Learning how to take and give critical feedback is an essential skill for any designer. In this episode of The Business Of Design, Robin and I discuss some common phrases used to give designers directions and feedback, and how to respond in a powerful way that benefits everyone. More BOD episodes. Connect with Robin: Website Facebook
Here’s a link to the example I’ll be breaking down in this morning’s live webinar.
Learn how to bend 2D layers along paths using Cinema 4D and After Effects in this 3 part tutorial by EJ Hassenfratz (@eyedsyn).
Tinka Tinka’s Render Booster can dramatically improve After Effects render speeds.
The Pixel Lab’s Backyard Pack for Cinema 4D includes 30 backyard themed models.
The Pixel Lab’s Garage Pack for Cinema 4D includes 30 garage and mechanic themed models.
It was my honour to be included as part of this talented group of After Effects creators and teachers at the 2013 Media Motion Ball in Las Vegas. Photo by Steve Oakley.
Maxon and Adobe have announced a strategic alliance. Looks like it’s going to get a whole lot easier to work between After Effects and Cinema 4D.
The Pixel Lab’s new model pack for Cinema 4D includes 30 roof themed models.
Vimeo has launched a new visual enhancer powered by Vivoom – a vast library of video looks created by myself, Angie Taylor (@theangietaylor) and Andrew Embury (@aembury).
Newton 2, the powerful physics simulator for After Effects has been updated. Check it out on aescripts.
Plexus for After Effects has been receiving some attention recently on air. Check it out on aescripts.
After Effects pioneer trainer Brian Maffitt (@bmaffitt) has created some stunning imagery by pointing a projector into a blizzard and recording the result. Not surprisingly the imagery is making waves online and reminds us all of how great it is to have Brian as part of our industry.
The Pixel Lab’s latest Cinema 4D model pack includes 30 travel related models.
My latest collection of presets for GenArts Sapphire is all about colour, with a focus on the Quadtone, Gradient and Tint effects.
Greyscale Gorilla has released a big new HDRI collection for the popular HDRI Studio Pack.
7 Responses to this post
June 16, 2012 at 10:32 pm |
Hey thanks for this John and Robin, really helpful and practical advice.
The ‘Align and Re-direct’ advice is so good, really nailed it down for me.
Cheers
June 17, 2012 at 2:46 am |
Great episode guys. I learned a long time ago that if you need to critisize someone’s work to keep it constructive. just saying that their work “sucks” isn’t going to make them happy and isn’t going to get you the results you want. Plumb the depths of what a client wants and don’t be afraid to push them for specifics. I did a whole ident package for an outlet in a pink color that they had selected. Over the course of the project, thay made several changes to the design. When time came to deliver the package, “Can you change the color scheme from pink to sky blue,” thay wanted to know, “it should be easy.” Literally hundreds of elements needed to be changed. I explained the process to the client and the time it would take (and additional cost) and asked if they still wanted blue instead of pink. They opted to pay the price to switch from pink to blue. I made better money and the client got his blue, everyone was happy! Communication is key. Don’t take a client’s criticism personally, but don’t be pushed around. Do your best to educate your clients so they have a better understanding of your workflow and make them feel like the’re part of the design process. People seldom criticize there own work.
Brett
June 18, 2012 at 5:45 am |
This is why I think everyone working in the media industry (even the project managers and developers) need a fair amount of design training.
June 18, 2012 at 6:35 pm |
Well, really interesting podcast people!
It’s really hard sometimes to cope with feedback, both if you’re the receiving or giving it.
Personally, the “hidden comment, among lots of compliments” technique works best, both ways
Or maybe it’s just me that I like when people really appreciate what I’m doing for them!
June 20, 2012 at 4:11 pm |
This is very informative video! I hoping to pursue the industry as an aspiring motion graphic artist and already finding it to be very competitive.
July 25, 2012 at 1:08 am |
So I’ve been working for a client who has given me 100% control over my work and I did not realize it was a double-edge sword. I’ve made a few motion design projects for this client and so far I received good feedback from both the client and it’s customers, unfortunately recently there was a project the client did like but their customers utterly hated (for different reasons). Since day 1 of working w/ this client I have asked for what they expect but they just keep giving me all the control w/ no certain standards or expectations. Now that this negative feedback occurred they continue to give me all liberty… am I over-analyzing the situation or is there something I should do to perhaps avoid another negative feedback and even lose the client?
July 25, 2012 at 8:59 pm |
Hi Jessi,
If the client is not the final decision maker I suggest building in a clause in your contract that states that any changes after agree approval steps will be charged for. Some changes are inevitable but it’s amazing how agreeable a client can be when it’s their money on the table. Best wishes, John.
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