#cleints

Client code name: Bjorn

Bjorn: "I'd like more dynamic lighting instead of such harsh lighting and negative space, possibly softer quality to it--but I still want the finished mark to be single color with mostly negative space."

Me: "Not possible." 

Bjorn:"Why not?" 

Wed. May 29, 2019: Project Juggles

Wednesday, May 29, 2019 Waning Moon Jupiter Retrograde Pluto Retrograde Saturn Retrograde Rainy and cool

Not sure at what point this is going up today; if it’s late, I apologize.

Worn out.

Yesterday, I was up early, getting some work done before I had to drop off my car at the shop at 7:30 in the morning. I spent most of the day with a client, working on an event that’s coming up in about three weeks.

As an opener, I sincerely apologise to those people who will read this and completely disagree with me. I know they will disagree because I had this argument plenty of times before and it always turns out to be something bigger than it is. Opinions! It is just my opinion!

Now lets be honest, I’m not the most amazing at drawing. I’m just not. I try, and I can communicate my ideas but I’m just not the best. When it comes to computers and technology, I like to call myself a little Wizz. Not a wizz just a little tiny one. A miniature version essentially. 

For me, design is playing up to your promises and putting yourself, the campaign or idea across in a form that is creative, imaginative and understood by the wider public. That is definitely not to say that you can only do it through technology but for me it is the best medium to do so. It’s easy, you can do different things and most importantly time. It’s so much faster than doing it by hand. We all know the saying, time is money and money is time. For sure. So many good designs get turned down because of their lack of organisation or time keeping; simply because the production will break the time scale or because the deadline was missed. Hence why I think technology advancements enable you to meet all important aspects of design and clients needs. 

Due to my recent work with multiple bands it became apparent to me that some people may need some advice on time management within the audio industry. So I hope this helps at least some of you.

To work out a streamlined and professional project work plan time management is key, allowing for the necessary time for each projects individual tasks will help you and your client understand how far the project is though the development from start to finish. Creating a successful schedule for your project with detailed hours spent on each of the projects elements will also allow you to see if your on target to any deadlines you may be working to.

Personally I plan each project out to a written schedule within my project notes usually this plan is completed with the client. The reasons this should be completed with the client are as follows:

allows both partys to understand the schedules of every person within the project allowing you to book clients into the studio for recording session without the constant back and fourth until eventually you both land on a day you both are available. 

because both partys agree to the project time plan the client can not be angry or upset if they want the finished project before the previously agreed deadline.

both partys can clearly see where they need to e with the project each week.

time management is vital to my work, I usually break each project down to multiple parts and allot time to each part my parts are usually:

band recruitment

meeting with the band to discuss project size, deadlines, style of recording, studio open and close times and pricing amongst other things 

guide recording

individual instrument recording (drums, bass, guitar) (each element will be their own part with their own allotted time)

instrument and vocal comparison

song mix time (time taken to mix each song)

final mix session with band input

bouncing time

mastering session

final mastering session with band input

transfer date ( date project s handed over and final payment is made)

write up and evaluation time

All of these parts will need allotted time to be completed to a good level and it wouldn't be possible without a proper plan. They are many online guides to creating your own project time plan and I would highly recommend getting one and using it.

Recently I have been working with a few different bands and they have discussed audio engineers and how previous audio engineers have not given a great recording session for the band members. Here is my do's and do not's on how to treat bands in a recording session.

firstly work on becoming confident in talking to the band. Yes they are in a group but they need to understand who you are and projecting confidence will make the band confident in your ability, Bands are always worried about the first meeting with an audio engineer and its quite a worry to them as  they don't know you and may be paying you to do some work. If you confidently talk they can ease their worry's and it makes recording all the easier.

Secondly being professional helps but try to connect with your clients as it helps. Becoming friends with your clients always helps make sessions easier as you enjoy the time more. Its friendship also helps the band trust you and helps you, it helps you gain their trust and in this business you need that.

Thirdly go the extra mile help set up their drums instead of rushing into the microphone setup. This helps as you can help move things along. One place its useful to help is with moving the equipment into the studio this speeds up the setup time and keeps them happy.