Being contracted by large companies is super exciting and can be a bit stressful. There is so much to do in such little time. So, you’re going to need a few ways to stay organized to get you through it all. Major companies are often last minute-as we all are-and have so much work that they expect you to get done in a blink of an eye. So, it is up to you to make sure everything gets done and that it gets done right. For you to complete work to the best of your abilities you’re going to have to take in the following tips. Note: These tips also work when contracted for smaller companies, so you’re going to want to use these practices on smaller companies first. If you practice on smaller companies first, when you finally get that major contract, you’ll be ready.
1. Understand the Brief
When working on new projects, before you get started you must first understand the brief. Some of you may be wondering, “what is a brief?” So before we get in to understanding it let’s first go over what a brief is. A brief is the companies scope of work that needs to done. So whenever you’re working on a project big or small you will always need a brief to know what you’re going to be doing for your client. Once you go over it and you’re still not clear on the task at hand, the best thing to do is get in contact with your client. Even throughout the project you must stay in constant contact with your client. Which brings me to my next point…
2. Constant Contact is Key
While working for large companies it is imperative that you stay in constant contact with the project manager. Large companies will always have a person who is in charge of the project you are being contracted for. There will be a moment while designing that you are not clear on what actually needs to be done. At this moment it is in your best interest to start asking some questions. You don’t want to be working on a project and make several mistakes; simply because you did not want to ask one simple question. Now, the question could very well be something you can figure out on your own. But, why waste time trying to figure it out when you can just ask the client?
Another reason why it is important stay in constant contact is because large companies are always changing their minds. One moment the may want a 4’x6′ image created, tomorrow they’ll want it to be a 5’x7′ image. And, by the end of the day they will want the image resized back to the original size. With all the back and forth you’re going to have to keep constant watch on your email and phone. Because even though the company is making constant changes, there is this thing we like to call deadlines. So if you’re not by your phone and not asking simple questions you will miss them and you don’t want that.
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. Deadlines
Deadlines are extremely important. However, when doing work for large companies; even their deadlines have deadlines. And you want to be very clear on what they are and when they are. Recently, our company was contracted by the Philadelphia Democratic National Convention and there were days they emailed us 11 something at night wanting proofs first thing in the morning, talk about a deadline! Major companies operate on a 24 hour schedule so they expect you to do the same.
So, if you want to keep being contracted by major corporations you’re going to have to get use to it. Also if deadlines were not set in place, how will you know what needs to get done and when? You wont. You need deadlines so you can let all of your clients know when you will be able to get work to them, especially if they’re on a time crunch and you have multiple clients.
Now that you guys have gone over these tips you will be just a bit closer to gaining that major contract you’ve been waiting for. And once you get that first major contract they will be thrown at you left and right. Practicing these tips daily with clients will turn you in to the superstar you’ve been wanting to be.
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