Working With a Creative Professional

This post is for anyone thinking about working with a creative professional (designer, writer, programmer, et cetera) . . .

The money aspect aside (that’s another issue altogether), the most important conversation you can have with your Creative is about defining the project:

Who is your intended audience?

What are you trying to communicate to them?

What are the important dates? (”Whenever you get a chance” is not a deadline)

How is the finished product being produced/used?

Who is the decision-maker for this project?

We creatives are great at filling any gaps in project scope with our own ideas of how things should be . . . but there are some decisions we can’t/shouldn’t make for you. You’re not paying us to run your business . . . you’re paying for our creative expertise. It’s important to note that expertise varies even within fields (print vs. web design, grant writing vs. copy writing, et cetera).

Having said that, keep an open mind to suggestions we make within our area(s) of expertise. Offering your own ideas is almost always helpful (gives us an idea of where you want to go with the project), but remember that you’re seeking our help for a reason. If you’ve got something all drawn out and you just need someone with the right software to produce it, then save some cash and help a student get some experience with a real-life project. If you’ve got a rough idea of what you want and are open to different interpretations, a professional will be happy (and well-qualified) to bring that idea to fruition for you.

Take Away: Get to know the scope of your Creative’s expertise, then work with them to determine how their expertise can best serve your needs.