details matter

It’s no secret that I have been a fan of Apple products for many years.  I may not agree with everything Steve Jobs did as CEO, but there is no question his attention to detail was legendary and is built into the DNA of the company.  

His biography written by Walter Isaacson has many examples of Jobs’ drive for perfection with every project.  One excerpt from the book really stands out to me, and as I begin this new year, now is the perfect time to share, and take his words into consideration for every project I take on this year, and I hope you will as well.

“I want it to be as beautiful as possible, even if it’s inside the box. A great carpenter isn’t going to use lousy wood for the back of the cabinet, even though nobody’s going to see it. When you’re a carpenter making a beautiful chest of drawers, you’re not going to use a piece of plywood on the back, even though it faces the wall and nobody will ever see it. You’ll know it’s there, so you’re going to use a beautiful piece of wood on the back. For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality has to be carried all the way through.”

This quote really jumped out at me because I can certainly relate to it. Not only do I completely agree with this quote, but I believe that as creative artists, paying attention to details is built into OUR DNA.  No matter how small, every component is a part of the whole, and must be met with equal importance...it is a vital part of what I do and what I am passionate about.

I was also drawn to this quote because it reminds me of my father, which I'm sure is the source of my passion for details.  He is a master woodworker, and he would never put a cheap piece of wood on the back of one of his cabinets.  Yes, it is built into my DNA and I cannot change that.

Think about the first time you opened that Apple product and how the packaging was just as cool as the item you purchased...these details earn respect!  Your client will notice it...they will appreciate it...and they will come back for more!

Whether it’s the back of the cabinet no one will see, or in the video production world, the size, shape and color of a small word that is only on screen for a few seconds.  The details DO matter...and if that means it may take an extra hour or an extra day to get it right, then so be it.

Whatever project you are working on, please remember the details…they do matter and I promise you will sleep better because of it…I know I do!