High Definition Digital Signage

Middle Man Manners

Big trouble can arise when you hire someone who has a hard time filling the shoes. You are busy doing your thing, that's why you are getting someone to help you do these other things. You can't have all the answers, otherwise you could just do it yourself. So, if you don't have all the knowledge or the time to learn it, how do you make sure that the person you hire can get it done for you (in a cost effective manner, while still maintaining the quality you expect)?

First, is to try and develop a relationship. This isn't going to happen right away. We just need to keep it in mind. We don't start with an "investigation" or "interrogation". We have questions and we may even have doubts, but we're trying to develop a good working relationship that leads to trust.

Some preliminary questions that relate to the working relationship. "If I send you some RGB photos for my printed peice, what will you do with them?" "This old ad of mine just didn't cut it, what are your thoughts?" "Do you typically work with a contract?" Be sure not to act dumb. You might not get the answers you are looking for if they think you won't be able to comprehend the truth.

If meeting face to face, notice if they took any notes. I am probably the most auditory learner that I know of and I still take notes during a first time formal meeting. (You should take notes too.)

Review the main goals. Even purposly word it that way towards the end of the meeting. "What I really want to be sure is accomplished with this relationship is......."

Personal relationships will always gain you better business. I still routinly do my banking with the tellers inside the bank. I may get a little wet on a rainy day, but I know that someone else will never get cash on my account because each teller knows my face (along with my wife and daughter). So keep all your business relationships just business, but be sure all of your business has a relationship.

RGB vs. CMYK

These refer to color space, or how colors are defined for a given medium. CMYK should be reserved to printed pieces. It is used to best show colors that are reflected from a printed surface. With RGB, its intent if for media which is shown through transmitted light. This would include anything for the web (shown on CRT or LCD displays). Television is similar to RGB, but has some additional restrictions from the FCC. Though some programs can translate between the color spaces, the result may not be what you expect. CMYK especially has a much more muted appearance when comparing bright colors. It is always best to start any deisgn in the color space in which the final result will be seen.