Personal Project 6

What have I learned from this episode?

Well, I have discovered how many balls you can juggle at the same time and still keep them all in the air without dropping any! It was incredibly challenging to undertake and complete this project whilst still giving the time and dedication required to my business and I had moments when I was so busy with loads of other things that I was in danger of unintentionally neglecting something - thankfully, I didn't. My own project management skills were fully utilised throughout this project with, I believe, very satisfactory results.

Also, I have learnt that a project such as this needs someone close to it (eg a Brighouse Pride member) who is prepared to coordinate details and put everything into place before bringing a designer and printer on board. I found it quite a challenge, one that I was prepared to do, indeed had to do, to approach potential advertisers and persuade them to become involved. The process of having to repeatedly chase members for an update on who was advertising and then chasing the relevant company for their details, took valuable time and energy away from the actual design process. I found this to be a detriment and hope that, with greater forward planning, this will not be an issue with a 2010 project.

I have also discovered just how much time and effort is required to complete such a project. Despite the actual design side being relatively straight forward, the cross referencing and organisation needed was a surprise. Whilst the design side caused me no major heartaches, the concentration and attention to detail required to ensure no duplication or errors were made and any of the pages was a good learning curve. My usual design work is concerned with single pages, at most double sided, and this 13 page calendar gave my "housekeeping" abilities a good run out.

On a business side, I have found a new and local printer that I can use in the future. I was reasonably pleased with the product they produced and would be interested in them quoting on work for me. That is a plus point.

I discovered new levels of tolerance and diplomacy when dealing with client's. I have also learnt that some rival suppliers (printers) will never come up with the goods and will happily promise to do things just to get you of the phone - I suppose I knew that already, but it was annoying to find it out when my back was against the wall. But, on a positive spin, I now know not to use them for my own work. Swings and round-a-bouts, eh!

Would I do it again?

Despite some of the problems and difficulties I encountered, the answer is yes. I actually enjoyed doing something that gives back to my local community and would be prepared, if given more time!, to be involved again. A bigger budget would be appreciated as this would allow us to produce something different to the format we have used this year - this would be a nice idea. A bigger budget, however, is very unlikely! An earlier start on the project is much more likely to happen than more funding!

It was nice, and quite rewarding, to see the delight that people showed when they saw the finished calendars. A few words of congratulations made all the hassles seem worthwhile.

The members of the Pride were all very pleased with the calendar and declared it "to be the best we have so far produced". They were especially delighted with the colour scheme and how it complimented the children's pictures.

The members present that evening were all very impressed with the calendar and commented that it was the best one to date. They loved the choice of colours and were very happy with everything. After the similar colours and design of the 2007 and 2008 calendars, they were delighted that my design was, to them, a radical departure from the earlier ones.

They were also very relieved that these calendars had been delivered on time and were not delayed like the previous years.

I suggested to the members that, if they wanted a calendar for 2010, we begin preparations in the middle of the year with the aim of getting everything finalised and at a print ready stage by the autumn. Also, Sue and I reiterated our view that a modest cover charge be considered.