Studio Haus is a small studio with an ever widening presence. After 25+ years, the variety of clients I get to work with grows. Every single one is utterly unique and I love the newness of every single project that comes through the doors here–whether from a new client or one I’ve worked with for decades; a small, medium or large project; a months-long process; a tight turnaround or somewhere in between.
My belief is it’s often really good to have at least one long-term project to focus on alongside some small to mid-range ones. They all allow for this weaving in and out of the creative and technical processes.
This summer, while working from the road, I had just completed a flurry of logo/branding projects. Suddenly I had no big, juicy project. I filled a couple of days with personal projects. But I began wondering if I was being given a sign there was a dry spell approaching. Historically the very hint of that circumstance has frequently made me a tad restless—especially following the repercussions of 2020-21 on businesses everywhere. This is one reason I have so many personal projects. It channels the restlessness but also engages continual creative growth.
Slowdowns happen along every business’s path and ultimately learning to relax and then doing the work that needs to be done eventually shakes things loose. I’ve come to learn that the early restlessness of a looming slow-down is potentially metamorphic and if managed well provides the impetus to do something new.
Maybe it’s my 25+ years of running a business that has shown there is nearly always room for generating more business and creativity so I’ve learned to take several deep breaths to alleviate any nervousness. Sometimes it works better than others. This past summer as I drove 1,500 miles over two days time to return home, there was definitely some brainstorming and researching (through my favorite podcasts—a perfect go-to while driving); and fortunately I had some fantastic scenery to distract me too.
And just like that, during that drive, I got a call about a project from someone I’ve worked with since the early ‘90s and over those years have become close friends with. She was referred to a project that needed a designer. It had a really short time-frame for design but I was up to the task and ready and rearing to go. One of the greatest compliments a creative can receive is a referral to a new client. And I was honored and elated.
Fortunately all of us on this project’s team immediately hit it off and got straight to work. Originally planned to be a two-week turnaround for the layout, the deep breaths were called for once again. Nearly two weeks into the project, I not only had to face reality but also raise the flag to the rest of the team: while meeting the deadline could indeed happen, it wouldn’t be in everyone’s best interest. The end product wouldn’t be it’s most polished. Photos were still being collected. Copy was still being written. Proof-reading alone would need to go through several drafts.
Once again, those deep breaths worked their magic. It’s not easy to bring disappointing news to the forefront—especially with a new client. As it turned out, everyone was supportive of the extra time. It seemed we all welcomed it with a collective sigh of relief. And with that shift, a really great team became an even better one.
Most every great project with a good team seems to create new trust and respect for each other throughout the process. And sometimes that means saying the hard things in order for the very best things to result. A 100+ page book (with photos, captions, and other graphics) was laid out and to the printer in less than a month. And it was an exhilarating process that will culminate into a book release and anniversary celebration this fall. We’ll all toast the fruits of our labor.
The thing about running a business and being part of a team is that one repeatedly learns there are limits to what can be accomplished. Being honest about these things even when it’s not the greatest news ultimately makes the project successful. I love the saying, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” And when we work as a team that respects each other, we really can take many sighs of relief together, supporting each other’s needs along the way. It even leads to new friendships and strengthens older ones. It’s the very best kind of work and I love to do it!