Why do I feel the need to write about Production Management and Leadership for the art world?

I think I have a unique perspective having been educated and worked as a professional artist, who has been a leader in the Video Games, Animation, and VFX industries since 1999. I’ve seen a lot of what works and a lot of what doesn’t. I may not know everything about it, but I know what I know.

On Production Management: The Good Idea Fairy is what I call those who drop into project and start implementation of planning, monitoring and process without actually understanding just what the impact will be on the team and the end result. Process should make things work better, not be the cause of extra work, or stress.

Regarding Leadership: All too often I’ve seen people pushed into leadership roles without the traits, or taught the principles of being a leader. And why? Because they are good at their craft, that’s it. Unfortunately what makes one a great artist does not actually make them a great leader. Don’t get me wrong not everybody in an art leadership role is incompetent, in fact most aren’t incompetent, they just don’t have the knowledge and tools to excel at the role.

With that, enjoy, share, and by all means contribute, and don’t be an oxygen bandit.