STUDIO PRODUCE | Advice for creative designers.

STUDIO PRODUCE 29 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 28 Jan 2007 20:59:12 -0500

We're Back for the Third Time! | Lots to Cover | studioproduce.com

STUDIO PRODUCE 28 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 21:38:36 -0500

It's been a year. Amazing, ain't it? The site of the cast is the personal portfolio of Kyle Follett. He's a creative director for a software development firm, but also designs sites. His work is very strong, and his personal site is quite interesting. Each section interacts in a unique way. Take a look. http://www.folco.net. When it comes to the world of corporate design work, make sure you realize one thing... you can only count on yourself. Your company hired you, for the talents you possess. So, always keep in mind that they need you more than you need them. You can always work on your own. Without you and your talents, they can't work. There's power in your abilities. The book of the cast is Logo Design That Works, by Lisa Silver. It's made by Rockport. It's a great, quick read with down and dirty details of some of the best brands around.

STUDIO PRODUCE 27 | Sagan Medvec

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:50:17 -0400

It is important for you to keep your emotional connections to your work. If you lack personal attachment, your work will suffer. If you do not care, you do not have passion, and passion is the life-blood of any creative endeavor. People think that because it's a paying industry, that you shouldn't care. They think you are making a "product" and that's it. This is wrong. Caring about your work does not make it worse. It makes it purposeful, and shows something we don't care to share anymore, it shows your humanity. The site of the cast is the personal illustration portfolio of Nick Deakin. Nick's an artist out of Yorkshire, England, and has a unique style. He incorporates textures with well composed characters for a combination that's attention getting. SOC - www.nickdeakin.com. Awards are self serving trash. They don't help you win clients, nor do they make you respected amongst your peers. Ignore them, and life will be much better. The book of the cast is Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing, from Emma Dexter. This is a collection of art from very skilled artists that focus on hand drawn work. The pieces themselves are quite ingenious, and the book itself helps aid their comprehension. Get the hardback, from Amazon.

STUDIO PRODUCE 26 | Sagan Medvec

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 20:52:07 -0400

Find a competitor and tear them apart. Visit their site, critique it, rip them a new one. Destroy them with a friend. Look at their work and know you can do better. Then, look at your work. Eat yourself. Find what is holding you back, and demolish it. Ruin those obstacles that are in your way. Only then can you ascend to the next level. The site of the cast is http://www.selftitled.ca. It is the personal portfolio of John Iacoviello and includes some very interesting navigation methods. Check it out. Silk screen printing is a new hobby of mine. I am truly enjoying myself and I recommend you try it. It's not that expensive and it's very fun. The book of the cast is The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business by Cameron S. Foote. Consider this your bible, when it comes to organizing your freelance/creative business. It's a guide for everyone in the biz, and speaks in a plain language. I've launched http://www.savehim.org. It's my new photoblog site, where I am showcasing sketches and photographs I have taken lately. It's another hobby I am trying to develop. Make sure to e-mail me if you like or hate that site.

STUDIO PRODUCE 25 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 17 Sep 2006 22:45:28 -0400

Express your true creativity in areas of your interest. Got a magazine you like to read, but think it looks trashy? Redesign it, and send your ideas to them. You might be surprised by the responses. Love a band, but their logo or web site blows? Rework it, and send them your stuff. Even if they hate it, you at least have something cool for your portfolio. Check out the site of the cast, CSSBeauty. CSSBeauty is a collection of user-submitted css based web site. They also house articles and how-tos, as well as links to some of the great web design resources. http://www.cssbeauty.com. The book of the cast is extra•ordinary by Hisake Ichiki andTakao Umehara. It's a interesting little books that shows alternate uses from everyday items, such as bread, chopsticks and erasers. Also, I have no hobbies. Design is my hobby and career. While I love design, I long for a break. So, I am investigating photography. I also reveal that I am working on an art & photography blog, to be finished soon.

