The Creative Process

One of the greatest things about working in digital media is that I get to create cool new stuff all the time. The process of creating things is something I really enjoy, because it is a process where I can take an idea, and mold it and shape it into something really cool.

I usually go through this process in the following fashion, when I’m developing something for a client:

1) Establish the structure.

I have to know what I’m creaing before I can begin creating it of course, so I always begin by asking the client a series of questions, questions like: “What are you looking for?” “What material or topics are we covering?” “What is your target audience?” “What kind of feel are you looking for? (i.e. simple, complex, old, quaint, etc.)”

Once I know the answers to these and a few more questions, I can begin to work together with the client to create a structure for what we are going to create. I’ll begin to put the pieces in place, and try to nail down the general framework of what I’m going to make.

2) Content creation.

Once the structure is in place, then I move on to the actual phase of creating the final product. This is where we shoot and edit the video, or design and code the website, or put together the design for a print publication. It’s important to keep in close contact with the customer, so we often work back and forth, because I want to make sure that they are pleased with how the product is progressing. Especially in the case of videos or websites, it can be a series of days or weeks before the product is completed, so I try to make sure the client can see the progression as the piece is created. This allows them to give feedback and approval as we move along.

This stage of the process is the most enjoyable for me, as well, because it’s the part where I get to take all the elements and pieces of the product we’re creating and fit them together like a giant puzzle. It is really fun to explore the different ways I can build something, or to try out new ideas.

3) Revision.

Once the product has been created, the job still isn’t over. This is when I send it out to the client for them to analyze, give feedback, and solicit other people’s opinions. This part of the process is very much an active exchange of ideas as things are tweaked, adjusted, modified, or rebuilt to suit the needs of the project and the client’s vision.

Once everythingis approved and everyone is satisfied then I move to the last stage.

4) Publication.

This is where all the work is finished, the loose ends are tied up, and everything is deployed to it’s target audience. This where the flyers are printed, or the DVDs are made, or the website is put online.

It’s also the most rewarding part of the process, because when its all wrapped up I have the immense satisfaction of sitting back and looking at another cool project completed, and another happy client. I feel very blessed to work in a position where I can work inside such a creative process creating products for our clients.

I’d love to walk through it with you, as well, so if you’d like to explore creating your products with us, please get in touch.

Until later, thanks for reading, and have a great day!

Cheers.