Stop and Take a Breath

Our brains and emotions are very powerful. If you think a project is starting to fail, take a breather and get your thoughts in order. You want to think logically and sometimes that’s hard to do when you are pouring your creative juices into a project.

Revisit the Contract

Inspect your own work – are you doing what you agreed to do when you agreed to do it? Is the client? I’ve been involved in projects where my client and I both forgot to go back to the contract and determine what we agreed to do during the project. Once you get started on a project this is easy to do. Review your contracts weekly to make sure everyone is holding up his/her end of the deal.

Review Your Discussion and Meeting Notes

After reviewing the contract, take a look at your notes to figure out if you or your client agreed to any changes or are waiting on any new information. If you agreed to do something extra or make changes and did not issue a Change Order, then it’s on you to follow through with your commitment.

Keep Your Notes in Electronic Format

It is much easier to search your notes when they are in electronic format. Also, reviewing your notes regularly allows you to come up with a Change Order or second project after the first one is complete. It’s almost impossible to have a project go from start to finish without some form of “It would be great if you could…”

Set-up a Face to Face Meeting with Your Client

Face to face is the best since you can read body language. If this isn’t possible, a phone call (with web cam) is a must. Don’t e-mail about anything like this. It’s too sensitive.

When you are with your client, let him/her know how you feel about the project. At this point, it’s best to avoid statements such as “I’ve done everything agreed to” and “…according to the contract…” Pretend you are a child and explain it in very simple terms. Something like, “John (client), this project got off to a great start. I’m getting the sense that everything may not be OK. Do you have the same sense?”  Then pause for an answer. “What can we do to make sure this deal remains a good deal for both of us?”

Hopefully, the meeting goes well and you are able to correct the direction of the project. If the client does not see things the way you do, you have a few options. You can say, “Let’s review the project notes and our agreement (much better than “the contract”) together.”  This meeting follows the same format as the first one, but now you are working with the agreement in front of you. You or your client may realize there is something wrong and can work together to correct it.

Withdrawal from the Project

You could also withdraw from the project. If you and the client cannot come to an agreement about the project and the risk is too high to continue, then you should withdraw. This is a very tough call to make. I’ve only done it twice and it’s not fun because it’ll throw your client’s schedule off and potentially have consequences for you.

Before withdrawing, revisit your contract and make sure you are delivering according to schedule, you know you’ve delivered any deliverable items and can prove it, and there’s no way of moving forward.

Then, get ready for a conversation that could be emotional for both parties. Keep focused on what you need while maintaining an open mind. You may find out that the client agrees with you or needs something different and didn’t know how to ask. You could even save the project at this meeting.

If it does end, write a handwritten Thank You card and mail it in the next day or so. It’ll make a difference.

In Conclusion

As much as I’d like to say, “It’s just business”, we all know it’s never just business. All clients have personal and professional risk when working with you. Always be open and honest about what you need and want and give your clients time to express their needs and wants, too.

The world we work in may seem large and daunting at times, but you know how small it can be. People will talk about how good/bad their experience with you was. A few negative projects or references are enough to end a company.

That is why today I am releasing 20 Paint Roller Brushes for Photoshop that can be used to simulate the look of paint being rolled on to any surface. After a bit of experimentation, I found that these brushes were good at not only drawing lines on pavement but they could also be used for simulating the look of painting on dry wall. In addition, I found that this set could also be used to create some really nice photo borders. This set of Paint Roller Brushes is very versatile and can be used for just about any purpose. Hopefully, you will enjoy them!

File type: .abr
Compatibility: Photoshop
Size: 43.12 MB

T-Shirt

The t-shirt is pretty much my favorite type of promotional product. If I had my way I would wear a t-shirt with my logo printed on it every day.

The Pen

Pens get passed around like a basketball at a Globe Trotter’s game. Get a few hundred pens created and start dropping them off in strategic places. You might be surprised where they finally end up.

The Ball Cap

I look terrible in hats but for whatever reason, people love them. Print your logo on a ball cap; better yet, a camouflage one for those of us in rural areas. I guarantee they will get worn.

The Visor

If I had to wear a hat, I’d wear a visor. I love visors! They are the best. Print your logo on a visor and head to the golf course. Better yet, sponsor a charity golf scramble and give these tasty suckers out to all the players.

The Hoodie

This time of year hoodies are invaluable! If I had a hoodie with my logo on it, you could just about guarantee that I would be wearing it on top of my custom Colorburned tee.

The Fleece

I like the fleece just about as much as I like the hoodie. The fleece is just as warm but it’s not quite as casual and a bit more professional.

Stickers

In the era of Starbucks and Panera, stickers are a must. Next time you’re in one of those places, take a look around and see how many open laptops you see. Think of all the advertising opportunities you’re missing out on by not placing a sticker on all your machines.

Custom Bags or Totes

I’m a huge fan of nice luggage but what I would really love to have is a nice custom bag that I could carry all my crap around in. This item really is a must have especially if you travel a lot or give lots of presentations.

Conclusion

There are a lot of really creative places to put your logo. A lot of this depends on exactly what kind of business you’re in.  Feel free to include some of your favorite promotional ideas in the comments.

This article was sponsored by Quality Logo Products.