STUDIO PRODUCE 24 | Sagan Medvec

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 22:04:02 -0400

The podcast is being retooled! You will hear the first steps in remaking the podcast into something more polished, simple and comprehendible...more like the new site! Speaking of the site, there have been tons of new resources added; almost every resource category has been doubled! Make sure to review, there is bound to be something for you. The site of the cast (SOC) this episode is the FWA (Favorite Website Awards). The FWA is a collection of the some of the most amazing flash-based websites on the net today. They add new ones every day, and offer articles, interviews and wallpapers for your downloading pleasure. http://www.thefwa.com The book of the cast (BOC) is Douglas Coupland's JPod. It's a quick read, with very interesting characters that you can easily relate to people you know. The story is ridiculous and perplexing, but is quite close to real life. There's also a quick teaser to the next podcast...

STUDIO PRODUCE 23 | Sagan Medvec

Sat, 02 Sep 2006 20:51:53 -0400

We are back on a schedule of some kind. Two podcasts in less than five days. In this episode, I mention that it's important for you to determine your niche, but to also shoot for that project that's in your heart. For me, it's a movie web site. I love movies and would kill, maim and many other things to get a project like that. I could consider it a huge milestone personally do one. What project do you burn for? Figure it out, and start planning on how to get it and do it better than anyone else. Along those same lines, you need to start planning. Planning is an important part of any designers life, and living without a plan might as well not be living. Two years. What do you want to accomplish within two years. I am starting my plan, how about you? Studio Produce doesn't run on my whims and ideas alone. I need you to e-mail me your questions, concerns and topics. For those of you that have I appreciate it. Please send more. For your those of you that have not, step up. I am sure you have a question.

STUDIO PRODUCE 22 | Sagan Medvec

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 21:23:58 -0400

The podcast is back, and the site's been redone. Go visit studioproduce.com to see some great new stuff. Yes, I'm alive. Yes, I am sorry. Yes, I will try harder. Are you creating truly helpful business solutions, or are you just making things pretty. Start asking questions of your clients to find out. Make sure, what they contract you for, is really what they need. It's up to you to make the best choices once they contract you. They trust you, that's why you have the work. Help them make sure that you are their best vendor ever.

STUDIO PRODUCE 21 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 22:29:42 -0400

The discussion wages on... art direction and how to be comfortable with a photo shoot, illustration hire or a television shoot half way around the world. Sometimes, clients jerk you around. If they do it too much, they should be penalized. Take a listen to that, for sure. Paying attention to other design disciplines, such as architecture, product and industrial design can give you clues into new ideas and expose you to processes that you are not familiar with. Visit http://www.leihu.com for an very well designed blog and lend some support to James Mathias' efforts to get in shape. Also, studio produce.com will be undergoing a redesign. Hopefully, this new undertaking will make it easier to find resources, listen to podcasts and read the blog.

STUDIO PRODUCE 20 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 04 Jun 2006 18:08:19 -0400

The Return of the Return of the Podcast - Yes, it certainly has been a while, and apologies are in order. So, listen for them, they are there... David e-mails with questions about DVD Authoring software. DVD Studio Pro 4, Motion, AfterEffects and iDVD are discussed. He also asked about flash actionscript resources inadvertently, by asking about a specific flash function or two. The status of formalizing my own business has taken a turn. I am re-evaluating starting my sole-proprietorship and considering a partnership with a friend. I will try to speak to my other cohort who has already passed down this road and made her own LLC. I will see if she can pass along some good information. I have just purchased a Nikkon Cool Pix P4, 8 megapixel digital camera, and it is fantastic. You should make sure that the tools you purchase are perfect for you, and increase your ability to please clients. That's what I've done here, and you should too.

STUDIO PRODUCE 19 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:21:13 -0400

The show gets back on track. Pro Bono work can be a big help in the advancement of your freelance career, and promote your abilities unrestricted. You must, however, have the client agree to your creativity liberties for the piece to have a value to you. If they can not grant such freedom, spend your time elseware. Being knowledgable in many aspects of design can do a lot for you. But, understanding a core competancy and promoting that can make a large impact on your client base and overall success. Take some time, and determine what niche you might fill, from a discipline standpoint as well as industry specification view. Get and read several times: "It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be" by Paul Arden. "Whatever You Think Think The Opposite" by Paul Arden. "100 Habits of Successful Graphic Designers" by Plazm. The next show will be sooner, so keep sending conversation ideas. Thanks for hanging in there.

