What Does A Visionary Problem Solver Do?

First and foremost, I listen. When I work with a client, whether on information technology, graphic design or writing, it is important to clarify what that person wants to do. Everyone starts with a project idea or a problem.

For example, one client asked me to review and proofread the book cover design for a Spanish instruction book.

Second, I ask questions. Usually to determine the scope of the project. Some questions are very literal, such as: What is the size of the book? Where is it being printed? What software would you prefer to use for the final file?

Other questions are meant to delve a little deeper into the purpose and usefulness of a printed piece such as: Who will be using this book? What images or messages would you like them to remember about your company?

Third, I listen again and throughout the project.
One of the most interesting parts of my job, is picking up on what people say, even if that person doesn’t think it may be important.

In the above book example, my client ended a telephone conversation with the following: By the way, my business partner just noticed that the photograph I found on the web and used for the cover of my book looks exactly the same as the new first class stamp. Do you think this will be a problem?

Fourth, I bring experience and education to each project. Yes, using the artwork from a first class stamp on the cover of your book that you will register a copyright in your name and sell commercially could potentially be a serious problem.

Many people feel that anything found on the web, especially in terms of images, is free for anyone to use. While is some instances that may be true for personal use, it is almost always not true for commercial use.

Fifth and my last point for this entry, I create alternative solutions. For the book cover, my client loved the image of the Statue of Liberty with the American flag in the background.

My solution? Buy two stock photography images from a major company: one of the Statue of Liberty and one of an American flag.

Combine the two images to create a new photograph that is similar to, but not exactly the same as the first class stamp. We avoid intellectual property and copyright issues by having a clear track record on where the initial photography came from by purchasing it.

The client likes the final photograph better because it shows the Statue of Liberty’s torch and her face instead of only her face in the original photograph. By the way, this client is the one who dubbed me with the title of Visionary Problem Solver.

Thanks for sharing a few minutes with me.
Ellen

Ellen Wass Beckerman
Writer/Photographer/Graphic Designer
www.gardentextures.com