In virtually all cases the client will tell the designer when the job should be completed. The designer should then give an immediate indication as to whether it can be done in the time. If it seems impossible, the designer should say so straight away, as working under absurd pressure can affect the quality of the work produced.
Often deadlines are something which many designers dread due to having too much to do in too little time. When agreeing on a deadline, the designer must always allow plenty of time for things to go wrong. This is because only the more technical elements of the design process, such as printing, can be forecast with any degree of accuracy.
There are many tools in arms reach of designers that are available and distributed (often for free) on the internet. One such program that can help in mangaging one’s time and keeping to deadlines is “Screen Notes“. Screen Notes is a simple application that allows the user to make sticky notes that can be set to pop-up at desired time and date. The software is simple, effective, easy to use, and can be downloaded for $US14.95 (or 30-trial for free) here.
More information on time management and keeping deadlines can be found at my fellow student’s blogs by reading “An in depth study of work and working methodologies” and “MPI305 Is My Life”.
