Ever heard the phrase, “Good, cheap, fast – pick two?” How about this, ever used the phrase “Good, cheap, fast; pick two?”
Regardless of which side of the conversation it presents itself on, creative professionals are confronted with it at some point in their careers. You might argue, “it’s about setting expectations,” or, “that’s why you always write up an SOW (Statement of Work),” before starting work on any project. But, it is what it is.
We sat down with Roberto Blake and asked him how he gets through these types of moments.
“Actually, I think something that helped me out was using Adobe Comp CC,” he answered.
Roberto, we know you got mad love for Comp but for real?
Roberto chuckles.
“Yes, really. Adobe’s mobile apps like Comp have helped me with these types of communication problems because they ease the stress that preempts the whole ‘good, cheap, fast’ conversation.
Take Comp’s ability to share a layout as a PDF.
Access this by tapping on the share icon of the upward arrow and rectangle image. Then select Share as PDF. [See Figure 1]
Figure 1
Next, select Share as PDF and choose Text Message, Email, Note, etc from the options. [See Figure 2]
Figure 2
A designer can show their work in progress to a client in a way that opens up a real dialogue. Like, the client can make in-line notes and annotations on a PDF and send it back to the designer for revisions.”
But how is that different from what happens now, Roberto?
“Honestly most designers and clients I talk to don’t use a revision process in the concept phase. If there is any real communication during it, it is usually done over the phone and occasionally email. Using Comp CC and PDF Annotations at this point in the creative process means that you’re eliminating a lot of guess work. Since it is also on a mobile device it is convenient. Nobody is playing phone tag.”
Are there any other features in Comp that you use to supplement the creative process with your clients?
“I like Comp’s History Scrub.” [See Figure 3]
Figure 3
A designer can easily get to any revision point in their work and work from that evolution just by tapping the Redo icon at the top of the screen. [See Figure 4]
Figure 4
Next, hold your finger or stylus down and select the image that looks like a clock. [See Figure 5]
See Figure 5
By pressing on the colored scroll bar to the left you move backward in your Comp project’s history.” [See Figure 6]
Figure 6]
In what context would you ever use this Roberto?
“Maybe it’s a version the client decided he liked more. Or sometimes it’s an element in a past version that the client wants to point out as an example. Rather than combing through mock ups and documents with different timestamps, a designer can literally scroll backward on their iPad or iPad. No more starting-completely-over or dealing with undo commands.”
So what’s your final assessment Roberto?
“Tools like this enable the designer to explore ideas with his client at a visual level. They don’t have to talk in concepts or examples. They can collaborate more freely and timely.”
That’s awesome. Get Adobe Comp CC for yourself and give it a try.