As the creative director, owner and chief bottle washer at km design, I wear many hats. (That may be the understatement of the year!) But it might surprise you to know which of those I feel is most important.  

Without question, the skill set I lead with is my right-brain one – creativity. I use it to design logos and layouts, art direct photo shoots, collaborate with creative partners/clients and select creative assets (photography, color palettes, typefaces) to give each project that just-right brand appeal. 

I love immersing myself in creative possibilities and building a visual solution from the ground up. But for creativity to be successful, it must exist within a structure…

“What structure?” Well, I’m so glad you asked. Drum roll , please … 

It’s project management. I know, I know… it’s not the sexiest aspect of creative development, but without a doubt, it’s the most critical. 

It’s all those left-brain, let’s-get-organized and optimize-this-opportunity steps necessary to ensure your next project meets, and hopefully exceeds, your expectations.

And here’s the really cool part. When you work with km design, your creative director AND project manager are one in the same – yours truly. (Talk about eliminating the middle man and streamlining communication!) Assuming both these roles allows my right and left brain to inform one another and work together for the betterment of your creative project. 

So, here’s how I see my role as project manager and the different hats I wear throughout the process to maximize the creative execution of your next project. 

1. Investigator/Good Listener  – To begin each project, we start with a kickoff meeting to learn more about our client – their needs, past successes and failures and everything in between. We ask lots of questions until we ask enough of the right ones that we have a clear picture of our client’s current situation. We listen for what is said, and sometimes, for what isn’t said. Based on that conversation and bringing to bear km design’s collective experience and expertise, I, PM Karen, draft a recommended scope of work/project estimate document to get the ball rolling.  
   
2. Team Recruiter/Matchmaker – Once the project estimate’s been approved, it’s time to assemble your project Dream Team. Guided by the project scope of work, I handpick the perfect team of creative professionals (which includes designers, copywriters, strategists, illustrators, web developers, photographers) to meet your project’s specific needs. Similar to a matchmaker, a project manager must be familiar with both parties to make the exact right match – one that fuels creative “sparks”.
   
3. Planner/Scheduler – I can’t overstate the importance of a solid, yet fluid, schedule to keep your project on track. A good project manager knows that right limitation (i.e. a detailed project schedule) provides the most creative freedom. It’s a paradox, but oh-so true! Plus, a project schedule holds everyone accountable and establishes expectations for everyone involved in the project.
   
4. Account Manager/Point Person/Relationship Builder – Throughout your project’s development, I’m here to keep things moving forward, to maintain ongoing dialogue and answer your questions anywhere along the way. I’ll check in regularly to provide project updates – ensuring your project is completed on-time, on-budget and on-strategy. 

If you’d like to see for yourself how putting project management first can flip the script on your next project, let’s talk. Or perhaps you’re ready to call in reinforcements to tackle niggling projects before the end of the year. We can help there too.

One more thing before I go…

Thank you for being a client, colleague, partner or friend of km design. I can’t let the season sneak by without letting you know your relationship is important to me. I’m grateful for your support and inspiration, and the work we’ve done together. There are things I learn from you every day, and I hope this year I’ve been able to share something positive with you too.