In-house Survival Guide

Are you left out of strategic planning sessions? Here’s how to get a seat at the table

IN-HOUSE designers generally fall into two distinct camps: those who enjoy a wonderful relationship with their firm and are given creative and strategic control over communications initiatives to build and support the parent brand and those who, well, don’t.

Working creatively in a corporate structure can be like working in a foreign country. Surrounded by people who don’t speak the language of design or understand how designers think, creatives are often singled out as those people with the fancy flat screens, dark circles under their eyes and Elvis bobble-heads. But wouldn’t you like to be recognized for your contribution to the company’s bottom line rather than your creative workspace?

Watch the Language

When dealing with clients, look out for words that can come back to haunt you

THE LATE Rodney Dangerfield built a successful comedy career while “not getting any respect.” Unfortunately, not many designers work the nightclub circuit. They rely on the respect of their existing clients to help employ staff, pay suppliers and create value for partners and shareholders.

Language is often overlooked as a way to gain and build respect from your clients. I’m not talking about the technical language of design but rather the everyday comments that get thrown around in creative briefings or casual conversations that can (unintentionally) devalue your services.

Don’t Get Stiffed

Avoid threats, ransom notes and crowbars. There are easier ways to ensure you get paid

COMMON sense tells us business owners are in the business of making money. That’s why it’s amazing that so many designers take the collections side of the business lightly. That is, until they are faced with a client who refuses to pay some (or all) of an invoice. Then what?

Managing Matters

Retain top talent by investing time in your staff: listen, support, encourage and share

IF YOU think that the creative director is the most influential person on the design team, think again. The individual that has the most impact on your team — and your team’s ability to generate engaging design solutions for clients — is the design manager.

Lost in Translation

Clients can’t communicate? Make the design brief work for you and write it yourself

PROPER design briefs are the most important tools required before beginning any project. On one level, a well-prepared brief defines the scope of the project. It can be referred to throughout the creative process to keep you on the straight-and-narrow and it provides insight into the target market. On another, it is the agreed-to yardstick against which your creative work will be measured. Perhaps the most important aspect of a well-prepared brief is that it clearly communicates the strategic business objectives of the project to your team.