked at the CMS I've developed. Client then called today expecting me to take a laptop round and make a presentation.
Grrrrrr.
$me = "not a happy bunny";
- Gorbie0
I've been sitting on about 3 projects for a long time now. Granted they aren't strictly business aquaintances, but...
All of them don't know what they are "selling". They want a website, but they don't know what for. This isn't worth my time. I'm not going to assume the role of a marketing director, I don't have they time, and they don't have they money. So fuck it.
If freelancing is they way you eat, then you should probably be flexible, and assume positions not usually required of a designer.
But that's not my bag at all.
- Mimio0
Try recommending a copywriter and a marketing person to your client. That can get things rolling. Gently force the issue.
- jgjh1510
I get content first. Can you build a car without the parts?
- monkeyshine0
"All of them don't know what they are "selling". They want a website, but they don't know what for. This isn't worth my time."
...but isn't that part of our jobs? It's worth my time to help clients see what and why they are selling because otherwise I'm going to try to make a pile of sh!t look good and that isn't the career I want.
- Gorbie0
Yes. You are exactly correct, Monkey.
What I'm saying is that I don't have the time to bother. I don't freelance unless it's a painless process. If someone wants work done by me, their idea/product must be clearly defined.
I'm not trying to be arrogant. If you pay your bills by freelance jobs, be prepared to wear a bunch of different hats.
Not for me though.
- robotron3k0
ultimately your a designer/ad is the point person. it's where the rubber hits the road. i my experience you tend to do all the thinking, sometimes writing, vision, design, concept, style, etc... some clients tend to be vague and indecisive on purpose, making you "assume" that they want something, or using that vague-ness just so you'll make all the marketing decisions, do the layouts and present to them - then they come around and tell you "naw, i don't like that." and making you start again from square one. the tough part is getting them to commit to something before you begin design... are you paid by the hour or per project basis? do you have a contract? sounds a bit like they are trying to get you to do work cause they don't know what they want...
- Biofreak0
content for me. always.
- monkeyshine0
No, I didn't think you were being arrogant Gorbie.
I work for a small firm right now and please point me in the direction of the painless process and clients who have clearly defined ideas cause we seem to get all the dumb-as-brick ones...big or small.
- robotron3k0
i think you have to train your clients monkeyshine, about design review process - keeping them posted EVERY step of the way... but that is not usually the job of the designer unless your a one person company, thats the job of the account person/project manager, if the AE/PM is lazy or dumb it brings on a world of hurt for the designers...
- Gorbie0
Yeah. I'm in a nice position.
I very rarely deal with disecting a clients mind.
The plus side to taking on more responsibilty, I guess, would be that you could steer the client to a more ambitious direction. That can yield much better work, but at a cost, I suppose.
- b34r0
I'll take a bucket load of content to go please.
Then a completed/signed off requirements document. Then a written/signed off contract. Then keep the client updated. Always.
- unformatted0
lol at work they give us stuff and say build a site.
me: what's going to be on it?
them: we don't know yet, just put something togetherme: what kind of site is it?
them: we don't know yet, just put something together.wtf
- jslr0
Gives me a nice warm fuzzy feeling to know I'm not alone...
Like I said, I'm an avid subscriber to the content-lead school of thought, but I have to admit the clients are getting to me. Even though the process has been explained. Even though they've signed the contract. Even though I've taken the time to THINK for them and help them define the project...
Grrrrrrrrr.
I'm with monkey: "...please point me in the direction of the painless process and clients who have clearly defined ideas cause we seem to get all the dumb-as-brick ones...big or small....."
- ********0
content is king.
- ********0
load bowl
flick lighter
inhale and hold... then exhale.
look at computer
fuck around
go out get some beer
visit strip club
do some colo with the strippers
get back and stare at screen
pound pud to amiasian.com
wash up
sleep
wake up
^return to beginning of procedure^
- lol great advertisement for not using drugs for creativity (you forget the "doing work" step)eighteen
- mbr0
Yeah, that sucks. I lost a good client (although he wasn't paying much, it could have been great exposure).
I asked for the content for months and months, always being directed to his assistant (moron). Well, in the end, he told me he was unhappy at the progress. Needless to say, I was shocked because I sent numerous emails (I'd send the same email to both of them, but he 'assumed' - read, was told) asking for specific information.
So they go and hire the same crappy designer that did their site before because he had no problem using multi compressed jpegs (for a photography site) and didn't care that the different sizes moved his tables around all the time. Etc., etc.
Get the damn content!! They just want something done without any effort, as will most clients in any field. That, and the have to change their minds daily.
- monkeyshine0
quote of the day...'I dont want to spend time philosophizing, I just want to get something out.'
sadly, thats not even a client but employer. Im working on re-design of website and new identity.
so, don't let a silly thing like content get in the way of getting out the message...sigh.
- unknown0
content...
navigation
and then design
- jslr0
"...please point me in the direction of the painless process and clients who have clearly defined ideas cause we seem to get all the dumb-as-brick ones...big or small....."
Think we should print this on a tee and wear it to all client negotiations and pitches?
Go on. I dare ya...
- bjladams0
haha- dealt with this recently