too many cooks...

as you know, "too many cooks spoil the broth..."

i am learning so many lessons about people and their perceptions. in my new professional life i am surrounded by artists and other very creative people. my field is more analytical, things can be proven and dis-proven, a certain set of instructions will cause a computer to act in a desired and predictable fashion. but with artists, the success of their work is totally subjective to the clients mood, style and personal preference. when success or satisfaction is determined by more than 3 people, as an artist/designer, you are in big trouble because the ill effects of personal perceptions affect your project exponentially the more "reviewers" are added to the project.

i recently witnessed the exchange between client and designer. my church recently initiated a branding campaign, she is approaching her 80th anniversary and does not have her own unique identity. with members reaching the 1200 count each sunday, the church recognized that she needs to be more intentional in her outreach efforts, and that begins with clearly identifying herself. we chose launch dynamic media as the design firm to help create visual aspects of the identity, starting with the logo.

this was a painful process for me because as a member of the church i had an emotional investment both as the client and (part as)the vendor. i wanted to see the outcome be excellent. as you might know, my primary source of income is from being an independent contractor to launchdm.

the challenge was trying to capture the following concepts, multi-cultural, spirit-filled, dynamic worship, bible-based teaching, outward focused, nature, spring, valley... the list goes on and on... is very very difficult.

this is why i think some artists/designers deserve the exorbitant fees they charge. the process of extracting abstract thoughts, ideas and concepts, to produce a tangible result - that is excellent - is an art form to be commended.

for two months we were going nowhere, but then we limited the review committee from 8 to 3, and within two weeks we came up with something... of course there are people who still don't like it, and they will complain...
so here is what was come up with:

but people will come around... i like this quote. it works both ways

"The greater the number of people who find any idea correct, the more the idea will be correct"

it is easier and more comfortable to appoint many cooks because there is a fear that the result could suck. you have more people to blame and not a select few. this fear always results to horrible food that leaves you with a bad heart-burn. i suggest we let people be creative, let them struggle with ideas and concepts in a way that is constructive and objective. you will get so much more accomplished this way.

what do you think about the new logo...

by the time i write my next post i will be the proud occupant of a new home... in two weeks we sold our house and purchased a new one... i'll tell you all about it next post.