July 7, 2008
It’s so much fun to prove, through actions and results, that I’m good at what I do.
Last week I started designing the new logo and assorted brochures for my engineering client. The logo was immediately approved, as was the brochure design. All relate visually to the PowerPoint presentations that are waiting to be finished.
It originally looked like we’d be printing six different brochures: I’ve paired that down to two (“Products” and “Services”). In pricing the brochures I did a bit of research to see what the company had been paying for something they do on a regular basis: copying and GBC binding training manuals. I was shocked. They were paying 400% more than necessary or $14.67 each for a 65 page book – copied book! – that was GBC punched but not bound. Labor wasn’t even included in my calculations.
In the future, they’ll be getting them delivered bound and ready to ship, for $3.16 each. 100 books for $1467.00 vs 100 books for $316.00.
I’m proud… 
July 2, 2008
About “being stuck”.
I don’t like it, but I’ve come to see it (or rationalize it away?) as a necessary part of the process. To me, creativity at it’s best is pure energy transformed. In the case of writing, energy is transformed into words: in art, images. Either way it is both a gift and a draining exercise. Down-time is a needed period of rest, whether we recognize it as such or not. All imho, of course…
What do you think?
June 23, 2008
The PowerPoint presentation is nearly finalized. There are 105 slides so far, which can be broken into (1) full-day-presentation, (1) short-day-presentation and (2) half-day presentations. Two other half-day presentations remain to be added: one that I need information from the client on, and another that will be included as part of the conclusion for now, but will be expanded upon in the future.
This second phase has been more time consuming, as expected, approximately 40 hours. The material in Phase I was “easy”. Phase II has required quite a bit of research plus building charts and graphs to illustrate pertinent details. I’ve also gone through and added notes for the presenter so that ready answers will be available – in black & white – should questions arise.
It’s all looking and sounding great so far and the client is pleased. This part of the project is on hold for a week while the rest of the information to be presented is sorted through and chosen by the client. In the meantime, I’ve got (6) brochures to start work on.
