|
|
|
|
Testimonials
"We started our design studio 12 years ago. We hand-tracked and tallied time for billing. Ugh. Then we figured out a way to use Access for time tracking (we thought we were geniuses). We later tried one of your competitor's programs, but it was cumbersome, faulty and expensive. Then we went back to Access. The laborious inputting finally took its toll. Ever since we started using TimeFox all is right in our world. Thank you for giving us more time to be creative! And did I mention your customer service is phenomenal? Hey, everyone...it IS!"
Ann Sprague
Canyon Creative
|
|
|
|
"I love the system. It has transformed my billing process from a hated, procrastinated task to something easy and efficient. Now I can actually collect all of that money I've been slaving to make!"
Leah McCloskey
LM Studio
|
|
|
|
"I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I love TimeFox. The learning curve was next to zero, and I was able to start using TimeFox minutes after signing on. I transferred all jobs from our old software within the first week of use. Reporting is a breeze, and time reports for payroll purposes takes a moment instead of a couple of hours; open job reports are done in an instant. Your company has truly developed a user-friendly product. I couldn't be happier with it. Thank you so much."
Toni
Machare & Associates, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FunctionFox is committed to helping smaller creative companies improve their business. TimeFox, our web-based time and project-tracking software, helps smaller advertising, design, marketing and PR firms manage their business and do more with their valuable time.
|
|
|
|
|
Feature Article: Building a Better In-House Creative Team
FunctionFox Webinar Series: Approaching Growth Responsibly
Creative Resources
Contact FunctionFox
|
|
|
|
|
Building a Better In-House Creative Team
If you oversee an in-house creative department, you may find that your employees' greatest strengths are also your biggest management challenges. The desire to innovate and develop original concepts is an essential quality in design and marketing professionals. But this trait also may make it harder to keep your top performers engaged when they're promoting one brand instead of several, as within an agency setting.
As a manager, it takes a little creativity on your part, as well as strong leadership skills, to keep your talent inspired and producing their best work. Here are some tips:
Remember the work is the bottom line
While fair pay is important to creatives, the ability to develop compelling images and ideas - and receive recognition for them - matters just as much. Praise your staff generously, and communicate their successes to senior management. Enter employee projects in local, regional and national design, marketing and communication shows, along with giving members a range of assignments that will keep them motivated and fresh.
Continue the learning curve
Creatives are interested in getting to know new software programs and keeping up with current trends. Training your print designer on the web is not only motivating and educational - it helps diversify the talent level of your staff. Sending team members to seminars where they can learn the latest trends and techniques can also revitalize them.
Create varied career paths
Not all designers aspire to management - or are cut out for it. Yet, within many organizations, transitioning into an art director or creative director is the only way to move up. If possible, try to develop alternative options that enable team members to advance their careers without supervising others. When you promote employees to management roles, make sure they're given the training necessary to succeed. Mentoring programs and leadership seminars can help prepare staff to assume new responsibilities.
Keep them connected
In-house creatives are sometimes the last to learn of company challenges, strategies and bottom-line results. This can stem from communication lapses, or the design team may not show an active interest in this type of information. Whatever the reason, knowing as much as possible about the business as a whole is essential to producing the strongest work - and feeling part of the team. Regularly share
more...
This article has been reprinted with permission from The Creative Group.
The Creative Group
is a specialized staffing service placing creative, advertising, marketing and web professionals on a project basis with a variety of firms.
For more articles and resources, see www.functionfox.com/articles/.
|
|
|
|
|
Approaching Growth Responsibly
Presented By David C. Baker of ReCourses, Inc.
Thursday October 16, 2008
4 PM Eastern | 1PM Pacific
Free 30 minute webinar with optional 15 minute Q+A following
What will change when I grow? What might be better...or even worse? How will I know that it's the right time to start adding people? Who do I add first? How will I fund growth? These are a few of the questions that Creative Industry Expert David C. Baker will look at in this webinar on developing your OWN strategy for growth.
October 2008
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
In-Spired! Bringing Out the Best of Your In-House Design Team
An ideal resource for Managers looking to keep their creative teams continually inspired. If you're a manager, you know just how challenging it is to keep your group inspired and respected. This white paper includes tools and tips for brainstorming, and building staff cohesion. Gain valuable advice and knowledge from award winners and industry experts.
To request your free copy, call The Creative Group at 1.888.846.1668.
|
|
 |
|
Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines
The ultimate handbook for up-to-date advice on professional ethics, business standards and pricing based on real industry surveys. The newest edition also includes job descriptions and salary information, tips on negotiating, sample contracts and additional information for design and illustration professionals. For more information visit the
Graphic Artists Guild
|
|
 |
|
The Creative Group 2008 Salary Guide & Tools of the Trade
Get the salary information you've been looking for. Find out the starting salaries for over 90 positions in the creative industry that has been adjusted for your region and state. This chequebook style handbook also includes statistical information on trends and demands within the industry. For your free copy visit
The Creative Group
|
|
 |
|
The AIGA | Aquent Survey of Design Salaries 2008
A comprehensive survey of compensation for the communication design profession in the United States. It represents the salary ranges that are currently offered within the design practice. It includes industry advice, economic data, details on benefit packages and additional resources for creative professionals. For more information visit
AIGA
|
|
 |
|
National Survey of Graphic Design Salaries & Billing Practices
Are you paid what you're worth? This biannual national survey includes detailed information on salaries, project fees and billing practices in the Canadian graphic design industry.
Complementary copies available by contacting
RGD Ontario
|
|
|
|
|
|
For a TimeFox Demo, go to:
www.functionfox.com/demo
To arrange a guided tour of TimeFox, please send your request to:
info@functionfox.com
To order a TimeFox subscription, go to:
www.functionfox.com/purchase
If you would like your company to be featured in a TimeFox
newsletter, on our website or in our promotional package,
please send your request to:
info@functionfox.com
You can opt out of the About Time Newsletter at:
www.functionfox.com/newsletter/no_thanks.asp
|
|
|
|
|