STUDIO PRODUCE 18 | Sagan Medvec

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 21:00:46 -0400

Just letting you know I am still alive, and will produce a cast over the weekend.

STUDIO PRODUCE 17 | Sagan Medvec

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 21:49:26 -0500

Season two continues unabated. In this episode, the evil twin sister of spec work rears her ugly head. She is "Work in Trade". Sometimes, work in trade is a good thing, but in most cases, she will spin her head around like the devil and scorn you later on, well after the trade has been made. Watch your step, because she's watching you, and will spring into action when you least expect it, and can least afford it. Lovely photography portfolio from http://www.bigempty.com. Design brokers exist, and can possibly help you land new freelance jobs and open doors to larger opportunities. But, if you are unfamiliar with them and their abilities, it's best to try a small job first. After that test, think about the results, the headaches and your options, and make a decision that is best for you and your business. Also in this episode: a brief update on the incorporation of my freelance business and a short rant about my upstairs neighbor and her pipes. http://www.studioproduce.com

STUDIO PRODUCE 16 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 22:41:28 -0500

Welcome to the start of studio produce, season two. 15 episodes a season seems to be on par with the average. In this episode, we discuss the brief pros and cons of spec work, or on-demand design. There are several of each, and I have a certain stance on it. For freelancers, it can be very difficult to include in a "need money" situation, but sometimes, it's a great opportunity. You must weigh the options and take action. Also, what do you do when a client gives you bad art direction? Do you take just do it, and pay the bills, or do you fight, and fight and fight some more? I have a process that I use that may help you. But, again, it's your business, you make the call. Visit http://www.digitalmash.com, Rob Morris's web design site. Very nice use of CSS and flash, and an overall very good designer. Some news, I am planning to incorporate my freelance business and my web hosting business into a single business entity. I will do my best to walk you through the steps of incorporating a creative business and share the experience. As always, visit http://www.studioproduce.com for links, resources, news and blogs.

STUDIO PRODUCE 15 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 05 Mar 2006 21:57:27 -0500

Is it necessary for a designer to have a degree? For the most part, yes. The design school of thought requires time to hone your skills and work on projects that are not abused by a client. Plus, the degree will make it easier for you to get more clients. When should you follow up on a proposal sent to a potential client? Often, mostly within a week unless otherwise agreed, but, more importantly, make yourself available to answer questions and make proposal tweaks based on feedback. Graphic Artists' Guild Pricing and Ethical Guidelines don't really help freelancers. It's a different pricing world for us, and it requires a new guide. Audio design. Short and sweet. I have no idea. I am looking for your help. E-mail me at sagan@studioproduce.com if you have any tips on how to land new clients in the audio design world.

STUDIO PRODUCE 14 | Sagan Medvec

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 21:43:07 -0500

Rookie Mistake Alert: I forgot to turn on the microphone the first time I recorded this. I wasted 23 minutes talking to an empty room and a computer that thought it was recording. The poll on studioproduce.com has done well, and the results are in. Marc wants to know what it takes to switch from being a print designer to a web one. I outline my process of designing a web site, simply, to show what programs I use, and why, briefly. Corporate outsourcing of web design and production is discussed. Expect a new poll, soon.

STUDIO PRODUCE 13 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 19 Feb 2006 15:42:23 -0500

Lucky 13. Learn to say "no" to work in a nice way, while keeping your clients, co-workers and bosses happy. Know what is reasonable for you to accomplish, and push back when you have to. Also, what's in a proposal. The sections of a recently completed proposal are offered up, and will be added as a resouce to studioproduce.com within the next few days. So, check for it.

STUDIO PRODUCE 12 | Sagan Medvec

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 21:23:45 -0500

I'm tired, and have a huge cloud over my head, so this is short. More information about working with/for friends, and volunteering when you can help them out. Look into different magazines outside our trade, like Metropolis, Entrepenuer and others. Updates to studioproduce.com's resource section are coming.

