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KB
TIPS & TECHNIQUES
FEBRUARY 2017 images 71
Marshall Atkinson is the owner of Atkinson
Consulting, LLC, a service firm focused on the
decorated apparel industry delivering process
improvement and efficiency, sustainability,
employee training, social media marketing,
and long term strategic planning. He has over
20 years in the decorated apparel industry, is a
frequent trade show and webinar speaker, and
publishes his own blog.
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15
Re-read the instructions
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to do something
over because I misinterpreted the instructions the first
time. The answer was right there. I just missed it. Read everything
twice and write out what you have to do in short bullet points.
Confused? Get clarification before you start. Many times changes
have to happen because of comprehension challenges. Seek to
understand, then to be understood.
16
T he underbase doesn’t have to be white...
A few years after I started designing on apparel I realised
that the underbase screen doesn’t have to be white ink.
Mind. Blown. It could be tan or grey or any other colour. Those
choices affect the colours printed on top, but what if that could
be controlled and become part of the design? What if we didn’t
use an underbase at all? It’s the “What ifs” that are going to take
you places.
17
Talk to the customer
Don’t be scared. Sure they gave you the order. I think
a lot of salespeople are scared to talk to the customer
again about anything to do with the job because they fear it will
be cancelled or they will look foolish. Got a question about the
art, the job or the ship date? Get out in front of that problem early
and discuss it now. Don’t wait. A lot of problems in the shop can
be easily answered with “Hey, I was working on your job and I just
noticed that….” Get the info.
18
Let it go
Steam coming out of your ears? Feeling angry? May-
be you had to do something over again or someone
said something to you that didn’t sit right. For every minute you
spend fuming over the issue, that’s another minute of your day
that won’t be enjoyable. Let go of the things you can’t control.
That wise-cracking jerk in the office? His comments say more
about his insecurities than anything meaningful coming out of his
mouth. How you react to things puts you in control. The people
that are the strongest are the Teflon-coated ones. As my Uncle
Bill says, “Quack, quack. Water off a duck’s back.” Just let it slide
off.
19
There always is a better way
This applies to virtually everything. In this industry, there
is always a better way to create art. A better way to sep-
arate the files. A better way to make the screens. To print. To ship.
To invoice. Are you looking for these solutions now? (Pro tip: you
better believe that’s what your competition is doing.)
20
You only get paid what you negotiate
Everybody I know says they are worth more money
per year than what they are paid. Make yourself more
valuable and marketable. Find better opportunities. Create your
own. Also, ‘paid’ doesn’t have to mean money either. It could be
more holiday days per year, reimbursement for more education,
picking up the tab for association memberships or training, or any
other thing that you might find valuable. Prove your worth and
negotiate accordingly. Don’t think “What if they say no?” Think
“What if they say yes?”
Don’t
think ‘What if
they say no?’
Think ‘What if
they say yes?’