Before we announce the winners however we would first like to thank Stock Graphic Design for sponsoring the giveaway and encourage those of you who didn’t win to consider purchasing some of their vectors in the future.

Now for the Winners!

1. Miguel
   Hand Drawn Floral Pack
2. Guisella
   Vol. 10: Hand Drawn Decorative Elements
3. Phil D.
   Hand Drawn Floral Set #3
4. Aditi
   Hand Drawn Floral Set 3
5. Rad
   Hand Drawn Floral
6. Mustafa Quilon
   Flowing Curves
7. Stephen Saucier
   Vector Tree Pack
8. Angela
   Hand Drawn Floral
9. Phil Harrison
   Hand Drawn Decorative Pack
10. Ray
    Sketchy Heraldry
11. Gigi
    Floral Text Frame – Set: 4
12. Steve van Durme
    Skelleton
13. Lindsay
    The Destroy Series
14. Jeremy
    Building Series
15. Dino
    Hand Drawn Decorative
16. Aerendyl
    Hand Drawn Floral Pack
17. Brandon
    Hand Drawn Decorative
18. Twe4ked
    Handrawn Floral Set
19. F.T.M.
    Hand Drawn Floral
20. Dana Birdie
    Tree Pack
21. Sobi
    Floral Text Frame – Vol: 1
22. Marnix
    Hand Drawn Floral Pack
23. BebopDesigner
    Flowing Curves
24. Peach
    Building Series
25. Dian
    Hand Drawn Floral – Vol: 1
26. Glenn Van Bogaert
    Destroy Series
27. Maryann Purcell
    Destroy Edges
28. Collin
    Hand Drawn Decorative
29. Brian
    Building Pack
30. Sotiris
    Vol. 2: Hand Drawn Decorative Elements

If you were chosen as a winner, we have forwarded your contact information on to the guys at Stock Graphic Designs. They will be in touch shortly. Congratulations!

October 23rd was Henri Bendel’s Open-See Event, giving designers of cosmetics, skin care, fragrance, gifts, jewelry, handbags, hats, hair accessories, and belts the chance to show their collections in the glamorous store on fifth Ave and 57th street. Up and coming designers of a range of ages – early twenties to early seventies, form the looks of it – began lining up outside of the golden rimmed doors at four o’clock in the morning. It was as if Willy Wonka had come to real life, and a herd of women were waiting at the gate in hopes of a golden ticket. Their ticket would take them to designer heaven.

Heads turned as passersby slowed there pace to glance at these glowing, shivering beauties, trudging slowly forward with suitcases, briefcases, and oversized shopping bags. Of course, their luggage was filled with their own collections of jewelry or fashion accessories. It was quite a sight to see, but where was the press?

“Yes, of course the press talk about this event,” said the man guarding the door, aloof to the anxious ladies before him. “They publicize it beforehand,” he said. But where were they now?

Accompanying a friend and huddling close for body heat, I decided to take some video, and record all that I was seeing. I was blown away by these people who had the passion to sit at their sowing machines, get sticky with glue guns, and hunch over their jewels with pliers to create their collections in their spare time. Not to mention their brave effort at standing outside at wee hours on a frigid fall day, in short dresses, tights, and high-heels. They put out quite the effort for something that is not even a full time career for most.

This is the story of regular men and women, with talent and a lot of drive, shining and smiling and filled with hopes, even a year into a bad recession. These are the people that make New York the exciting city it is, because they are feeding it with energy.

Nine o’clock hit, and a small crew of Henri Bendel employees trotted out the double doors and scanned the line like soldiers. They called on the makers of certain crafts, and swept the front of the line inside the gargantuan store. The tired crowd grew chipper, and the designers sent a current of electric energy into the New York morning. Soon they will also be sending New York new looks, new accessories, and a new fashion scene.

Look for winners in Henri Bendel, 5th Avenue between 56th and 57th, this spring.

File type: .abr
Compatibility: Photoshop
Size: 10 MB

If you’re just now hearing about Stock Graphic Designs, head over to their website and check out all of the awesome vector graphics and freebies that they have available.

To win, all you have to do is leave a comment below and tell us which individual vector pack that you would like to win.

Rules

• Leave a comment to enter. Tell us which individual vector pack that you would like to win.
• Tweet This message to your followers! (Optional)
• Only comment once.
• Leave a valid email address so that we can contact you.
• This is a 5 day contest. Entries will be accepted until Friday, October 30, 2009 at 11:59 PM EST.

Good luck everyone!

File type: .jpg
Size: 50.36 MB

That is why choosing the right theme directory is so important. There are a lot of excellent theme directories to choose from, so how do you choose which one is best for you? In my opinion, it’s important to do your research before you give away your money. Check out multiple theme directories, read the comments and see what everyone is saying but you can also check out ThemeGrade.com.

ThemeGrade.com tests themes based on several factors including: layout, features, compatibility, and SEO; it then grades them accordingly – giving them a gold, silver or bronze rating.

So if you’re currently in the market for a new Wordpress theme for your site or even if you think you might be later on; check out ThemeGrade.com and see what you think.

ThemeGrade.com is currently a sponsor of this website.

File type: .ai
Compatibility: Illustrator CS+
Size: 62.4 MB