STUDIO PRODUCE 11 | Sagan Medvec

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 22:56:39 -0500

A dear old listener from the land of Australia has inspired me to discuss doing work for friends, family, family of friends, friends of family, general acquaintances and others at a severely discounted rate, because "We're Family!" The possible responses land as two, "Yes, with an 'If'" and "No, with a 'but'". This idea of doing work for buddies led me to the opening and closing song. It's perfect, has put me in a good mood, which is rare lately, and even inspired me to e-mail it to my brother, who I know will appreciate the nostalgic factor of this pick. As always, you topics are greatly appreciated. Just as Linus! E-mail sagan@studioproduce.com to share, and I do respond to e-mails and topic ideas. Again, ask Linus.

STUDIO PRODUCE 10 | Sagan Medvec

Thu, 02 Feb 2006 20:26:27 -0500

Ten down, many more to go. In this episode we cover getting angry at design. You must find a way to release your anger at a client's last minute change, the situation at work, or frustration over bills. Find your outlet. Staying in touch with clients is very important. You must build relationships based on trust, quality and satisfaction with your work. Send a packet of information to an old client with a friendly note, or give them a call. Stay fresh in their minds and you will never be out of work. Internships can be a hit or miss venture. Some internships are good, they treat you well, include you in project, etc. Other internships make you do very inappropriate work, like cleaning basements, running shopping errands or wasting your time in general. Evaluate internships carefully, and make sure to get paid. Only 27 e-mails, but it's a strong showing. Philip is our winner this episode for being e-mail 27 and for e-mailing me twelve times! Congrats!

STUDIO PRODUCE 9 | Sagan Medvec

Tue, 24 Jan 2006 22:51:41 -0500

Kids, welcome to the ninth episode. In this episode, we talk about two strong topics, suggestions from Marc...The Term "Freelancer" and Getting Clients. The term freelancer can have very negative connotations for you. How do you define it for yourself? How do you talk about yourself to clients or potential hiring agencies? Is it a curse? Getting Clients is not easy, and it does take some leg work, and some innovation. Take a look around your area and mail that postcard to the local agencies, shoot for word of mouth, and most definitely remind your current clients of your abilities. Also, enter the latest contest. Send me at e-mail at sagan@studioproduce.com. I want you to e-mail me what program you use to design a brochure. The 200th e-mailer will get a gift certificate to iTunes via e-mail. The 200th e-mail must be in by January 31st, before I record the next podcast.

STUDIO PRODUCE 8 | Sagan Medvec

Thu, 19 Jan 2006 20:21:54 -0500

In this eighth episode of STUDIO PRODUCE, we discuss getting fired/laid off. Being removed from your job is not necessarily a bad thing. If you are fired, and it's due to your disagreement with the company, then it's a good thing. You have a set idea, a value, a notion of how things should be done, and you maybe used too much force to get your idea across. If you got fired for it, learn from it. Learn that you are someone with ideas, can recognize flaws and are willing to make a difference. You realize that, communicate that, and you will get another job. Or, use this as a great excuse to stick it to the man and do it yourself! Getting yourself out of a perceived niche can be very difficult. Most clients want to see "proof" of your abilities to do new things. So give it to them! Are you a web designer? Send them a brochure. Are you a print designer? Send them an interactive cd. Break the mold! Also, solve issues with your business by looking to other industries. There are plenty of similar problems that have been solved by many large institutions, like automobile makers, nasa, healthcare, corporate america. Pillage them!

STUDIO PRODUCE 7 | Sagan Medvec

Mon, 09 Jan 2006 21:31:35 -0500

In the first episode of 2006, STUDIO PRODUCE covers planning and how important it is to your business, whether freelance or firm. Also, your composure in front of clients is very important. Try to keep it at all times, but let it out if your integrity is questioned. The hourly rate survey numbers are in! Everybody's making money! At long last, a contest! Name the two movies I play clips from pre- and post-episode, and win a $15 iTunes e-mail giftcard! (Open to U.S. listeners only, please.) E-mail your answers to sagan@studioproduce.com today!

