Digital Media: Entrepreneurial Approach - Multimedia Design Blog | Creativity Re-defined!™ - D’Mediatrix Creations Limited

 

 

Expertise counts in practical oriented disciplines which digital media production is not an exemption. Being a master means to be skilled in whatever area of graphics one specialises on: animation, web design and publishing, 2D/ 3D design, Prints, Imaging, Television or a blend of the options et cetera. Graphics as a rewarding career/ discipline is very wide with varieties that differ; hence, the need to major in specific aspect so as not to be “jack of all trade…” (We already know the upshot). As a title: “Master” is the man in position of authority, over a business¹, the CEO, that is a boss and in control. To take charge, such person must have acquired the necessary training: get educated; it will help to be a better Master and manager. Some schools of thought are of the opinion that managerial skills can be developed but cannot be acquired by attending business school. To me, how to actually justify this claim seem obscure but I know getting educated would help in all spheres of life with management endeavours inclusive.

 Mastery comes with experience; education is not restricted only to the four walls of the classroom. A good graphic communicator must have engaged in designing many visuals (static, discrete, motion, interactive, composite et cetera) via assigned projects probably while under a Master: supervised and tutored. You must first serve to be served and honoured. Such training falls under the category of an intern/ industrial training (apprenticeship as well). A wealth of knowledge (theoretical education) with rich experience (practical training) breeds confidence on the job. You can be a master- dedicate yourself and you will find yourself developing successively, matured to a successful graphics entrepreneur/ CEO.

 

 The market is not solely the large expanse of land on which buying and selling is done to promote goods and services, neither is it only the entities that basically engage in the exchange relationship (i.e. transaction). Fine! This explains the term marketing but in this context, it entails the media i.e. materials needed to execute a multimedia graphic project. A tiny 3D miniature may require expensive wholesome lots of material. It is unwise and unethical to first give a client quotation before market survey. The most appropriate is to be conversant with materials, prices, updates, availability and scarcity of (unlimited) materials et cetera, which would help right from the outset in presenting a well structure and defined quotation, in turn, it would reinforce the trust needed by a potential client and prove to such client that you are indeed a “Master”. Meanwhile, don’t get it twisted, “Mastery” is more than familiarity with the “market” but at least, getting conversant with it (the market) has its immense benefit.

 

 There is nothing as good as being a time manager. Timing is the selection of maximum effect of a particular moment for doing something. Scheduling is not uncommon in digital design productions. A small creative design projects may take months, weeks, while a gigantic production may be packaged within days. As a result, no client would be satisfied if a project meant to be completed within a week remains unfinished in months. Logic is enough to prove that a project meant for weeks but packaged with befitting finishing touches then delivered in good conditions within days would bring higher satisfaction to the client, than not being time cautious causing unnecessary delay. There should be a realisable schedule for every stage of the production, right from planning to the post production phase for a robust productivity. Wise management of time will go a long way to help in retaining loyal clients; the more clients acquired (good ones though) translates to more yield and in turn success.

 

 Clients may have things in common but their values, attitudes and behaviour often times, vary greatly. A visual communicator/ designer must take cognisance of this fact and adjust in approach to potential customers. The approach in relating with client “A” may not work or be appropriate for client “B”. Often times, differences in clients could be subtler or conspicuous owing to their physical differences in the ever changing environment and sociological factors which also should not be underestimated. To actually know your clients warrants the use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) – it is taking a survey to get the demographic data of the client, their likes and dislike in the products and services patronised, areas deemed fit either for improvement or a complete change. Social media could also be incorporated into the CRM as a strategy for social engagements and effective result. Getting to know the clients better is not a one-time affair but rather, should be spontaneous depending on the structure of services and level of patronage.