3 Choices for Creative Services
“Cheap. Fast. Good…
You can Choose two.”
Most creative pro’s say that’s exactly how create-on-demand services work…
They say, we can’t have ALL the options (cheap, fast, AND good), but we can have ANY (two) of the options we choose—but we gotta choose.
So! Let’s Choose Our Own (creative) Adventure & explore the options :)
CHEAP + FAST
Whenever we choose cheap & fast, there’s a chance the results might be total crap-on-a-stick (to start). BUT hey, at least we’ll have it done!
AND as we know, DONE is (sometimes) better than perfect, amiright?
That’s kinda the whole point of a cheap & fast option... To just get’r D-O-N-E.
At the very least, get a first iteration done. A beta/v0.1/proof-of-concept/test-site/experiment. Get something/anything down on paper or screen ASAP.
Creating something on the fly AND on the cheap WILL finish the job.
But…
Rushed projects with little time leave lots of room for mistakes, redos, and restarts.
Choosing cheap & fast can create more problems to solve.
This option ain’t always very cheap (or fast).
Although…
Sometimes, we really DO only need something “good enough” for now (or for short term use).
Sometimes, it feels better to dive-into the deep end or take that awkward first step… Experiment, Learn. Adapt. Revise. Repeat… I’ve used cheap & fast like this for new projects many times.
Sometimes, we just need to get a thing started—with very little investment of our time, energy, or money.
Sometimes, cheap & fast gives us (and our project) the momentum we need to move an idea forward. So, we can get to the point where we’re willing to invest more time, money, and energy to better expand/grow/brand/share our project/idea.
FAST + Good
Whenever we choose fast & good, it won’t be the cheapest option.
This combo requires an investment.
We usually choose this option for certain, specific projects. When we know that partnering with a professional will add value and/or a sense of ease to our special project & process…
Professionals are NOT in the beginning stage of learning/honing their particular skills.
Professionals know what they’re doing. They know how to solve specific problems. AND they know which resources they’ll need to finish a project.
Whenever a project is worth every penny. We can afford professionals who will create the best result possible in the least amount of time.
Professionals value their time. So, expect to pay rush fees if/when the desired/required results are both fast AND good.
Consider and discuss with the pro: How fast is “fast”? How good is “good”? Will you have any wiggle-room with either?
Good + Cheap-cheap
The popular option of good & cheap might take awhile…
Sometimes a creative project isn’t (yet) worthy of cash investment (at least, not yet), but it’s still possible to find good creative solutions on the cheap...
Sometimes, we have a college buddy with a kid. Sometimes, their kid’s a budding designer (or web developer or animator or editor or whatever). Sometimes, they’re willing to help us out.
Sometimes, we can exchange professional services with a creative pro.
Sometimes, we know talented professionals who are also still aspiring. Sometimes, they’re looking to practice new skill-sets or build expertise in a new area. Sometimes, they cut us a deal.
Sometimes we find a student willing to work for beans and creative flexibility.
Side-hustlers don’t mainly hustle, and hobbyists have day-jobs.
They’re very talented and produce very good side-hustle-work.
They are also, very likely, mainly focused on their main work. And our creative project will, very likely, be on their back-burner.
Our project isn’t a priority for them (at all) when they’re not getting paid (at all). So, compensate for their time and budding talents/expertise…
SOOO, How DO WE choose?
For me, it (mostly) depends on the desired results & timing for my project.
It’s a choice I make over and over and often, more than once per project.
Sometimes, my choice changes…
So, I (generally) say:
Go with your heart, and if you somehow can’t hear your heart, go with your gut…
AND if you can’t hear your gut—well, go with your bank account and your other available resources (for now). ;)
You can always make adjustments and updates & upgrades along the way.
This choice won’t be the only choice—ever.
You can change your mind and your choices at anytime.
Our project’s scope, duration, and requirements will change and evolve over time. And rest assured our creative choices will change and evolve right along with it. :)
My preferred resources for each comboption:
cheap & fast
DIY: (software + free stock images)
Invest your own time (and money) into learning. Dive into the deep-end of education with professional creative tools. (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, or Premiere).
There are also plenty of simple (AND free) apps + stock photos available online (and in your friendly, neighborhood app stores).
It’s easier than ever for almost anyone to create their own custom content for websites and social media. With or without complex professional software.
FIVERR & OTHER SUPPORT RESOURCES:
There are many talented artists on Fiverr and similar creative support sites. I love this resource for when I need quick help capturing a rough draft or developing a proof of concept.
Sometimes, I hire artists to help me create things outside my range of skills.
I also love to connect with my local colleagues for added support whenever possible.
There’s a whole world of (online & local) resources available now’days. Especially via these amazing interwebular portals, we have at our fingertips. AND of course, real-life networks (and their networks).
fast & good
Pro’s know what they’re doing—or if they don’t, they’ll know how to figure it out.
Pro’s have the best tools, connections, & resources. They can make your ideas happen in the best possible way in the fastest length of time.
Develop a healthy, collaborative relationship with your chosen creative professional! Bring honest ideas, detailed information, intuitive insights, and constructive feedback to each conversation.
ASK them to communicate if/when they need more ideas, information, or insight from you.
Allow the pro to do their thing. And trust you’ll get their very best solution to your creative problem as fast as possible.
good & cheap
BUDDY-BARTERS
We have underutilized personal networks because we have to actually ASK for help when we need it.
Ask your designer & marketing friends on LinkedIn or Facebook if they are open to bartering.
You might offend some professionals if you ask them to work for free. But it’s not free whenever there’s an exchange of value.
Be sure to bring something of value to the conversation.
If you don’t have the cash to trade for their time and talent, try offering your own time and talent in exchange.
Create a buddy-barter-trade-train and link with others with value and skills to share.
STUDENTS
Students do good work. Some do REALLY good work, and they’re often willing to work at a reduced rate while they’re still learning.
Reach out to family & friends with kiddos studying graphic design, communications, or marketing. Or touch base with your local community college.
There are people itching for opportunities to create good ideas. But pay them SOMETHING. Talk together about what feels fair for this exchange of value.
I hope something here offers a new perspective on your collaborative creative process.
Even if a single sentence sparks a new idea, I’d love that!
I especially hope that something helps you better plan your next creative project. And/or have a better collaborative creative partnership with your creative pro’s. Working with more alignment with your personal creative mission, timing, and budget requirements.