When to say YES- How we decide what projects are for us.
So this has been a STEEP learning curve and still, we learn from every project what works for us. So first of all, don’t be hard on yourself if you make a mistake when deciding on projects, it’s not a walk in the park we’ll tell you that for free.
We have used various methods in the past but have finally settled on some criteria we rank projects against to double check we are making the good decisions! But first let's identify what catches us out most often…
Our Common Traps
Reasons we have made bad decision in the past include;
1. Having a period of less work- increases panic and desperation.
2. Baffled by a big client- Star struck, so don’t consider the practicalities.
3. Someone you know- Don’t want to let people down.
These are the most common reasons we are tripped up by taking on projects that aren't quite right. Watch out for these or try to identify your own.
Our YES Factors
We came up with a handy lil acronym, PDESIGN, which took a while and felt like procrastinating to be honest… to make sure the projects we take on are fulfilling. In no particular order…
P- PROBLEM SOLVING
Getting people OUT of a pickle is a big yes for us. If people arrive with an exciting challenge that can be solved with illustration we love to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with visual communication. We also love working with INCREDIBLE problem solvers such as Birmingham based fabricators Groove. for installation work which is always a fun and exciting process.
D- DOLLAR
We would love to be able to say yes to every unpaid but exciting project but unfortunately if we did that all the time we would not be able to pay the bills (and fund a house plant addiction). It’s nice to balance jobs. Taking on higher paid work that might not tick other boxes may allow you to do lower paid work that is more fulfilling. But ultimately, make sure you’re able to survive, you CAN make a career from illustration, just be smart about it and charge your worth.
E- EGGS (Good ones)
Working with good people makes us HAPPY. It really makes or breaks a job and ultimately we want to enjoy the work. Work often involves a lot of negotiation, brainstorming but also general chit chat so it's nice to do this with good eggs.
‘A Taste Of Home’ Collaboration with Vehicle Arts and The Exchange Cafe Bar
S- SUPPORT
Whilst we grow Pickle and gain experience, collaborating with people with specialist experience in their area gives a level of support that allows for more creativity. Whether that be in the form of a producer or just a very experienced team to handle the practicalities. It’s a much nicer experience as an artist to have some support there, especially if it's in a location you are less familiar with.
I- IMPACT
It’s a great feeling when you can feel the impact a project has had. Proving that the purpose of ‘spreading joy’ is worth the investment for clients is a wonderful feeling. Seeing or hearing a positive reaction from the user, client or general public only makes us strive to create more work that educates, communicates but ultimately uplifts.
G- GUT
Just trust it. There have been a few projects where the gut feeling isn’t good but you ignore it and push on. Try and identify early on if you have a good feeling about the project, client, timeline and energy as a whole. Your body is a smart-arse and we should listen to what it’s telling us.
N- NEW AND EXCITING
We want to push the boundaries of illustration. When a project has lots of creative freedom, is in an exciting space, with a client we love or for an exciting cause we find it hard to say no! In the end we do Pickle for the love of creating, the more exciting and different the better.