STUDIO PRODUCE 6 | Sagan Medvec

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 21:05:13 -0500

Don't pout, work it out! Sagan's gonna show you what it's all about! A new year is coming, which means it's time for you to plan about your career. Freelancers need to plan just as much as paid desk jockeys do, so get started. If you are not ready, then head to http://www.futureme.org and e-mail yourself at a time when you will be ready to plan. Listening to your clients means success in the short and long term. Pay attention to their needs, what they say, how they say it and what they really mean. Listen to them and they will love you over any vendor that tried to take them away. Also, make sure to debrief, either as a team, if you have one, or by yourself. Get a white board! Hourly rate and estimates tools are now in the resource section of studioproduce.com. Go to the RESOLUTION06 feature on the site and pledge to make a change in your design life today!

STUDIO PRODUCE 5 | Sagan Medvec

Tue, 06 Dec 2005 23:48:39 -0500

In the fifth installment of studio produce, we discuss music, links, the ethics of design based around types of clients to accept and your personal stance. We also cover the future illustration start up segments and the idea of the design resolutions for 2006. Thanks for all the recent e-mail, it's much appreciated! And thanks to those that have posted their sites to the links section of studioproduce.com. We can't stress it enough, that is a section for you to post your site! Keep in mind that studioproduce is about helping you, so please, e-mail me comments and topics you wish for me to ellaborate on. E-mail me at sagan@studioproduce.com.

STUDIO PRODUCE 4 | Sagan Medvec

Tue, 29 Nov 2005 23:15:56 -0500

In this episode, I'm ticked off and tired. And it's taken an additional hour to get this file ready after I recorded it. And I'm tired. And I talk about portfolios and starting up. And, stop being nervous in front of clients. And, use the poll and links section of the site. And, visit studioproduce.com.

STUDIO PRODUCE 3 | Sagan Medvec

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 21:31:21 -0500

Finally, some participants for the contest! More music from Sara Drive, via www.saradrive.com. Design is patience. Design is ideas. Learn about the true currency of design, patience and ideas. Personal happiness triumphs over all. Learn more at www.studioproduce.com.

STUDIO PRODUCE 2 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 30 Oct 2005 13:26:40 -0500

In the second official episode of STUDIO PRODUCE, invoicing is discussed, and the rule of 3. Increase your estimate accuracy with the rule of three. Music from Sara Drive, Room 263 of their album Innocent Minds. Visit www.saradrive.com to learn more about the music, band and upcoming shows. Portfolios are discussed as well. Make sure to have an online representation of your portfolio. If you are looking for a place to showcase, use Coroflot.com. A link to Coroflot is located in the Resources section of www.studioproduce.com. Disappointment with last episodes content. No entries! Find out where Sara Drive is performing on December 13th, e-mail your name and location to game@studioproduce.com and be entered to win a $15 gift card to iTunes. Visit www.studioproduce.com to learn more.

STUDIO PRODUCE 1 | Sagan Medvec

Sun, 16 Oct 2005 16:50:36 -0400

In this episode, we cover the idea of "untitled document," the plague of the internet. Search google for that phrase and you will find tons of sites and companies that have no titled their web sites! How does this relate to your freelance business? Simple, be descriptive. Tell people what you do, how you do it and why you do it. Also covered in this segment is potentially niching your freelance business. Get the niching excel document at www.studioproduce.com and see if you serve a particular industry or project type. Also, feel free to say no. If a client asks you to do a project type that you are not familiar with, take a stand and say no. However, offer help to find someone who can do it. Experiment with projects and clients, check out new computers and apps, get to your roots and do something opposite. Music from 28, the song "In These Times". Learn more about 28 at www.28nation.com or at the Podsafe Music Network via music.podshow.com.

STUDIO PRODUCE 0 | Sagan Medvec

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 22:14:37 -0400

This inaugural episode will answer the question, What is Studio Produce? We will talk about the features of our site, what you can do to help and how we can help you. My Odeo Channel (odeo/1839ed5d998e6a0b)